10+ Basil Recipes to Elevate Your Cooking

Basil is a versatile herb that adds a burst of flavor to many dishes. Whether you’re making a simple salad or a complex pasta, incorporating fresh basil can elevate your cooking. It’s easy to grow and can be used in countless recipes, making it a favorite in kitchens around the world.

From classic pesto to creative sauces, basil brings a unique taste that can complement many ingredients. You’ll find that experimenting with basil can inspire new meals and enhance your culinary skills.

Get ready to explore delicious ways to use this fragrant herb in your cooking!

1) Classic Basil Pesto

Classic basil pesto is a simple and flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can make this delicious recipe at home.

To begin, you will need fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The combination of these ingredients makes a bright and nutty sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic.
2. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
3. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until blended.
4. Mix in Parmesan cheese and salt to taste.
5. Serve fresh over your favorite dish.

2) Tomato & Basil Soup

Tomato and basil soup is a classic dish that warms you up on chilly days. The fresh basil adds a bright flavor that makes the soup even more enjoyable. You can make it creamy or keep it light, depending on your preference.

Start by roasting fresh tomatoes to enhance their sweetness. Combine these with garlic and onions for a full flavor. Fresh basil is a key ingredient, giving the soup an aromatic touch.

You can serve it alone or with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. This comforting soup is perfect for any meal or as a starter for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900 g) ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 mL) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream (optional)
• 1 cup (30 g) fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast tomatoes for 20 minutes until soft.
3. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
4. Add roasted tomatoes and broth, then simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Blend the mixture until smooth.
6. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and basil.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

3) Basil Vinaigrette Dressing

Basil vinaigrette is a fresh and tasty dressing that can enhance salads and grilled veggies. It’s easy to make and brings a burst of flavor to your meals.

To create this dressing, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Fresh basil provides the main flavor, while olive oil adds a rich texture. You can also use vinegar for a nice tang.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the basil and garlic.
2. Add the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Serve over your favorite salad or grilled vegetables.

4) Caprese Salad with Basil

Caprese salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that highlights the flavors of fresh basil. This simple salad combines ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil to create a tasty snack or side. It’s perfect for warm days!

You can easily make a Caprese salad in just a few minutes. Start by slicing your tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Then, layer the ingredients on a plate, alternating between each.

Finish by adding fresh basil leaves on top. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar will enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into thick slices.
2. Alternate layers of tomato and mozzarella on a plate.
3. Top with fresh basil leaves.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5) Roasted Tomato and Basil Quiche

A roasted tomato and basil quiche is a simple and delicious dish. It combines fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil with creamy egg goodness. You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

To make this quiche, you can use a pre-made crust or a simple crust made from scratch. The flavors of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil blend beautifully together. Adding cheese enhances the taste even more.

This quiche is not just tasty; it also looks beautiful with colorful tomatoes. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 300g cherry tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 284ml double cream
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• A handful of fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pastry crust (store-bought or homemade)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the cherry tomatoes in olive oil for about 15 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix in the roasted tomatoes, cheese, and basil.
5. Pour the mixture into the pastry crust.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and lightly golden.

6) Basil-Infused Olive Oil

Basil-infused olive oil is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to your dishes. You can use it in salads, pasta, or even as a dip for bread. Making it at home is easy and requires just a few ingredients.

To make this oil, start with fresh basil leaves. Chop them finely and combine them with olive oil and a garlic clove in a saucepan. Heat this mixture gently, allowing the flavors to blend without boiling.

Once the oil has cooled, strain it into a bottle or jar. Store it in a cool, dark place to keep the flavor fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 garlic clove (smashed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the basil leaves finely.
2. In a medium saucepan, add the chopped basil, olive oil, and smashed garlic clove.
3. Heat gently over low heat for about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. Strain the mixture into a clean bottle or jar.

7) Gnocchi with Basil and Burnt Butter

Gnocchi with basil and burnt butter is a simple yet delicious dish. The soft gnocchi pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of burnt butter. Fresh basil adds a bright note that makes this meal pop.

Start by cooking your gnocchi until they float. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn too much.

Once the butter is ready, add the cooked gnocchi to the pan. Toss them gently to coat. Finish by adding fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound gnocchi
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook gnocchi in boiling water until they float, about 2-3 minutes.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat until golden brown.
3. Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan.
4. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi in the butter.
5. Stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

8) Basil Limeade Drink

Basil limeade is a refreshing drink that combines the zesty flavor of lime with the aromatic taste of fresh basil. It’s perfect for warm days and makes a great non-alcoholic option for gatherings.

To make this drink, you will need fresh basil leaves and freshly squeezed lime juice. You can also mix in sparkling water for some fizz.

This easy recipe lets you enjoy a unique twist on the classic limeade. You’ll love the combination of flavors!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup sugar (or to taste)
• Sparkling water (to serve)
• Ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend the basil leaves with cold water until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture into a pitcher.
3. Add fresh lime juice and sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved.
4. Serve over ice and top with sparkling water. Enjoy!

9) Basil & Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Basil and goat cheese stuffed chicken makes a delicious and easy meal. It’s a great way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. The creamy goat cheese paired with fresh basil creates a wonderful flavor.

To start, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts. You will fill them with a mixture of goat cheese and fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely taste to each bite.

Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear them in olive oil until they’re golden brown. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the chicken is cooked through.

Enjoy this tasty dish with a side salad or your favorite vegetables. It’s healthy and sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix goat cheese and basil in a bowl.
3. Stuff the chicken breasts with the mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the chicken.
6. Transfer to the oven and bake until cooked through.

10) Basil and Peach Sorbet

Basil and peach sorbet is a refreshing treat for warm days. The sweet peaches blend perfectly with aromatic basil, creating a unique flavor. It’s easy to make and a delightful surprise for your taste buds.

To start, gather ripe peaches and fresh basil. These ingredients make the sorbet both tasty and fragrant. You will love the creamy, tangy texture.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat.
3. Add basil leaves to the warm syrup.
4. Let it cool and strain to remove basil.
5. Blend peaches into a smooth puree.
6. Mix the peach puree with basil syrup.
7. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker until smooth.