Basil is such a versatile and fragrant herb. Enjoy these 22 incredible basil recipes, from sauces and salads to smoothies!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please check our disclosure policy.
22 Amazing Recipes with Basil
Basil is one of my favorite herbs. It has a wonderful aroma and flavor that can enhance any dish. It’s also very easy to grow and use. Whether you have a pot of basil on your windowsill or a bunch of basil from the farmers’ market, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy it in this post. I’ve collected 22 recipes that use basil in different ways, from soups and salads to pizzas and pies. You’ll be amazed by how basil can transform your meals into something special. So grab some basil and get ready to cook!
Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, especially when it’s made with fresh tomatoes and basil. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this delicious soup in your slow cooker, and how creamy and flavorful it is. Serve it with some crusty bread or grilled cheese for a cozy and satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to dress up your pork chops, look no further than this lemon basil cream sauce. It’s rich, tangy, and aromatic, and it takes only 15 minutes to make. Just sear the pork chops in a skillet, then simmer them in the sauce until tender and juicy. Enjoy with some roasted potatoes or steamed veggies for a complete dinner.
Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread, infused with the flavor of basil pesto. Sounds amazing, right? Well, you can make it happen with this simple recipe that uses your slow cooker as a bread maker. All you need is some basic ingredients, a jar of pesto, and a few hours of patience. The result is a soft and fluffy bread that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Who says macaroni and cheese has to be boring? Not us! We’ve added some chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil to the classic dish, and turned it into a cheesy and colorful casserole that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and bursting with flavor. Try it for your next family dinner or potluck.
Pizza doesn’t have to be savory all the time. Sometimes, it can be sweet and fruity, like this blackberry basil pizza. It’s made with a thin and crispy crust, topped with ricotta cheese, fresh blackberries, basil leaves, and honey. It’s a refreshing and delicious dessert that’s perfect for summer.
A good salad dressing can make or break your salad, and this basil vinaigrette is definitely a winner. It’s light, fresh, and herbaceous, and it goes well with any kind of greens or veggies. You can whip it up in minutes with just a few ingredients: olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and of course, basil. Store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week, and use it whenever you need a salad boost.
Pasta salad is a great dish for picnics, potlucks, or lunches on the go. And this avocado caprese pasta salad is one of our favorites. It’s loaded with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, tossed in a simple balsamic dressing. It’s easy to make ahead of time, and it tastes even better the next day.
Chicken can get boring after a while, but not when you smother it in this basil feta sauce. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor from the basil, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. It’s also low-carb and gluten-free, so you can enjoy it guilt-free. Serve it with some roasted veggies or cauliflower rice for a delicious and healthy meal.
Flatbread is a versatile canvas for all kinds of toppings, but we’re particularly fond of this peach basil and ricotta combination. It’s sweet, savory, and summery, and it takes only 15 minutes to make. Just spread some ricotta cheese on a pre-baked flatbread (or naan bread), then add some sliced peaches, basil leaves, honey, and salt. Bake until warm and bubbly, then slice and serve.
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that consists of toasted bread topped with various ingredients. This version features fresh strawberries, basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, and cream cheese, for a sweet and tangy bite that’s perfect for spring or summer parties. You can make the topping ahead of time, and assemble the bruschetta just before serving.
One-pot meals are the best, especially when they’re as tasty as this creamy basil chicken skillet. It’s made with chicken breasts, mushrooms, spinach, and cream cheese, simmered in a basil-infused broth until tender and creamy. It’s hearty, comforting, and ready in 30 minutes or less. Serve it over rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.
If you love Thai food, you’ll love this Thai basil beef noodle stir-fry. It’s spicy, savory, and loaded with flavor from the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, and Thai basil. It’s also easy to make with just one skillet and some simple ingredients. You can use any kind of noodles you like, such as rice noodles, udon noodles, or ramen noodles. Enjoy with some lime wedges and chopped peanuts for extra crunch and freshness.
Pasta bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. And this one-pot 30-minute creamy tomato basil pasta bake is one of the easiest and tastiest ones you’ll ever make. It’s made with penne pasta, tomato sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, all cooked together in one pot until cheesy and bubbly. No need to pre-cook the pasta or use a separate baking dish. Just dump everything in a large oven-safe skillet and bake until done.
Hummus is a delicious and healthy dip that’s made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. But you can also add other ingredients to make it more interesting, like this sun-dried tomato basil hummus. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese. It’s great for dipping pita chips, crackers, veggies, or even spreading on sandwiches or wraps.
Fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s also easy to cook. This baked fish recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy any kind of white fish, such as cod, halibut, or tilapia. You just need some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley to make a flavorful marinade that infuses the fish with moisture and taste. Bake for 15 minutes or until flaky, then serve with some rice or salad for a light and healthy meal.
Ice cream is a classic dessert that everyone loves, but you can also make it more exciting by adding some herbs, like this basil ice cream. It’s sweet, creamy, and refreshing, with a subtle hint of basil that makes it unique and delicious. You can make it with an ice cream maker or without one, using just heavy cream, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and fresh basil leaves. It’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day or pairing with some fruit or cake for a decadent treat.
Toasts are a quick and easy snack or appetizer that you can customize with different toppings. These 10-minute white bean artichoke basil toasts are a great option for when you want something healthy and satisfying. They’re made with whole wheat bread, white beans, artichoke hearts, basil pesto, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cheese, all toasted until warm and melty. They’re crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor. Enjoy them as they are or add some salad greens or sliced tomatoes for extra freshness.
Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment that can be used for sandwiches, salads, dips, sauces, and more. But you can also make it more interesting by adding some herbs, like this basil mayonnaise. It’s easy to make with just four ingredients: mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade), fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and salt. You just need to blend them together until smooth and green. You can use it as a spread for burgers or sandwiches, a dressing for potato or pasta salad, a dip for fries or veggies, or anything else you like.
Panini are grilled sandwiches that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They’re perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something warm and filling. This strawberry basil and goat cheese panini is a sweet and savory combination that will make your taste buds happy. It’s made with sourdough bread, goat cheese, fresh strawberries, basil leaves, and honey, all pressed together in a panini maker or skillet until golden and melty. It’s a delicious way to use seasonal fruits and herbs.
Dress up your salads with this homemade dressing that’s creamy, fresh, and herbaceous. It’s made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. It’s easy to whisk together and store in the fridge for up to a week. You can use it on any kind of greens or veggies, or as a dip for bread or crackers.
Start your day with this tropical smoothie that’s sweet, tangy, and refreshing. It’s made with frozen mango, banana, almond milk, basil, and honey. It’s thick, smooth, and full of flavor. You can enjoy it as a breakfast or a snack, or add some protein powder or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
Cook up a delicious and healthy dinner with this one-pan recipe that features barramundi, a mild and flaky white fish. It’s seasoned with garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and butter, and cooked in a skillet until golden and tender. It’s served with cherry tomatoes and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. It’s ready in 20 minutes or less and pairs well with rice or pasta.
Ingredients
- Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
- Pork Chops With Lemon Basil Cream Sauce
- No-Rise Slow Cooker Basil Pesto Bread
- Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese
- Summer Blackberry Basil Pizza
- Basil Vinaigrette
- Caprese Pasta Salad With Avocado
- Basil-Feta Sauce Chicken
- Simple Peach, Basil and Ricotta Flatbread
- Strawberry Basil Bruschetta
- Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet
- Thai Basil Beef Noodle Stir-Fry
- One Pot 30 Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake
- Sun Dried Tomato Basil Hummus
- Easy Baked Fish With Garlic and Basil
- Basil Ice Cream
- 10 Minute White Bean Artichoke Basil Toasts
- How to Make Basil Mayonnaise
- Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Panini
- Creamy Basil Salad Dressing
- Mango Basil Smoothie
- Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet With Tomato Butter Sauce
Instructions
- Select your favorite basil infused recipe.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients.
- Prepare a delicious meal using basil, the wonderful and versatile herb.
Tried this recipe? Did you love it?Mention @HouseHunk or tag #househunk!
