18 Delicious Ways To Use Fresh Basil
Don't let leftover basil turn to mush in your fridge. This vibrant herb can be used in all sorts of dishes, from soups and salads to cocktails and desserts. (You'll be running out for more in no time.)
How to keep basil fresh
We recommend storing it in a glass of water, uncovered on the counter or windowsill. (As basil is sensitive to the cold, fridge temperatures often turn the leaves black.)
On pizza: Whole wheat Mediterranean pizza with ajvar
Pizza gets a makeover with a homemade ajvar–a tomato and eggplant sauce–as the base, plus lots of basil. Get this whole wheat Mediterranean pizza with ajvar recipe.
In a side dish: grilled peach-basil caprese salad
Got lots of basil left? This grilled-peach caprese salad needs four cups worth. Serve with barbecued pork tenderloin. Get this balsamic-peach marinated pork tenderloin with caprese salad recipe.
In a salad: Thai Basil And Cilantro Salad
Thai basil has a flavour closer to anise or licorice than sweet basil. Serve it with satay tofu skewers for a flavour explosion. Get this Thai basil and cilantro salad recipe.
Paired with tuna in a hearty salad: Tuna panzanella salad
When the sun’s blazing and the mercury’s rising, try a refreshing no-cook salad to cool you down. Get this tuna panzanella salad recipe.
In a salad roll: Melon, prosciutto salad rolls
The cantaloupe and honeydew add sweetness to these prosciutto salad rolls. A hint of basil rounds out the flavours. Get this cantaloupe, honeydew and prosciutto salad rolls recipe.
In pasta: One-Pan Pasta
Yes, it all cooks in one pot! This time-saving pasta is the perfect answer to rushed weeknight dinners. Get the one-pan pasta recipe.
In a classic recipe: Basil Pesto
From our onion-basil pesto to this classic basil pesto, this summery sauce can add great flavour to any dish, such as our chicken pesto pasta or a vibrant basil-pesto salad.
In a drink: Raspberry-basil mojito
Mix together mint, basil-infused sugar syrup, raspberries and rum — and a superb summer drink is born. Get this raspberry-basil mojito recipe.
In another drink: Tomato Gin Cocktail
Wish you could distill late summer into a glass? Although basil, pink peppercorns and balsamic vinegar are slightly unusual-sounding cocktail ingredients, when mixed with gin and tomato water, everything comes together. Get Christine Sismondo's tomato gin cocktail recipe.
On pizza: Grilled pizza
Transform your barbecue into a backyard pizza oven. (It’s the easiest, fastest, most-fun way to have pizza, we promise.) Before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil, and bon appétit! Get this grilled pizza recipe.
In pasta: Spaghetti alla Nerano (Zucchini and Provolone Pasta)
In the traditional version of this coastal dish, the zucchini is deep fried and set to rest for 24 hours. That’s time and quantities of oil we just don’t have these days. With a bit of multitasking, this version comes together in 30 minutes. Get this spaghetti alla nerano recipe.
In the leftovers: Thai chicken rolls
These Thai chicken noodle rolls freshens up the leftovers from last night’s chicken and kale rice bowl. Get this Thai chicken rolls recipe.
In meringues: Strawberry and basil meringues
Light and airy, with a sweet chewy centre, these personal-sized desserts are a great way to showcase simple, elegant summer flavours. Our favourite: ripe strawberries and fresh basil. Get this strawberry and basil meringues recipe.
In a creamy crème brûlée: Raspberry And Basil Crème Brûlée
The creamy centre of this créme brûlée is filled with ripe raspberries, making the decadent dessert staple even more heavenly. Get our raspberry and basil crème brûlée recipe.
On your burgers: Fresh Italian Burger
Stack it up with caramelized onions, arugula, a beef patty, black pepper cheese, pancetta, roasted tomatoes, basil and aioli between buns. Get this fresh Italian burger recipe.
In sandwiches: Strawberry Tea Sandwiches
Picnic-perfect. These summer tea sandwiches bring together sweet berries, fragrant basil and creamy cheese in an unforgettable afternoon snack. Get this strawberry tea sandwiches recipe.
In a fruit salad: Melon Salad With Burrata
Fresh fruit comes alive under fresh mint, basil and creamy burrata cheese. Try it at your next Sunday brunch for a crowd-pleasing treat. Get this melon salad with burrata cheese recipe.
In soup: Pressure-cooker Vietnamese beef pho
The fragrant soup lets the pressure cooker do most of the work. Then add noodles and garnishes (think sriracha, fresh lime, basil leaves — a handful! — mint, and bean sprouts), and get slurping. Get this Vietnamese beef pho recipe.
In a dinner side: Watermelon, Feta And Pistachio Salad
A sweet and svaoury salad that’s so refreshing, you’ll be whipping it up all summer long. Get this watermelon, feta and pistachio salad recipe.
How to make no-cook shrimp, mango and avocado rolls
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