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From desserts and drinks to main dishes.

Don't Let Your Basil Go to Waste: 20 Fresh Recipes That Aren't Just Pesto

Best Basil Recipes
Feel Good Foodie, Barley & Sage, Vikalinka by Julia Frey
Whether you’re snipping basil straight from your garden or grabbing a bunch at the grocery store, this tiny leaf delivers major flavor. Best known for its starring role in pesto, basil earns its place as an herb-world MVP—fragrant, vibrant, and endlessly versatile. It’s just as stunning as a garnish as it is essential in the dish itself, adding brightness and depth in every bite. From sweet desserts to savory mains, these recipes prove just how much this fresh herb can do.

Scroll for the best basil recipes to try this week!

\u200bBaked Tomato Basil Chicken recipe

Salt & Lavender

Baked Tomato Basil Chicken

If you’re looking for a low-effort dinner that still feels a little bit fancy, this chicken tomato basil bake is it. The sauce comes together in minutes—just whisk everything in a bowl and pour it right into the baking dish. The real magic is in the flavor combo: juicy tomatoes and fresh basil layered into a silky, creamy sauce with Italian herbs and a splash of white wine for a subtle, elevated finish. (via Salt & Lavender)

sheet pan pizza

Feel Good Foodie

Sheet Pan Pizza

This sheet pan pizza is your weeknight shortcut to something seriously satisfying. It’s endlessly customizable—pile on your favorite sauce, melty cheese, and finish it off with fresh basil for that herby, just-out-of-the-oven flavor. Best part? It bakes up in under 15 minutes with a perfectly crispy crust, no pizza stone required. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Bruschetta with Fig & Tomato Chia Jam

Chef Bai

Bruschetta with Fig & Tomato Chia Jam

This appetizer takes a classic bruschetta and gives it a fresh, flavor-packed upgrade. Think creamy plant-based ricotta, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a hint of lemon zest, and the real star: a sweet-savory fig and tomato chia jam that brings everything together. Make the jam ahead of time for easy assembly when guests arrive—then just layer, serve, and watch it disappear. (via Chef Bai)

Cupcake with cream frosting, strawberry slice, mint, and small flower garnish on a white plate.

Barley & Sage

Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

The light, basil-infused cake is filled with a homemade strawberry basil compote, then topped with a dreamy lemon mascarpone frosting. The result? A soft, floral, fruity bite that feels fresh, not too sweet, and just elevated enough to impress at any warm-weather gathering. (via Barley & Sage)

plum caprese recipe

The Tomato Tart

Plum Caprese

Everyone's had some delectable variety of the classic caprese, but replace the tomato with plums, and you've got an hors d'oeuvres that will knock the socks off your dinner guests. (via The Tomato Tart)

Baked pasta with spinach, breadcrumbs, and melted cheese in a glass dish.

Brit + Co

Basil + Brussels Sprout Mac and Cheese

There's nothing that says comfort quite like mac and cheese. This version feels extra sophisticated with basil and brussels sprouts mixed in. (via Brit + Co.)

Icy lavender lemon cocktails with mint and lemon garnish on a white surface.

Half Baked Harvest

Lavender Basil Lemonade

This lemonade recipe gets a fresh, herbal twist from basil and just a hint of lavender, creating a drink that’s light, fragrant, and incredibly refreshing. It’s the kind of sip that instantly feels like porch weather. Even better? It’s naturally sweetened with a touch of honey—no refined sugar in sight—so you get that perfect balance of bright citrus and soft floral notes without anything overpowering. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Creamy chicken on spaghetti squash, topped with cheese and basil.

The Real Food Dietitians

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This basil-forward Crockpot Marry Me Chicken was inspired by a recent date night with my husband at a cozy Italian spot where a version of it stole the show. I’ve always said food is the way to his heart—and he’ll back that up by reminding me it’s one of the reasons he married me. Fresh basil brings that extra layer of flavor here, brightening the rich, creamy sauce in the best way. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Strawberry galette with ice cream, garnished with basil, on a white plate.

Barley & Sage

Easy Strawberry & Basil Galette

This rustic strawberry basil galette is the kind of dessert that looks way more impressive than it actually is hard. Made with a flaky, golden crust you can buy in store and filled with juicy sliced strawberries, it’s finished with fresh basil for a subtle, herby twist that keeps things from feeling overly sweet. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got the ultimate laid-back warm-weather dessert.

Spinach + Basil Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with veggies on a white plate

Betty Crocker

Spinach + Basil Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Cut into this juicy pork loin to uncover a mouthwatering combination of basil and spinach. The entree celebrates everything you love about fresh herbs in an unforgettable pork package. (via Betty Crocker)

Creamy risotto topped with asparagus and green sauce on a brown plate.

Vikalinka by Julia Frey

Roasted Vegetable Risotto with Basil Pesto

This roasted vegetable risotto is comfort food with a fresh, spring-ready twist. Creamy, slow-stirred rice gets paired with caramelized asparagus and green beans, then finished with a spoonful of bright basil pesto for that pop of herby flavor. It’s rich without feeling heavy—and proof that a little basil can take a classic dish to the next level. (via Vikalinka by Julia Frey)

Thai Fried Rice in a white scalloped edge dish

365 Days of Eating

Thai Basil Fried Rice

Give your basil a Thai twist with this mouthwatering fried rice recipe. This meal will transport your taste buds to Thailand and fill your home with an incredible herbal fragrance. (via 365 Days of Eating)

Nectarine + Basil Shortbread

Noble Pig

Nectarine + Basil Shortbread

This not-too-sweet tart screams summer but we could eat it all year. It starts with a killer shortbread and a spread of pastry cream that gets piled high with fruit and herbs. (via Noble Pig)

Basil Hummus diy recipe

Ellen in the Kitchen

Basil Hummus

Pesto is perfect, but this hummus is a heartier way to enjoy your pine nuts and basil. The roasted garlic in this cool, creamy spread gives an unexpected layer of flavor. (via Ellen in the Kitchen)

Lime Basil Bundt Cake recipe cooling on a rack

The Spiced Life

Lime Basil Bundt Cake

Since we can't get enough of the citrus-basil combination, this bundt cake is a must. Minced basil steeps in milk before being poured into this batter, creating an out-of-this-world dose of the herb in every bite. (via The Spiced Life)

Sweet Potato Fries and salt on a wood table with blue napkins

Willow Bird Baking

Sweet Potato Fries + Basil Salt

These stellar sweet potato fries get a generous sprinkling of basil salt just before hitting your tongue. Add a lemon garlic dipping sauce, and it becomes the snack you'll want to devour every day. (via Willow Bird Baking)

Basil Butter Garlic Bread recipe on a cutting board

Tasty Kitchen

Basil Butter Garlic Bread

Give your garlic bread a smart upgrade by topping it with this tasty basil spread. Spaghetti night just got a lot more exciting. (via Tasty Kitchen)

Broccoli Cream Soup in a white dish

Skinny Ms.

Broccoli Cream Soup

This recipe presents all the delicious flavor of basil in a silky, comforting soup. Plus, you can't beat that it's vegan and gluten-free. (via Skinny Ms.)

blueberry balsamic mozzarella crisps on a cutting board

Half Baked Harvest

Blueberry Balsamic Mozzarella Crisps

What's better than gooey, melted cheese atop a crunchy baguette? How about homemade berry compote and basil smothering it? (via Half Baked Harvest)

green basil vinaigrette

The Cowgirl Gourmet in Santa Fe

Basil Vinaigrette

Make this dressing, and you'll be finding lots of extra ways to add salads into your diet. The delightful mixture of herb, vinegar and citrus create the perfect finisher for almost every dish. (via The Cowgirl Gourmet in Santa Fe)

Loving these basil recipes? Check out Brit + Co's Food page for more recipe inspo!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

The Conversation (2)
Amy
Amy
17 Jul, 2020

The basil toast with ricotta and honey was divine! So many great ways to use up my TJ's basil plant!;)

Vatsala Bahal
Vatsala Bahal
22 Oct, 2020

The basil ice cream is so yummy!

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