The best basil recipes

Classic pesto sauce

Pesto sauce is the best and most important use of basil; this recipe highlights its aroma and sweetness. It pairs perfectly with pasta, toasted ricotta bread, or fresh grilled chicken. Two raw garlic cloves provide a contrasting flavor, adding acidity, aroma, and tang. With plenty of olive oil, pine nuts, and pecorino cheese, this sauce will make you want to eat it by the spoonful before dinner.

Recipe: Classic pesto sauce

Tomatoes, watermelon and basil on skewers

This sweet and savory skewered appetizer is one of our favorite warm-weather treats. The rich balsamic vinaigrette brings out the sweetness of the fruit, while the basil adds a wonderful flavor and aroma.

Recipe: Tomatoes, watermelon and basil on skewers

Frico with basil and lemon

You'll make this 3-ingredient recipe again and again. These cheesecakes make a great snack, gluten-free crackers, or salad topping. Simply combine grated Parmesan, freshly chopped basil, and lemon zest in a bowl. Place on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crispy.

Recipe: Frico with basil and lemon

Thai-style shrimp with coconut-basil rice

Got a ton of basil on hand? You'll love this Thai-inspired recipe. Basil leaves are pureed with coconut milk—this incredibly flavorful mixture cooks the rice. Add grilled shrimp for a complete meal!

Recipe: Thai-style shrimp with coconut-basil rice

Lemon granita with basil

Store-bought Italian ice meets its match: lemon granita. This light and refreshing frozen treat offers the perfect balance of bright lemon and aromatic basil—a perfect recipe for using basil year-round. Eat granita with a spoon, mix it with vodka, or serve it with fresh berries.

Recipe: Lemon granita with basil

Panzanella with tuna and chickpeas

Bread cubes are tossed with tomatoes, basil, celery, chickpeas, cucumber, tuna, and capers. Add a red wine vinegar and mustard dressing for a simple and satisfying summer dish.

Recipe: Panzanella with tuna and chickpeas

Bruschetta with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil

What could be simpler and more delicious? Top toasted bread with tomatoes, cheese, and basil leaves—a perfect party appetizer or a healthy summer snack.

Recipe: Bruschetta with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil

Grilled chicken with basil sauce

It's time to spice up your grilled chicken—and we've got the perfect recipe! Marinate the meat in a zesty mixture of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fennel seeds. Grill chicken breasts (skin-on and bone-in for maximum flavor!), then make the dressing. A mixture of basil, oil, lemon juice and zest, salt, and black pepper—this dressing is thinner than pesto and easier to pour over the crispy chicken. Enjoy!

Recipe: Grilled chicken with basil sauce

Daiquiri with fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar and basil

It's 5:00 a.m. somewhere in the world, which means if you're enjoying basil with us, it's time for a strawberry daiquiri. This drink is moderately sweet and can be made in a blender in just a few minutes. Add ice cubes, strawberries, rum, balsamic vinegar, and, of course, basil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and slightly crumbly, then garnish with basil and enjoy.

Recipe: Daiquiri with fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar and basil

Basil and Shallot Butter

This compound butter can be made in advance using ingredients on hand, and it's sure to enhance any dish. Combine softened butter with shallots, basil, and lemon for a combination of distinct flavors. Serve immediately or refrigerate for those onion-infused cravings. Grilling a steak? Toss it in a little of this melted butter. Snacking on a slice of baguette? Spread the flavorful mixture on it. Frying mushrooms? Use this butter in place of vegetable oil for added flavor.

Recipe: Basil and Shallot Butter

Potatoes with lemon and basil

Forget your average potato salad! Giada gives these young potatoes a whole new flavor, generously seasoning them with bright lemon and basil. It's the perfect side dish for summer lunches and picnics.

Recipe: Potatoes with lemon and basil

Zucchini and Basil Soup

Soup is great any time of day. It's easy to make, and you can make it ahead and freeze it. Like this hearty recipe, for example. It's full of fresh flavors—garlic, basil, and zucchini—which are perfect for a summer meal. But this soup is also delicious in winter—there are no rules!

Recipe: Zucchini and Basil Soup

Strawberry Basil Mojito

Ree gives her mojito a summery twist by replacing mint with fresh basil and adding lots of ripe, juicy strawberries.

Recipe: Strawberry Basil Mojito

Frittata with potatoes and basil

Aina's potato, ricotta, and Gruyere frittata is delicious and rich. A generous portion of fresh basil adds the perfect touch of sophistication.

Recipe: Frittata with potatoes and basil

Salad dressing with balsamic vinegar and olive oil

This is a great dressing to keep on hand. The harmonious combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper will become your new favorite. The secret? The dynamic flavors of the basil and garlic, which are infused in the vinegar. The longer you marinate them, the better their flavors will meld.

Recipe: Salad dressing with balsamic vinegar and olive oil

Tomato and basil salad

It's no wonder tomatoes and basil have become a classic pairing. Fragrant, slightly bitter basil wonderfully complements the natural sweetness of tomatoes. Combine them for a simple (yet impressive) salad.

Recipe: Tomato and basil salad

Pizza with basil pesto

Pesto is a great use for fresh basil, especially when used on pizza. Tip: Lightly brush the edges of the pizza crust with olive oil for extra golden brown and crispy results.

Recipe: Pizza with basil pesto

Basil Ranch Dip

This isn't your average store-bought dressing! This enhanced basil-based version is perfect for raw vegetables. Combine garlic paste, mayonnaise, yogurt, parsley, pesto, orange zest, green onions, and plenty of salt and pepper. Mix together and then refrigerate until ready to serve. We recommend serving this rich dip with a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, celery, carrots, and sugar snap peas.

Recipe: Basil Ranch Dip

Shaved ice with basil

This refreshing drink requires only four ingredients and 10 minutes. Sugar and lemon juice create the classic lemonade flavor; fresh basil balances the sweetness.

Recipe: Shaved ice with basil

Capellini with tomatoes and basil

Ina knows that fresh basil complements simple summer pasta like nothing else. Be sure to sprinkle it on the finished capellini—it's the key to a balanced flavor.

Recipe: Capellini with tomatoes and basil

Strawberry shots with basil granita

If you're not a fan of lemon granita, try the basil granita, which is stuffed with fresh strawberries. That's right: strawberries and basil. It's a true summer dream. This mini-snack is perfect for lounging by the pool and will refresh you after a long day in the sun. A touch of sweetness, a light aroma, and a splash of white wine make it a great midday snack during the summer months.

Recipe: Strawberry shots with basil granita