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28 Fresh Basil Recipes That Show How Versatile The Summer Herb Really Is

It's not just for garnish anymore!

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caprese turkey burgers topped with mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic drizzle
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Chances are, fresh herbs don’t make it to your dinner plate as much as they could, nor are they typically the star. But we're here to make the case to pick up plenty of fresh, summery basil on your next grocery run and not just for the garnish at the end. Spoiler: it's the easiest, cheapest way to add instant color, flavor, and a pop of fanciness to any dish. Check out our 28 basil recipes for ideas on how to let this herb inspire your dinners this week—it’s definitely not going to stay a garnish anymore!

Because basil is such a summery herb, it only makes sense that it’s front and center in some of our favorite summer recipes. We’re making caprese and panzanella salads all season long, and while we change up the flavors and cooking methods (Maybe a sheet-pan panzanella?), the one constant is gorgeous basil. You can even use it to brighten up your favorite warm weather drinks. We love adding it to summer cocktails, like our spiked sparkling basil lemonade or our frozen strawberry margarita, but really, it can jazz up anything from sparkling water to iced tea.

Craving that sunshine, but it’s an abysmally wintery day? Basil can add some brightness to your cold weather meals too. It’s true that basil is extra delicious during warmer months, but thanks to greenhouses can still be enjoyed year-round in recipes like pesto or copycat Trader Joe's green goddess dressing. We’d be remiss in not mentioning how vital it is to one of our favorite flavor combos too: Cream, tomatoes, and basil combine to turn everything from creamy basil chicken with corn and tomato to creamy tuscan white bean skillet into a delicious Tuscan-butter-inspired meal that’s always in our weeknight dinner rotation.

If you’re really sitting on a major bounty of basil (lucky!), you can just add it as a garnish to every meal. Check out our Italian pasta recipes and tomato recipes for more meals and recipes where basil will be a perfect fit too.

1

Gazpacho

tomato gazpacho in a bowl topped with chopped cucumbers, basil, sliced cherry tomatoes, and an olive oil drizzle
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

On those too-hot days when we just can’t be bothered to add any extra heat in the kitchen, gazpacho is our summer savior. This refreshing soup is best enjoyed in late summer, when the star of the show—sweet, juicy tomatoes—are at their peak. The result is an ultra refreshing lunch, snack, or even a beverage (don’t judge!) to cool down with on the hottest of days.

Get the Gazpacho recipe.

2

Basil Pesto

basic pesto with flaky salt, parmesan, and basil
PHOTO: NICO SCHINCO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This Genovese specialty bursts with the summery flavor of basil, and we love it for way more than just pasta. (Though our pesto pasta salad IS pretty great too!) Try tossing your roasted potatoes with a couple tablespoons, or mix a spoonful into mayo for a ridiculously addictive dipping sauce.

Get the Basil Pesto recipe.

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3

Summer Stuffed Shells

stuffed shells with sauce filled with cheese
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Who said summer dinners can’t be cozy? These stuffed shells are bursting with seasonal flavor from sweet corn, zucchini, and basil, but they also hit the comfort food spot thanks to the cheesy, rich ricotta.To keep these stuffed shells feeling light and bright, we’ve added a lemony punch to the ricotta filling. The lemon, fresh basil, and zucchini play beautifully off of one another, and pops of sweetness from corn bring the summer vibes all the way home.

Get the Summer Stuffed Shells recipe.

4

Steamed Clams with Bacon, Corn, and Basil

steamed clams with bacon, corn, and basil
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Sorry fancy restaurants, the secret is out: Steamed clams are SO easy to make at home. Here, they're paired with crispy bacon, fresh sweet corn kernels, and a glug of heavy cream for a decadent sauce, perfect for dunking grilled sourdough bread into. It only takes about 7 minutes to steam clams open—there's barely any trick to it. Now that you know how easy they are, try your hand at linguine with clams or harissa-spiced clams if you want a fiery twist.

Get the Steamed Clams with Bacon, Corn, and Basil recipe.

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5

Panzanella Salad

panzanella salad in a shallow white bowl with a fork
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Summer, to us, is a huge bowl of panzanella in the center of the table: generous bronzed croutons tossed with chunks of juicy tomato, shallots, and torn basil in a bright vinaigrette. It might technically be called a salad, but you’ll probably find yourself snacking on our recipe for breakfast, dinner… and dessert.

Get the Panzanella Salad recipe.

6

One-Skillet Creamy Thai Basil Chicken

one skillet creamy thai basil chicken
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

This totally delicious mashup of coconut rice and Thai basil chicken gets dinner done in one skillet and brings all the flavors of Thai cuisine you crave into your home with ingredients you can find in most grocery stores. Typically served over steamed rice, preparing Thai basil chicken with rich, creamy coconut rice is a great way to switch up the dish.

Get the One-Skillet Creamy Thai Basil Chicken recipe.

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7

Corn Salad

corn, chopped tomatoes, feta and basil in a bowl
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

When the weather warms up, we take every chance we can get to enjoy sweet corn at all our summer picnics, potlucks, and BBQs. While we love celebrating the versatile ingredient in all its forms, a fresh corn salad has to be one of our favorite ways to enjoy sweet summer corn. Not only is it completely adaptable to what you have on hand, it’s so easy to prepare—simply toss to combine, season to taste, and serve!

Get the Corn Salad recipe.

8

Caprese Salad

sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a plate drizzled with olive oil
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

With good quality tomatoes and mozzarella, all you really need for this caprese is some good olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Even the lightest sprinkling of salt on a slice of tomato helps to bring out the sweetness and the natural umami, so don't hold back!

Get the Caprese Salad recipe.

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9

Grandma Pizza

grandma pizza with basil sauce on top
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Grandma pizza has a thin, crispy crust topped first with cheese, then dolloped with a garlicky tomato sauce. It's not the usual way of assembling pizza, but the cheese melting right into the crust really makes some magic happen. Since it's traditionally made without a pizza oven, it's very easy to re-create this New York classic in your own home.

Get the Grandma Pizza recipe.

10

Copycat Trader Joe's Green Goddess Salad Dressing

copycat trader joe's green goddess dressing
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

A fan favorite at Trader Joe’s is their green goddess salad dressing; it’s simple and fresh with bright lemon flavor and creaminess thanks to avocado. We almost wonder how they can keep it in stock. So next time your local store runs out, you can make our copycat version instead. Everything blends together quickly and you’ll have a dressing that’s just as good on a Cobb salad as it is on a Greek salmon salad.

Get the Copycat Trader Joe's Green Goddess Salad Dressing recipe.

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11

Tomato, Basil, Feta Omelet Quesadilla

tomato basil feta omelette quesadilla
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

This one-skillet breakfast quesadilla with tomato, basil, and feta will keep you satiated right through lunchtime. A pillowy omelet is attached to a crispy tortilla and then folded onto jammy cherry tomatoes, soft melting feta, and bright basil leaves. If you can master the tortilla-omelet flip, then you’re going to accomplish lots in the kitchen, we promise you. Wrap this in a piece of foil and eat on the go, or pair with a side salad and dig in with a fork for brunch.

Get the Tomato, Basil, Feta Omelet Quesadilla recipe.

12

Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet

cast iron skillet filled with creamy tuscan white beans topped with basil, with toast alongside
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Creamy Tuscan anything is a cult classic here at Delish, but this vegetarian version might be our new favorite. Featuring white beans, basil, and spinach swimming in a luxurious tomato cream sauce, this hearty skillet dinner is so comforting and satisfying, you’ll never miss the chicken.

Get the Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet recipe.

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13

Caprese Turkey Burgers

caprese turkey burger topped with mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic drizzle on a plate with potato chips
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

We’ve Caprese-d everything from pasta salad to focaccia to stuffed peppers, but these Caprese turkey burgers are something special. Crowned with melty mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil, this fresh twist on America’s perennial favorite will be a smash hit at every backyard BBQ and cookout around.

Get the Caprese Turkey Burgers recipe.

14

Melon Prosciutto Skewers

skewers with cantaloupe balls, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

If you haven't experienced the flavor combo of prosciutto + melon, get on it STAT. Paired with basil and balsamic glaze, it's the ultimate in sweet and salty.

Get the Melon Prosciutto Skewers recipe.

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15

Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet

creamy pesto baked gnocchi and chicken skillet
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

What isn’t pesto good in? It’s a sauce that turns any dish into kitchen gold, especially this totally comforting and delicious gnocchi and chicken bake. For the perfect pesto touch, stir a dollop into the tomato mixture to coat everything, then dollop the top with more right out of the oven for a fresh finish.

Get the Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet recipe.

16

Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Bowls

saucy, spicy, and slightly sweet ground beef tossed with peppers, fresh basil, garlic, and ginger served over white rice and topped with a runny fried egg
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Pad krapow is Thailand’s most popular stir-fry dish for a reason. It’s got saucy ground meat tossed with sliced bell peppers, spicy chiles, and a handful of fresh, sweet basil, served over steaming rice. As an added bonus, it’s usually accompanied by a runny fried egg, making this a filling and wallet-friendly meal. Our take on this super-simple dish is the perfect protein-packed meal prep that’ll keep you excited to eat all week.

Get the Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Bowls recipe.

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17

Watermelon Caprese

sliced watermelon, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

During the summer, we can’t get enough of simple, refreshing salads that put fresh fruit at the forefront. Two of our favorites? The classic caprese, and our watermelon feta salad. We loved these two summer sides so much, we decided to combine them into one refreshing recipe. The result is a simple, sweet-salty snack ready in 15 minutes (and isn’t that what summer is all about?).

Get the Watermelon Caprese recipe.

18

Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet with Corn and Tomato

creamy basil chicken skillet with corn tomato
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: RILEY WOFFORD

Here is a dish that evokes summer in a skillet: There are just-burst cherry tomatoes, kernels of sweet summer corn, and basil-smothered chicken. Definitely make sure to drizzle every last drop of the garlicky cream sauce over your plate—it picks up all the flavors of the dish, making it one of the best parts. Like this flavor combination? Try our basil and feta corn salad next.

Get the Creamy Basil Chicken Skillet with Corn and Tomato recipe.

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19

Spiked Sparkling Basil Lemonade

spiked basil lemonade

Basil-infused vodka brings out the sweetness of the herb and turns the spirit (and this cocktail) a lovely, vibrant green.

Get the Spiked Sparkling Basil Lemonade recipe.

20

Sheet-Pan Panzanella

sheet pan panzanella
ANDREW BUI

Panzanella—an Italian salad made with dried bread cubes—is one of the most delicious versions of salad. The combination of roasted tomatoes, toasted bread coated with Parmesan, fragrant garlic, and mozzarella in this version basically tastes like pizza.

Get the Sheet-Pan Panzanella recipe.

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