Basil is one of the most classic summer flavors. It’s fresh, herby and pairs well with other seasonal produce like tomato, zucchini and strawberries. If you’ve found yourself with a happy basil plant in your garden, or a bunch that you’re looking to use up, these delicious recipes are the perfect solution. From hearty meals like our One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta to refreshing drinks like our Watermelon-Basil Agua Fresca, enjoying summer’s best herb is just one recipe away!
Love any of these recipes? Join MyRecipes to save, search and organize your EatingWell recipes all in one place. It’s free!
High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.
15-Minute Pesto Shrimp
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This versatile and quick pesto shrimp can be served alongside a hunk of crusty bread, over pasta or rice, or even used as a topping for pizza. Look for shrimp that are free from preservatives, which can alter the texture and add sodium to the dish. We like the brightness and fresh flavor of refrigerated pesto, but a homemade classic basil pesto will make the dish extra special.
Strawberry Caprese Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This strawberry caprese salad is a fruity twist on the classic Italian dish, with juicy, ripe strawberries standing in for tomatoes. The sweet-tart flavor of strawberries goes beautifully with fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. This colorful salad is perfect as an appetizer, side dish or light lunch. To make it a main dish, top it with roasted chicken or add white beans.
Watermelon-Basil Agua Fresca
Carson Downing
Sweetened fruit-infused water popular throughout Mexico and South America, this refreshing drink blends watermelon and water with lime juice and basil for even more flavor. The fruit for agua fresca is pureed and can be strained, but we skip the latter step for a thicker drink. Try it spiked by stirring 1 1/2 ounces gin or vodka into each serving.
Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette
Seek out several varieties of heirloom tomatoes for this simple salad. Sweeter and juicier than conventional tomatoes, they add the perfect pop of color.
Caprese Sandwich
Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely
This caprese sandwich is fresh from the basil and hearty from thick, crusty ciabatta. The sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor. Topping the bread with a layer of basil leaves and using toasted bread helps to keep the sandwich from getting soggy if you need to make it a few hours ahead.
Basil Vinaigrette
Drizzle this basil salad dressing over sliced tomatoes or cooked green beans. Or toss it into a grain salad for a pop of fresh summertime flavor.
Basil Lemonade
Basil and lemon pair beautifully in this refreshing summer sipper, sweetened with a touch of honey. Make ahead and allow the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes to 1 hour before straining for a stronger basil flavor.
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
This one-pot pasta with tangy tomato-basil sauce is a simple, fast and easy weeknight dinner. All of your ingredients go into one pot, and with a bit of stirring and about 25 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a healthy dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata
This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is one of the quickest meals you can make. Have it for breakfast, or serve it for lunch or dinner with a tossed salad and a slice of olive oil–drizzled crusty baguette.
Basil-Cream Sauce
Like an Alfredo sauce with a little added pizazz, this easy sauce recipe is great over pasta with chicken or even to top steak and green beans. Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre-grated–the cheese will melt better for a silkier sauce.
Grilled Caprese Chicken
Jason Donnelly
The topping of this caprese-like chicken gets nice and melty on the grill. While you’re there, crisp up some crusty bread to serve alongside. It’s great for soaking up all the flavorful juices left on your plate.
