13 Basil Recipes That Showcase This Fragrant Herb

spicy basil stir-fry served on rice — Credit: Justin Walker

There is nothing like the scent of fresh basil; it wafts through the air, reminding us of summer gardens and tomato salads. But, as these basil recipes prove, the herb has a lot more to offer than perfuming tomato dishes. We love basil in zesty salsas with grilled chicken or fish, as a key aromatic note in gingery stir-fries, and in Mediterranean vegetable dishes.

It is one of the prettiest herbs in fragrance and looks, and it lifts other ingredients with its lovely flavor. Pair basil as a savory or sweet note with fruits—yes, tomatoes—as well as stone fruits and melons. You may be surprised to see it in dessert recipes, but do give it a try; basil plays nicely with lemon and strawberries, too.

Basil leaves bruise very easily, so treat them with care. It's best to slice them with a very sharp knife or tear them with your fingers. Do this at the last minute before using; if you leave them exposed to the air after you slice or chop them, the leaves will turn black and lose much of their flavor. Likewise, chopping repeatedly or with a dull knife will blacken the leaves.

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Pesto

Here is our blue ribbon pesto. It's easy to make in the food processor—and you can substitute walnuts for the pine nuts if you like. When making pesto, it helps to immediately cover the surface of your pesto with a thin layer of olive oil; this prevents oxygenation and discoloration.

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Tomato and Basil Pasta

This easy pasta has complete summer vibes. All the ingredients in this simple dish, except for the sliced garlic, can be hand-torn.

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Asparagus With Almonds, Goat Cheese, and Basil

asparagus-with-almonds-goat-cheese-basil-103271924 — Johnny Miller

Serve this French country-style plate as a shared appetizer or side dish on a buffet. Several of the preparation steps can be done in advance.

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Gingery Tomato-Basil Sauce

No cooking needed here; simply pulse the tomatoes in a food processor. The flavors of this simple sauce come together to give you a bright, zippy relish that is sublime with seafood, tofu, or grilled meats.

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Cantaloupe and Mozzarella With Prosciutto and Basil

A slight twist on a classic Italian antipasto, this gorgeous version can double as a lunch platter. Pass the prosecco, please.

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Shrimp and Basil Glass-Noodle Stir-Fry

Fresh basil, peas, and mushrooms with shrimp make a fast one-pot meal. They're served with gluten-free glass noodles that require just a bit of a soak before they can be stir-fried.

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Watermelon Salad With Feta and Basil

This simple, satisfying, and refreshing recipe has a refined touch—we show you how to slice basil leaves into fine ribbons (a French technique called chiffonade).

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Sugared Basil Leaves

Decorate a peach pie (or peach chiffon pie), strawberry tart, or a lemony cake with these delicate basil leaves; they're as good to eat as they are to look at.

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Fresh Herb Salsa Verde

Basil plays well with other herbs. Try this salsa verde, made with mixed herbs, anchovies, and capers, on grilled steak, beans, or shrimp.

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Spicy Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

There is a sweetness to basil that is totally delectable with chicken and hot peppers. Here, they're combined in a quick stir-fry for a weeknight dinner.

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Eggplant Salad With Israeli Couscous and Basil

Basil and eggplant with garlic is a savory combination that suits many pastas and grains. In this recipe, the trio is tossed with large pearls of couscous to make a silken side dish that can be served at room temperature.

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Seared Tuna With Tomatoes and Basil

A toss in the pan will turn cherry tomatoes, ripe to bursting, into a rustic sauce for seared fresh tuna steaks.

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Lemon Shortcakes With Basil Berries

Mixed berries are combined with shredded basil, lemon juice, and sugar to pair with shortcakes and a spoonful of vanilla whipped cream—or simply with whipped cream or scoops of vanilla ice cream

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13 Basil Recipes That Showcase This Fragrant Herb

Pesto

Tomato and Basil Pasta

Asparagus With Almonds, Goat Cheese, and Basil

Gingery Tomato-Basil Sauce

Cantaloupe and Mozzarella With Prosciutto and Basil

Shrimp and Basil Glass-Noodle Stir-Fry

Watermelon Salad With Feta and Basil

Sugared Basil Leaves

Fresh Herb Salsa Verde

Spicy Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

Eggplant Salad With Israeli Couscous and Basil

Seared Tuna With Tomatoes and Basil

Lemon Shortcakes With Basil Berries

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