Got a bunch of fresh basil leaves to use up? These fresh basil recipes include everything from homemade basil pesto and pesto pasta to fresh tomato basil salads, chicken dinners, and vegetarian favorites.
Whether you’re looking for recipes with fresh basil, recipes using fresh basil, or simple recipes for fresh basil from your summer garden, you’ll find plenty of easy and delicious ideas for every meal.
Summer BLTC
Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, basil, and chicken come together in this satisfying sandwich. The combination of fresh ingredients makes every bite taste like summer. It’s a delicious lunch that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Summer BLTC
Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe
This basil fried rice is packed with savory flavor and fragrant herbs, making every bite satisfying. The fresh basil adds a bright finish that pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice. It’s an easy meal that’s great for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe
Burrata Caprese with Peaches
Creamy burrata, juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, and basil create a fresh summer salad that’s both elegant and simple. The sweet fruit pairs beautifully with the rich cheese. It’s a dish that looks impressive with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Caprese with Peaches
Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
These tender chicken meatballs are topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese for a comforting meal. Fresh herbs add extra flavor to every bite. Serve them over pasta or with crusty bread for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping
These grilled chicken skewers are packed with bold Thai-inspired flavors and finished with fresh basil. The creamy cashew sauce adds richness while the gremolata brings brightness. They’re perfect for cookouts or flavorful weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers with Cashew Sauce and Gremolata Topping
30 Minute Caprese Chicken
This quick chicken dinner combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil in every bite. The fresh ingredients keep the meal light while still feeling hearty. It’s a great option for a fast weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Caprese Chicken
Basil Martini
Fresh basil adds an aromatic twist to this smooth and refreshing martini. The herb brings a bright flavor that makes the cocktail feel crisp and sophisticated. It’s a great drink for warm evenings or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Basil Martini
Smoked Tomato Basil Soup
Slow-smoked tomatoes add incredible depth to this rich and comforting soup. Fresh basil brightens the flavor and balances the smoky notes perfectly. It’s a cozy bowl that’s delicious with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Basil Soup
Vegan Cucumber Caprese Salad With Rice Vinegar
Crisp cucumbers give the classic Caprese salad a fresh and refreshing twist. Creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil come together in a colorful side dish. This recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cucumber Caprese Salad With Rice Vinegar
Basil Pesto
Fresh basil, garlic, and cheese blend into a rich homemade pesto that’s full of vibrant flavor. It can be tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or spooned over grilled meats. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Fresh strawberries and fragrant basil give classic lemonade a refreshing seasonal upgrade. The sweet, citrusy flavors are perfectly balanced by a hint of herbs. This drink is made for warm afternoons and outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes
Ripe tomatoes blend into a smooth homemade soup that’s fresh, comforting, and full of flavor. The simple preparation allows the natural sweetness of the tomatoes to stand out. Serve it with grilled cheese for a classic pairing.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes
Pineapple-Basil Chicken Skewers
Sweet pineapple and juicy chicken are grilled together with fresh basil for a flavorful combination. The tropical fruit keeps the chicken tender while adding natural sweetness. These skewers are perfect for summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple-Basil Chicken Skewers
Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil
Juicy chicken is stuffed with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a colorful meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The Hasselback style allows every bite to soak up plenty of flavor. It’s an impressive recipe that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Layers of tender eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs create a colorful dish that’s both hearty and beautiful. The simple ingredients let each flavor shine. It’s a great appetizer or light vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Simple Lemon Basil Pesto
Bright lemon and fresh basil come together in a homemade pesto that’s light and flavorful. It works beautifully with pasta, grilled vegetables, seafood, or sandwiches. This simple recipe adds fresh flavor to almost any meal.
Get the Recipe: Simple Lemon Basil Pesto
Light Tomato Basil Meatball Soup
This hearty soup combines tender meatballs with tomatoes and fresh basil in a light, flavorful broth. It’s comforting without feeling too heavy. Every bowl is perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Light Tomato Basil Meatball Soup
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
These stuffed mushrooms are packed with a savory plant-based filling that’s hearty and satisfying. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for parties or holiday appetizers. Every bite is full of comforting flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Panzanella Salad
This rustic salad combines juicy tomatoes, crusty bread, and fresh basil into a dish full of classic Mediterranean flavor. The bread soaks up the delicious dressing while staying pleasantly chewy. It’s a wonderful side for warm-weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad
Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto
This pasta salad is tossed with fresh pesto for a bright, herb-filled side dish that’s always a hit. The simple ingredients make it perfect for barbecues, picnics, and meal prep. It tastes just as good served chilled the next day.
Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto
Strawberry Basil & Honey Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and fresh basil create an unexpected but delicious combination. The crispy tortilla adds the perfect contrast to the soft filling. These quesadillas are ideal for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Basil & Honey Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Basil Julep
This refreshing cocktail puts a fresh spin on the traditional julep by using fragrant basil. The herb adds a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the cool, crisp drink. It’s an elegant choice for entertaining or relaxing on the patio.
Get the Recipe: Basil Julep
Easy Bruschetta Salmon
This salmon recipe pairs tender fish with a fresh bruschetta topping made with tomatoes and basil. The bright topping complements the rich salmon beautifully. It’s an easy dinner that feels elegant enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bruschetta Salmon
Heirloom Tomato Tart
A flaky crust topped with juicy tomatoes and savory ingredients makes this tart both rustic and elegant. The fresh flavors shine in every slice. It’s a wonderful option for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Tart
Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Tender shrimp and pasta come together in a simple dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The light, flavorful sauce coats every bite without feeling heavy. It’s an easy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Copycat Recipe
Tender shrimp are coated in a rich, creamy sauce inspired by the restaurant favorite. The comforting flavors pair perfectly with pasta or crusty bread. It’s a homemade version that’s every bit as satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Copycat Recipe
Caprese Salad Skewers
These colorful skewers layer tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil into a simple appetizer everyone will enjoy. They’re fresh, easy to assemble, and perfect for entertaining. Every bite delivers classic Caprese flavor in a fun presentation.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers
Basil Lime Sparkling Green Tea
Fresh basil and tangy lime give sparkling green tea a refreshing herbal twist. The light bubbles make it extra crisp and enjoyable on warm days. It’s an easy homemade drink that’s both unique and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Basil Lime Sparkling Green Tea
Hugo Basil Spritz
This bubbly cocktail combines refreshing citrus flavors with fragrant basil for a light, elegant drink. It’s crisp, refreshing, and easy to sip on warm afternoons. This spritz is perfect for casual gatherings or happy hour.
Get the Recipe: Hugo Basil Spritz
Spaghetti Warehouse Caprese Bruschetta
This hearty stuffed appetizer combines cheesy filling with fresh bruschetta flavors in every bite. The crispy exterior adds the perfect crunch to the creamy center. It’s a fun dish that’s ideal for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Warehouse Caprese Bruschetta
Bruschetta Authentico
This classic bruschetta keeps things simple with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and toasted bread. Every bite is packed with fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s an appetizer that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Authentico
Final Thoughts
These fresh basil recipes prove that basil is good for so much more than pesto. From fresh basil recipes for dinner and fresh basil recipes with chicken to vegetarian fresh basil recipes, vegan meals, and even a few fresh basil recipes for dessert, there’s something for everyone.
Save this roundup for the next time you have extra fresh basil leaves and want new sweet basil recipes to enjoy all summer long.
