Basil, the ultimate herb of summer, is the star in this collection of recipes, with a dish for every occasion and mood! While many immediately think of the classic Caprese salad when they hear “basil,” this versatile herb can do so much more. Basil pairs beautifully with a wide range of ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and even strawberries.
Basil is incredibly versatile and it enhances many dishes, from aromatic pestos and vibrant Thai food to refreshing basil lemonade, delightful pineapple sorbet, and comforting tomato soup.
So, if you have basil to use up from your garden or are simply in the mood for that fresh basil flavor, dive into these delicious recipes and enjoy!
Not sure where to start? Two of my favorite basil recipes are my peppery Arugula & Basil Pesto and Thai Beef Stir Fry with Basil.
Basil Recipes
Thai Beef Stir Fry
30-Minute Thai Beef Stir Fry with Basil & Chiles will be on your dinner table in a hurry. Serve it over rice for a wholesome meal that will bring some excitement to your weeknight cooking routine.
Thai Beef Stir Fry
Arugula & Basil Pesto
Arugula Pesto has peppery kick from the arugula and is flavored with parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest & pine nuts. Use this pesto to dress up a sandwich, stir it into hummus or ranch, or toss it with a bowl of freshly cooked pasta.
Arugula & Basil Pesto
Roasted Broccoli with Basil Tahini Sauce
This Roasted Broccoli with Garlic & Basil Tahini Sauce will seriously knock your socks off. Who knew that veggies could taste so good! Warning: You will want this sauce on everything…
Broccoli with Basil Tahini Sauce
Pork Drunken Noodles
Pad Kee Mao, also known as Drunken Noodles, is a traditional Thai dish with ground pork, wide rice noodles and plenty of fresh basil. Doused in a sauce typical of Thai cuisine which is perfectly balanced with heat, tanginess and sweetness – coming from Thai chiles, rice wine vinegar and sweet soy sauce.
Pork Drunken Noodles
One-Skillet Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Burrata
If you’re in the mood for something creamy, cozy, and totally crave-worthy, this Gnocchi Burrata is about to become your new go-to comfort dish! It has everything you love about Italian food – a rich and creamy tomato sauce, tender gnocchi, fresh basil, and indulgent burrata cheese. Even better is that it all comes together in one skillet with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Gnocchi with Burrata
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
Make this 15-minute Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce to instantly transform your pasta, chicken, or seafood into a gourmet meal! It’s luxurious and easy to make with cream, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
Creamy Gnocchi
Creamy Gnocchi is an irresistible Tuscan-inspired dish that tosses pillowy-soft potato gnocchi in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce. It’s Italian comfort food at its best!
Creamy Gnocchi
Pepperonata
Pepperonata is a classic Italian sauce made from bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatics. It’s easy to make in one skillet and has mouthwatering flavors, making it a wonderful pairing for sandwiches, pizzas, omelets, pasta, grilled meats, and more!
Pepperonata
Vegan Farro Salad
This Farro Salad with Basil & Lemon Tahini Dressing is a delicious salad that can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy workday lunches or potlucks.
Farro Salad with Basil Tahini Dressing
Pesto Couscous
This Pesto Couscous Recipe combines fluffy and chewy Israeli couscous with basil pesto to give you an easy yet sophisticated side dish or light main course. You’ll love its addictive Italian flavors!
Pesto Couscous
Pesto Steak
Pesto Steak is the perfect summer meal. Marinated in a soy and honey mix and topped with creamy burrata and peppery arugula pesto, every bite of this grilled flank steak explodes with flavor!
Pesto Steak
Caprese Risotto
This creamy risotto caprese features all the flavors of your favorite caprese salad. Fresh tomatoes, basil and melty mozzarella cheese combine with the creamy risotto. Finished off with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
Caprese Risotto
Marinara Dipping Sauce
Easy 30 Minute Marinara Dipping Sauce offers rich and sweet flavors that can be enjoyed as a dip or on plenty of dishes. Using basic ingredients & only 1 pot.
Marinara Sauce
Broccoli Walnut Pesto Pasta
This Broccoli Walnut Pesto is a healthy-ish way to indulge in a big bowl of pasta. This homemade broccoli pesto with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil and lemon is rich, creamy and delicious. Swirl it together with your favorite pasta and top it with some extra parmesan and walnuts for a delicious nutty flavor & crunch.
Broccoli Walnut Pesto
Creamy Pesto Risotto
Make dinner extra special with Pesto Risotto, an impressive main dish featuring creamy Arborio rice, parmesan cheese, basil pesto, and toasted pine nuts. It’s a surprisingly easy 30-minute meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining!
Pesto Risotto
Carrot Top Pesto
This vibrant Carrot Top Pesto is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic pesto sauce – made with leafy carrot tops, fresh basil, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and toasted pine nuts. It’s zesty, herbaceous, and comes together in a matter of minutes! Toss it with al dente pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or spoon it over roasted veggies, grilled meat, and so much more!
Carrot Top Pesto
Spaghetti Alla Nerano
This Spaghetti alla Nerano recipe is a rich and creamy pasta made with fried zucchini and parmesan cheese. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish with gourmet flavors, but comes together in minutes!
Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Goat Cheese Pesto Pasta
Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta will be on your table in 20 minutes! Swirled with a dreamy, lemony-kale pesto. It’s basically heaven in a bowl.
Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta
Brie and Prosciutto Crostini
These Brie & Prosciutto Crostini with Honey make the perfect, easy to prepare party appetizer that's made with just a handful of ingredients.
Brie Prosciutto Crostini
Pesto Genovese (Authentic Italian Basil Pesto)
Pesto Genovese, or classic Italian basil pesto, is an irresistibly herbaceous 5-ingredient sauce. Use it to elevate a bowl of pasta, drizzle it on a pizza, or spread it on a sandwich. The serving options are endless!
Pesto Genovese
Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto (Pesto Rosso) is delicious tossed with pasta or gnocchi, spread on crostini, or dolloped on chicken, steak or pork. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients in 5 minutes!
Pesto Rosso
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
These easy Marinated Mozzarella Balls are perfect for entertaining or snacking. Tossed in a rich and zesty Mediterranean-inspired marinade, each one is bursting with irresistible flavors!
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Pesto Salad Dressing
This Lemon Pesto Salad Dressing is the best way to step up your salad game. Easy to make with homemade or store-bought pesto, it’s a fragrant and vibrant vinaigrette that elevates your salads (and more!) with tangy, fresh flavors.
Pesto Dressing
Pesto Cream Sauce
Rich and herbaceous Pesto Cream Sauce in just 10 minutes! Make it with homemade or store-bought pesto for a quick and easy Italian-inspired dinner.
Pesto Cream Sauce
Homemade Basil Pesto Mayo
This easy, creamy Pesto Mayo Sauce combines mayo, pesto, and lemon juice to give you an addictively delicious condiment to spread on a sandwich, drizzle on a salad, and more!
Pesto Mayo
Pesto Crusted Salmon
This 30-minute Pesto Crusted Salmon recipe envelops salmon filets in a crispy pesto-infused panko crust. Baked until tender and flaky, it’s an impressive yet fuss-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Pesto Crusted Salmon
Thai Fried Rice with Basil
Tender chicken, broccoli florets, jasmine rice and fresh basil come together to make a Thai fried rice with basil that’s even better than the one your favorite restaurant makes.Recipe: The Modern Proper
Thai Fried Rice with Basil
Tomato and Basil Quiche
Combining a creamy egg base with heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, a shaving of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and onions caramelized to perfection, this is the be-all end-all of quiche recipes.Recipe: The Modern Proper
Tomato and Basil Quiche
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
This creamy tomato basil chicken recipe has tender chicken and plenty of garlic in a delicious fresh tomato and basil cream sauce.Recipe: Salt and Lavender
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Caprese Eggs Benedict with Basil Hollandaise
This vegetarian breakfast is a spin on the classic eggs Benedict with a fresh summer twist. Toasted English muffins are topped with melted fresh mozzarella cheese, marinated cherry tomatoes, poached eggs and basil hollandaise.Recipe: Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Caprese Eggs Benedict with Basil Hollandaise
Basil Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
This Basil Goat Cheese Pasta Salad is a flavor explosion! Perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish for your next BBQ.Recipe: Half Baked Harvest
Basil Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
20 Minute Basil Cashew Chicken
Weeknight dinner made simple with this 20-Minute Basil Cashew Chicken! Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh basil – a winning combo!Recipe: Half Baked Harvest
20 Minute Basil Cashew Chicken
Basil Hummus
Try out our amazing variation of basil hummus which is lusciously creamy, smooth, and bright with the flavors of fresh basil, lemon juice to add sourness, and olive oil to blend the texture and flavors well. Use this delicious hummus for dipping chips or pitas, as a base for wraps, toast, sandwiches, or salad, or toss it on top of pasta.Recipe: Healthier Steps
Basil Hummus
Orzo Caprese Salad
This Orzo Caprese Salad is a delicious twist on a classic caprese salad! Cooked orzo pasta is combined with juicy tomatoes, cucumber, and creamy mozzarella. Ready on the table in less than 30 minutes! Serve it for lunch, light dinner, or as a side dish.Recipe: The Healthful Ideas
Orzo Caprese Salad
Honeydew Melon and Basil Lemonade
Here's a refreshing drink to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. This delicious and easy-to-make basil lemonade is a lovely combination of sweet and tangy, while basil adds beautiful aromatic qualities. Recipe: My Chef's Apron
Honeydew Melon and Basil Lemonade
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
This avocado green goddess dressing is creamy, garlicky, and just a bit spicy. It's super easy and comes together in just a few minutes in a food processor.Recipe: Home Cooking Collective
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing
Basil Butter
This summer, use fresh garden basil and blossoms to make basil butter! This garlic herb compound butter is easy to make and can be frozen for later.Recipe: Champagne Taste
Basil Butter
Lemon Basil Butter Cookies
These pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth lemon basil butter cookies blend sweet and savory into one delightful bite! Tangy lemon adds a zesty twist while a little chopped basil sprinkles a hint of aromatic, refreshing herb flavor. The perfect treat for any time of day, whether it's a post-dinner dessert or a mid-afternoon tea break!Recipe: Aberdeen's Kitchen
Lemon Basil Butter Cookies
Pineapple Basil Sorbet
Refreshing and creamy! This take on sorbet is my summer dessert go-to. It's best served right after it's made but you can also pop it in the freezer for a couple of hours before serving.Recipe: Rise Shine Cook
Pineapple Basil Sorbet
Panzanella with Peaches, Burrata and Basil
This Sourdough Panzanella with Peaches and Burrata is the apex of summer salad recipes. Using summer produce, it’s a slight twist on the classic Italian bread salad with the addition of peaches and creamy burrata cheese. Recipe: Sourdough Brandon
Panzanella with Peaches, Burrata and Basil
Basil Oil
Making basil oil is so simple, trust me you’ll want to drizzle it all over your chicken, fish, tomatoes, vegetables or with some crusty bread!Recipe: Skinny Taste
Basil Oil
Tomato Basil Butter Beans
You have to try these flavorful Burst Tomato Basil Butter Beans! They only take 30 minutes to make and are the perfect healthy, vegan, & gluten-free recipe when you're craving something easy & quick for dinner!Recipe: Short Girl Tall Order
Tomato Basil Butter Beans
Melon Basil Burrata Salad
A simple and healthy Melon Basil Burrata Salad with Crispy Prosciutto. Sweet and juicy summer melon, fresh cherry tomatoes, summer garden basil, and burrata cheese are combined to create a refreshing summer salad that’s pretty and so delicious. Recipe: Half Baked Harvest
Melon Basil Burrata Salad
Marinated Mozzarella Melon Skewers
Marinated Mozzarella Melon Skewers…the fun, colorful, and delicious summer appetizer that we’re all looking for right now. Sweet-juicy summer melon, garden basil, and pesto marinated balls of mozzarella cheese are all layered together to create a fresh summer appetizer that’s pretty and so delicious.Recipe: Half Baked Harvest
Marinated Mozzarella Melon Skewers
Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato Basil Soup is made with fresh tomatoes simmered with onion, garlic and sweet basil for a deliciously creamy tomato soup that’s ready in about 30 minutes! Recipe: Simple Veganista
Tomato Basil Soup
Pesto Potato Salad
This easy pesto potato salad recipe is made with new potatoes, tons of fragrant basil and brightened up with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Vegan, better for you, naturally creamy, no mayo and gluten free.Recipe: Veggie Society
Pesto Potato Salad
Cucumber Basil Gazpacho
This Cucumber-Basil Gazpacho has bright and refreshing note from the cucumber, wonderful aromatics thanks to the scallion and basil, a touch of heat from the cayenne and garlic, and a creaminess thanks to the avocado. A total summer-time win!Recipe: The Defined Dish
Cucumber Basil Gazpacho
Edamame Salad with Parmesan Basil and Mint
This salad is so easy and so delicious, plus it's packed with protein. Perfect for any time you want a quick-but-craveable lunchRecipe: Justine Snacks
Edamame Salad with Parmesan Basil and Mint
Caprese Skewers
These fun and flavorful caprese skewers are just what you need at your next party. Mini skewers are threaded with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a classic caprese touch.Recipe: Downshiftology
Caprese Skewers
Basil Limoncello Cocktail
This Basil Limoncello Cocktail is made with vodka, basil, limoncello, lemon juice, agave, and sparkling water for a simple and fresh cocktail to sip on.Recipe: The Social Sipper
Basil Limoncello Cocktail
More Taste of Summer Recipes
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these basil recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
Did you Make Any of These Basil Recipes?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of basil recipes. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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Full Recipe
Basil Ground Beef
Basil, the ultimate herb of summer, is the star in this collection of recipes, with a dish for every occasion and mood! While many immediately think of the classic caprese salad when they hear "basil," this versatile herb can do so much more. Basil pairs beautifully with a wide range of ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and even strawberries. Try this Thai Basil Beef recipe.
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Serves 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 3 jalapenos (seeded and thinly sliced, divided)
- 1 ¼ pounds lean ground beef
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 3 Tablespoons lime juice (fresh squeezed)
- 1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 1/4 teaspoons brown sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic and half the jalapenos and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up with spoon and pressing firmly to help brown, until fully cooked and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Add broth and basil leaves. Cook until basil has wilted, about 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl combine lime juice, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves, then add it to the beef mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve beef over rice, topped with scallions and remaining jalapeno. Garnish with additional lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition
Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 556mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3240IU | Vitamin C: 8.7mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3.5mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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