Basil is summer’s defining herb. In many parts of the Western world, the blossoming of this herb coincides with many of the season’s other darlings, like tomatoes and peaches. Naturally, the herb ― which is a member of the mint family ― is a perfect complement and is paired together in many dishes.
It is believed that basil first had its start in Asia and Africa ― but it quickly took off all over the world. While basil is available in over 60 varieties, the most popular kind is sweet Italian basil, known as Sweet Genovese. With big, soft leaves, it just begs to be served on top of pasta. Or turned into pesto. Or both.
Thai basil (which has smaller, pointed leaves) and purple opal basil (which is purple) are also common these days.
Whichever kind you get your hands on, try them in a few of the recipes below.
1.
Lavender Basil Lemonade
Half Baked Harvest
Get the Lavender Basil Lemonade recipe from Half Baked Harvest
2.
Zucchini And Fresh Corn Farmers’ Market Salad With Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette
Foodie Crush
Get the Zucchini and Fresh Corn Farmers’ Market Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette recipe from Foodie Crush
3.
Artichoke Burrata Pizza With Lemon Basil Pesto
How Sweet It Is
Get the Artichoke Burrata Pizza with Lemon Basil Pesto recipe from How Sweet It Is
4.
Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet With Tomato Butter Sauce
Pinch of Yum
Get the Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet with Tomato Butter Sauce recipe from Pinch of Yum
5.
Sun-Dried Tomato And Basil Pinwheels
Minimalist Baker
Get the Sun-Dried Tomato And Basil Pinwheels recipe from Minimalist Baker
6.
Basil Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
Half Baked Harvest
Get the Basil Goat Cheese Pasta Salad recipe from Half Baked Harvest
7.
8.
Chickpea Sauté With Basil And Pine Nuts
Alexandra's Kitchen
Get the Chickpea Sauté with Basil and Pine Nuts recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen
9.
20-Minute Basil Cashew Chicken
Half Baked Harvest
Get the 20-Minute Basil Cashew Chicken recipe from Half Baked Harvest
10.
Caramelized Peach Caprese Salad With Smoked Sea Salt
How Sweet It Is
Get the Caramelized Peach Caprese Salad With Smoked Sea Salt recipe from How Sweet It Is
11.
Sparkling Cucumber Basil Lemonade
Hummingbird High
Get the Sparkling Cucumber Basil Lemonade recipe from Hummingbird High
12.
13.
Basil Cheesecake With Chocolate Sauce
A Beautiful Mess
Get the Basil Cheesecake with Chocolate Sauce recipe from A Beautiful Mess
14.
Heirloom Tomato Basil Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Simply Recipes
Get the Heirloom Tomato Basil Mozzarella Caprese Salad recipe from Simply Recipes
15.
Peanut Butter Basil Sandwich
Minimalist Baker
Get the Peanut Butter Basil Sandwich recipe from Minimalist Baker
16.
Fresh Basil Salad With Prosciutto Wrapped Melon And Toasted Seed Rolled Goat Cheese
Half Baked Harvest
Get the Fresh Basil Salad with Prosciutto Wrapped Melon and Toasted Seed Rolled Goat Cheese recipe from Half Baked Harvest
17.
Quick, Healthy Zucchini Basil Soup
Feasting at Home
Get the Quick, Healthy Zucchini Basil Soup recipe from Feasting at Home
18.
Strawberry Basil Coconut Cream Puffs
Hummingbird High
Get the Strawberry Basil Coconut Cream Puffs recipe from Hummingbird High
19.
20.
Tomato And Peach Salad With Red Onion And Basil
Dinner Was Delicious
Get the Tomato And Peach Salad With Red Onion And Basil recipe from Dinner Was Delicious
21.
Peanut Butter And Basil Milkshake
Minimalist Baker
Get the Peanut Butter And Basil Milkshake recipe from Minimalist Baker
22.
Fried Mozzarella, Basil and Nectarine Stacks with Balsamic Glaze
Half Baked Harvest
Get the Fried Mozzarella, Basil and Nectarine Stacks with Balsamic Glaze recipe from Half Baked Harvest
23.
Nectarine Pizza With Fresh Basil And Reduced Balsamic
Alexandra's Kitchen
Get the Nectarine Pizza With Fresh Basil And Reduced Balsamic recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen
24.
25.
26.
Basil Cornmeal Sandwich Shortbread With Apricot Filling
Becca Bakes
Get the Basil Cornmeal Sandwich Shortbread With Apricot Filling recipe from Becca Bakes
27.
Grilled Peach And Basil Arnold Palmer
Half Baked Harvest
Get the Grilled Peach and Basil Arnold Palmer recipe from Half Baked Harvest