Basil is an herb that everyone should incorporate into their diet someway or another. This mint family herb comes in handy with fighting arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. It has many other benefits and uses as well. Basil is often used in many different recipes, but as the summer heat increases we’re here to show you how to use basil in a much more refreshing way.
Grow Your Own Basil
First of all, did you know you can grow your own basil? It can be grown year-round indoors which makes fresh basil even that much more accessible. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, this is a perfect addition to your kitchen. Growing your own herbs keeps things fresh and you’re in control of how it’s grown. It also makes cooking these refreshing summer basil recipes that much easier.
Basil Pesto Sauce
Presto pesto with a sprinkle of basil. The combination of basil and pesto makes for a light, yet delicious addition to almost anything and everything. It’s a staple for Italian dishes and it’s easy to make! There are also other ways to use pesto to your liking.
Chicken Stuffed With Basil and Mozzarella Cheese
We already know that chicken and mozzarella are a great pair, but adding basil to the mix is a game changer. Stuff your chicken with a basil and mozzarella combination and bake them to perfection. You can also lightly bread your chicken if you so choose.
Thai Lettuce Wraps With Beef and Fresh Basil
Lettuce wraps are a light alternative especially if you’re trying to cut your bread intake. These Thai lettuce wraps are delicious on their own but adding basil to the mix offers a refreshing kick.
Caprese Chicken
This easy recipe can be made with one pan. It requires a few ingredients, including our favorite pesto. It takes up to 30 minutes and is fairly simple to make.
Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
Spruce up your salads, grilled meats, vegetables, and fish with this easy fresh basil vinaigrette. It’s easy and can be made in less than 5 minutes!
Sweet Basil Ice Cream
The perfect ending to your summer evening is a sweet basil treat. It’s based with vanilla ice cream but adding fresh and dried basil make for a refreshingly light treat.
Vegan Dairy-Free Creamy Basil Pasta
Basil can add a lot of flavor to vegan dishes as well. This creamy basil pasta is both vegan and dairy free! For this dish, the fresh basil adds flavor, while soy milk, ground raw cashews, and nutritional yeast add the cheesy texture without using dairy.
Citrus Basil Shrimp Kebabs
Shrimp marinated in fresh basil, citrus juice, garlic and olive oil and grilled to perfection. Sounds like a perfect, quick summer meal!
Caprese Pasta
Change up your noodle game by making caprese pasta this summer. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly easy. Fresh basil adds the perfect flavor.
Corn Tomato Basil Salad
For this quick and simple recipe, sweet corn kernels are tossed with basil and chopped tomatoes. Then a simple shallot vinaigrette tops it off. Yum!
