We know of these leaves due to their medicinal and anti-bacterial properties, but are you aware of the recipes we can use them to make? They have an earthy flavor which makes the dishes refreshing, and you’ll want to make more using them. They’re extremely good for making cool drinks in summer that aid in digestion, and winter you can consume the leaves with honey to keep away cold and cough. It also gives a natural green color to the food preparations and makes them look attractive. You can readily chop them fresh and use them to garnish various salads. Let’s look at the various recipes where we can use basil leaves.
1. Tomato Basil Pasta
Kids love to snack on pasta, and you can make it quickly with the right ingredients. Tomatoes infuse a tangy flavor with their mushiness, and fresh basil leaves add to the peppery refreshing flavor. Use balsamic vinegar to elevate the dish and top it with cheese for a delicious creaminess.
2. Basil Pesto
You can quickly make pesto at home and use it to give your pasta and pizza recipes a unique taste and flavor. Make this pesto using pine nuts, garlic, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and parmesan cheese. Your recipes will turn out more refreshing and creamy after using this pesto to make them.
3. Basil Pizza
This is a unique way to feed your children healthy food by including fresh basil leaves as a peppery topping over pizzas. You can readily use basil pesto over the pizza for a refreshing flavor. Add tomatoes and cheese to elevate the flavor. Black pepper will add to the spiciness if you choose to use it.
4. Tomato Basil Soup
This recipe is creamy in texture with the goodness of various vegetables and fresh basil leaves. Serve with bread for a delicious meal or snack on it in the evenings. You can easily make this soup at home with your choice of ingredients and increase your health benefits. This is a vegan soup low in calories and suits the diet you’re following.
5. Caprese Salad
If you’re fond of salads then you should try this refreshing one to give your taste buds unique flavors to savor. This recipe includes tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil. Add pepper according to your choice of spiciness and enjoy a healthy snack. You’ll love how this salad refreshes our mood.
6. Tomato Basil Sauce
You can quickly make this sauce at home with the right ingredients. This sauce uses fresh basil leaves, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt. You can add a bit of sugar or pepper to elevate the flavor and taste. Moreover, you can use this sauce to top your pizza layers and make delicious pasta recipes with it. You can use it for making sandwiches too.
7. Pesto Salmon
Some sea foods contain omega-3 fatty acids that are good for our healthcare. Salmon is one of that seafood, and you can easily bake it and make varieties of recipes using it. Top your baked salmon recipes with basil pesto and enjoy your meal. You can readily make it at home and serve it on occasion and enjoy it with your dear ones.
8. Classic Pistou
Want an easy version of making pesto? Here’s another option to make a refreshing pesto-like sauce with three ingredients only. Use olive oil, basil leaves, and garlic to make this delicious Pistou at home and spread it over pizzas, or use it in chow or pasta recipes for a refreshing taste and peppery flavor.
9. Pesto Cavatappi
You can quickly make pesto at home with basil leaves and a few ingredients and use it to create delicious unique recipes. This is a creamy pasta recipe you’ll love to make as it is quick and easy. This recipe includes parmesan cheese, pasta, heavy cream, and basil pesto. Combine the pesto with heavy cream then use it in your pasta recipe and enjoy the goodness of refreshing basil leaves.
10. Basil Vinaigrette
Bored of packaged sauces and pestos? Here’s a refreshing take on a sauce that you shouldn’t miss out on. This recipe uses basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, and red wine vinegar. You can readily use it to dress your salads and seafood preparations and serve them for snacks and meals respectively.
11. Basil Oil
Basil oil is one of the easiest ways to use refreshing basil leaves in your recipes and stay healthy. Blanch some basil leaves by boiling them and using olive oil to make basil oil. You can readily use this oil as a sauce with fries or use them to make pasta, chow, or pizza recipes and serve it to guests at home in the evenings and enjoy a comfortable chat.
12. Basil Cocktail
Bored of sugary drinks? Here’s a refreshing drink you should try and calm your mind of the stress and work pressure. This recipe uses cucumber slices, gin, basil leaves, lemon juice, soda water, and simple syrup. Pour some ice cubes and enjoy the summer. You can readily serve it at get-togethers and small occasions at home.
13. Strawberry Basil Cocktail
Try this refreshing drink if you love strawberries and enjoy the peppery flavor of basil. This drink is vegan and gluten-free and adds flavors to your diet. This recipe includes strawberries, sugar, gin, tonic water, and basil leaves. Add some ice cubes for a cooling effect to beat the summer heat. You can readily serve it with main course meals as a side drink or during snack time with spicy snacks.
14. Basil Lemonade
Got extra basil leaves at home? Then make this refreshing drink and sip it to calm your stomach in the summer. Use basil leaves, lemon juice, and honey with cold water, and enjoy. Add ice cubes for a cooling effect. You can quickly serve this drink when guests arrive home in the hot afternoon, and they’ll be pleased with its flavors and freshness.
15. Green Bean And Tuna Salad
A quick way to use basil to improve your health is to use the leaves in your salads and enjoy the peppery flavor with the refreshing taste. This recipe includes red wine vinegar, basil leaves, chopped shallots, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, and white beans along with tuna, green beans, and gem lettuces.
16. Grilled Coconut Shrimp
Shrimps are an easy ingredient to cook non-veg items. This recipe uses basil pesto, shredded coconut, and grilled shrimp. You can quickly make this dish and serve it along with brown rice for a healthy meal and enjoy it with your dear ones. You can use it along with chowmin recipes.
17. Salad Pasta
Add a lot of green vegetables and a bit of pepper, salt, sugar, lemon juice, and boiled pasta to make this recipe. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves and enjoy a light dinner. You can readily serve it along with a soup or cool drink for snacks. This will also make for a healthy breakfast recipe and you can readily pack it in lunchboxes.
18. Lentil Salad
We often try to make various salads but get confused about the ingredients but this recipe will solve your problem. You can quickly make this salad with a few ingredients and have it for lunch. Its refreshing taste will leave you longing for more. Use lentils, basil leaves, crunchy seeds, and creamy yogurt to make this delicious recipe.
19. Pineapple, Blackberry, And Basil Smoothie
You’ll love the peppery and tangy flavors of this smoothie and soon it will be your favorite that you’ll often miss. However, you can readily make it at home with a blender and enjoy the refreshing drink. Use pineapple, blackberries, and basil leaves to make this drink. Pineapple adds sweetness to this smoothie.
20. Strawberry And Watercress Salad
If you love trying various salads then you should try this one. The sweetness and tanginess of strawberries are going to uplift your mood. Watercress and basil leaves are the perfect duo for flavoring this salad. You can use bright rhubarb for attractive color and nutrients to improve your health.
