23 Mouthwatering recipes for basil lovers

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These 23 mouthwatering recipes are perfect for the basil lover in your life! From fresh salads to pasta to dessert, you’ll find a basil recipe that’ll satisfy your cravings.

burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Hearty Marinara Sauce

A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Delight in the flavors of this hearty marinara sauce, a delectable Italian sauce with the aromatic essence of fresh basil and flavorful Italian herbs.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze showcases delicious basil flavor, plus spring mix, plump cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, rich olive oil, and a sweet, tangy balsamic reduction!
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Quick and Easy Simple Basil Pesto

Bright green basil pesto inside a wooden bowl.
Quick and Easy Simple Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This quick and easy Simple Basil Pesto Recipe with only 4 ingredients and done in minutes is one of the must-have condiments in your pantry.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Simple Basil Pesto

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the simplicity of Aglio Olio e Peperoncino, a pasta dish featuring golden garlic, luxurious olive oil, the freshness of basil, and a kick of spiciness from Calabrian chili peppers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Basil Simple Syrup

A jar of basil syrup and basil leaves on a wood cutting board.
Basil Simple Syrup. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Basil simple syrup adds the distinct aroma of fresh Italian herbs to cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. This delicious herb-infused sweetener is easy to make and mix into your favorite libations.
Get the Recipe: Basil Simple Syrup

Almond Pesto

almond pesto in a white bowl surrounded by almonds and basil leaves.
Almond Pesto. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience a twist on the traditional basil pesto with this recipe that substitutes roasted almonds for pine nuts, offering a subtly earthy taste. Drizzle it over pasta or veggie noodles for a delightful culinary experience that spotlights the essence of fresh basil.
Get the Recipe: Almond Pesto

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

In FDL library.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute Tuscan Garlic Shrimp recipe features perfectly-cooked shrimp packed with flavor in a dairy-free garlic sauce with basil. Paired with fresh grape tomatoes and spinach for a beautiful pop of color, this is sure to become a new favorite date night or holiday meal!
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Arugula Caprese Salad

Arugula caprese salad on a white plate next to two forks, a white linen, and a small glass pitcher of balsamic glaze.
Arugula Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the perfect summer salad, a caprese salad with arugula that showcases vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction. The star of this refreshing dish is undoubtedly the fresh basil leaves.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Caprese Salad

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Lemon and Basil

A glass bowl with rice salad inside.
Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Lemon and Basil. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon is a refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and fragrant basil with a tangy lemon dressing. It is easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Lemon and Basil

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken inside cast iron.
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy our Italian Baked Chicken Recipe filled with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil as an Italian meal should be. Those juicy and flavorful Italian chicken breasts baked until golden brown are the way for a perfect summer or winter evening.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Two plates of orzo pesto salad sit on a concrete background with a green linen and copper forks.
Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate your summer salads with this pesto orzo salad recipe, boasting bold and delightful flavors. Basil pesto sauce, tangy feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and the peppery freshness of arugula combine harmoniously, creating a vibrant, flavorful dish that beautifully highlights the freshness of basil.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup

A girl holding a bowl of tomato soup.
Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Our roasted creamy Tomato Soup Recipe with fresh basil and ripe beefsteak tomatoes straight from your garden will warm you up every time throughout the whole winter. Quick and easy to make, this low carb tomato soup recipe is not only grain-free and gluten-free but extremely tasty and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Creamy Tomato Soup

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Let us plan a special Italian evening with our Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil Recipe. Those gluten-free, low carb gnocchi Di Patate are flavored wonderfully with fresh tomato and basil.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

A bowl of pad kee mao with chicken shot from above.
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken. Photo credit: https://allwaysdelicious.com/pad-kee-mao/.

Fresh Thai basil, along with spicy chiles and a savory sauce, gives these rice noodles delicious fresh flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

Strawberry Basil Margaritas

Two strawberry basil margaritas in cactus glasses with a pint of fresh berries on a white background.
Strawberry Basil Margaritas. Photo credit: Feast + West.

From taco night to girls’ night, these Strawberry Basil Margaritas are a fresh choice packed with basil and berry flavor. With all the tastes of the farmers market and a sparkly sugar rim, these tequila-based beauties are sure to be a fan favorite.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Basil Margaritas

Nectarine Basil Upside Down Cake

Nectarine Basil Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This nectarine upside down cake is infused with fresh basil. It’s a gluten free summer treat that goes perfectly with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Nectarine Basil Upside Down Cake

Strawberry Basil Cider Slushies

Strawberry Basil Cider Slushies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These strawberry basil cider slushies are the perfect refreshing summer drink. Just 3 ingredients and your blender for the happiest of happy hours!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Basil Cider Slushies

Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese skewers on a silver tray.
Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Basil lovers will adore this creative way to serve caprese salad. Skewers are a great way to serve this traditional summer dish for a party. This combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar works as either an appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers

Basil Julep

A metal julep cup stands in the center of the photo with a green leaf garnish. Behind it sits a terra cotta pot with basil growing, a mason jar of simple syrup and a metal cocktail jigger
Basil Julep. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The Basil Julep puts a summery twist on this classic whiskey cocktail. Fresh garden basil is a bright, clean addition to the sweet combo of bourbon and sugar, and mounds of crushed ice keep it cold for hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Basil Julep

Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo pasta salad in a blue flowered bowl.
Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add a burst of freshness to your summer cookouts with this lemon basil orzo pasta salad. The zesty lemon dressing, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked orzo create a delightful and light dish that is full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Tuscan White Bean Dip

a teal towel next to a black bowl of tuscan white bean dip.
Tuscan White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Tuscan White Bean Dip has all the Italian flavors you need to bring to a summer party. Featuring basil, white beans, juicy tomatoes, onion, garlic and a medley of fresh herbs, this is an appetizer your guests won’t soon forget.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

In FDL library.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are a perfect appetizer to add to your party menu. Made with fresh basil and Italian seasoning, these baked tomatoes with cheese are juicy, soft, flavorful, and easy to prepare — in less than 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Corn and Tomato Chowder

a bowl of corn and tomato soup with fresh basil.
Corn and Tomato Chowder. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This colorful, flavorful, chowder-style, summertime soup is loaded with fresh corn, tomatoes, and basil. It’s summer in a bowl!
Get the Recipe: Corn and Tomato Chowder

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