14 Ways To Use Up All Your Leftover Basil

Don’t let your leftover basil turn to mush in your fridge. This vibrant herb can be used in all sorts of dishes, from soups and salads to cocktails and desserts. (You’ll be running out for more in no time.)

In a side dish: grilled peach-basil caprese salad

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1. In a side dish: grilled peach-basil caprese salad

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Got lots of basil left? This grilled-peach caprese salad needs four cups worth. Serve with barbecued pork tenderloin. Get this balsamic-peach marinated pork tenderloin with caprese salad recipe.

2. In a salad: Thai basil and cilantro salad

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Thai basil has a flavour closer to anise or licorice than sweet basil. Serve it with satay tofu skewers for a flavour explosion. Get this Thai basil and cilantro salad recipe.

3. In a salad roll: Melon, prosciutto salad rolls

Photo, Erik Putz.

The cantaloupe and honeydew add sweetness to these prosciutto salad rolls. A hint of basil rounds out the flavours. Get this cantaloupe, honeydew and prosciutto salad rolls recipe.

4. In pasta: One-pan pasta

Photo, Sian Richards.

Yes, it all cooks in one pot! This time-saving pasta is the perfect answer to rushed weeknight dinners. Get the one-pan pasta recipe.

5. In a classic recipe: Basil pesto

From our onion-basil pesto to this classic basil pesto, this summery sauce can add great flavour to any dish, such as our chicken pesto pasta or a vibrant basil-pesto salad.

6. In a drink: Raspberry-basil mojito

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Mix together mint, basil-infused sugar syrup, raspberries and rum — and a superb summer drink is born. Get this raspberry-basil mojito recipe.

7. On pizza: Grilled pizza

Photo, Erik Putz.

Transform your barbecue into a backyard pizza oven. (It’s the easiest, fastest, most-fun way to have pizza, we promise.) Before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil, and bon appétit! Get this grilled pizza recipe.

8. In the leftovers: Thai chicken rolls

Photo, Erik Putz.

These Thai chicken noodle rolls freshens up the leftovers from last night’s chicken and kale rice bowl. Get this Thai chicken rolls recipe.

9. In dessert: Strawberry and basil meringues

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Light and airy, with a sweet chewy centre, these personal-sized desserts are a great way to showcase simple, elegant summer flavours. Our favourite: ripe strawberries and fresh basil. Get this strawberry and basil meringues recipe.

10. On your burgers: Fresh Italian burger

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Stack it up with caramelized onions, arugula, a beef patty, black pepper cheese, pancetta, roasted tomatoes, basil and aioli between buns. Get this fresh Italian burger recipe.

11. In sandwiches: Strawberry tea sandwiches

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Picnic-perfect. These summer tea sandwiches bring together sweet berries, fragrant basil and creamy cheese in an unforgettable afternoon snack. Get this strawberry tea sandwiches recipe.

12. In a fruit salad: Melon salad with burrata cheese

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Fresh fruit comes alive under fresh mint, basil and creamy burrata cheese. Try it at your next Sunday brunch for a crowd-pleasing treat. Get this melon salad with burrata cheese recipe.

13. In soup: Easy Vietnamese beef pho

Photo, Angus Fergusson.

The fragrant soup lets the pressure cooker do most of the work. Then add noodles and garnishes (think sriracha, fresh lime, basil leaves — a handful! — mint, and bean sprouts), and get slurping. Get this Vietnamese beef pho recipe.

14. In a dinner side: Watermelon, feta and pistachio salad

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

A sweet and svaoury salad that’s so refreshing, you’ll be whipping it up all summer long. Get this watermelon, feta and pistachio salad recipe.

Recipe Collections

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