16 Delicious Ways To Use Fresh Basil

How to keep basil fresh

We recommend storing it in a glass of water, uncovered on the counter or windowsill. (As basil is sensitive to the cold, fridge temperatures often turn the leaves black.)

On pizza: Whole wheat Mediterranean pizza with ajvar

Pizza gets a makeover with a homemade ajvar–a tomato and eggplant sauce–as the base, plus lots of basil. Get this whole wheat Mediterranean pizza with ajvar recipe.

In a side dish: grilled peach-basil caprese salad

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. 

In a salad: Thai basil and cilantro salad

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.

Paired with tuna in a hearty salad: Tuna panzanella salad

When the sun’s blazing and the mercury’s rising, try a refreshing no-cook salad to cool you down. Get this tuna panzanella salad recipe.

In a salad roll: Melon, prosciutto salad rolls

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.

In pasta: One-pan pasta

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.

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.

In a drink: Raspberry-basil mojito

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

On pizza: Grilled pizza

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.

In the leftovers: Thai chicken rolls

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

In dessert: Strawberry and basil meringues

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.

On your burgers: Fresh Italian burger

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.

In sandwiches: Strawberry tea sandwiches

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.

In a fruit salad: Melon salad with burrata cheese

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.

In soup: Pressure-cooker Vietnamese beef pho

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.

In a dinner side: Watermelon, feta and pistachio salad

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.

How to make no-cook shrimp, mango and avocado rolls