Recipe Collections

16 Delicious Ways To Use Fresh Basil

If you have it in the garden—or bought a large bunch at the market—here's how to use it all up, without any going to waste.

By Chatelaine Updated August 9, 2021

Grilled pizza recipe: Partly sliced grilled pizza on a wooden cutting board, topped with cheese, basil and prosciutto.

(Photo: Erik Putz)

Don’t let 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.)

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.)

overhead shot of Whole Wheat Mediterranean Pizza with Ajvar on a cutting board

Photo, Carmen Cheung. Food styling, Ashley Denton. Prop styling, Madeleine Johari.

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.

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