What to do with basil besides pesto. Made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, P...
What to do with basil besides pesto. Made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil, this flavorful concoction can elevate your cooking game with its incredible taste and aroma. 164 votes, 162 comments. 4 days ago · I usually start with three parts of pesto, one part of vinegar or lemon, and one part of olive oil. Forget limiting this fragrant herb to a single sauce; discover a world of culinary possibilities, from infused oils to refreshing cocktails, elevating your dishes with its sweet and peppery notes. Rather than using a leaf or two as a garnish, this recipe calls for 10 leaves per cocktail, plus more for garnishing. Pesto A true Italian delight, pesto is one of my all-time favorite sauces. It’s a simple yet delicious way to showcase the bright and fresh flavors of basil. Strain the tea and enjoy as is, or add honey and lemon to taste. How do I prevent my pesto from turning brown? Cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil before storing it in the refrigerator to minimize 2 days ago · Can you use frozen basil leaves in other recipes besides pesto, and what are some tips for incorporating them into your cooking? Frozen basil leaves can be used in a variety of recipes beyond pesto, including soups, stews, sauces, and braising liquids. When basil is unavailable for pesto, alternatives such as parsley, cilantro, spinach, or arugula can provide similar freshness and flavor. Jul 16, 2024 · What to do with too much basil? Here are some tips for using up your basil. In this article, well explore five delicious ways to use up your basil, including freezing, making pesto, adding it to salads and sauces, using it in meat dishes, and some creative uses of basil. Not just for pesto and pasta, let’s talk about how to use fresh basil to make lime basil fizz, basil herb butter, basil vinegar, and more. But there are lots of other things basil does well. When you have an excess amount of fresh basil, you may be asking yourself what to do with it. ’ Ingredients Basil leaves – 2 cups Parmesan cheese – ½ cup Jul 20, 2025 · We’ve got easy staples like homemade basil pesto and bright basil vinaigrette that works on everything from salads to grilled veggies. Jun 12, 2025 · Your basil plant is thriving… maybe too thriving. Add it to any salad. It’s a reliable way to use up fresh basil before it goes bad. Jun 13, 2023 · Learn how to use any herb in pesto! This is an easily customizable recipe to substitute basil in pesto. Aug 5, 2019 · Wondering how to use Pesto, besides pasta? Here are 30 amazing recipes using Pesto (appetizers, entrees, and more) that your whole family will love! Sep 4, 2019 · PESTO IS A NOBLE USE OF FRESH BASIL, NO ARGUMENT HERE. Read on to find out what to do if you have too much basil! Feb 4, 2025 · Between the juicy chicken, zingy baked tofu, and fresh homemade bread, these recipes with pesto are here to kick your weekly dinner menu up a notch. According to The Kitchn, you can actually consider this herbaceous Italian condiment — traditionally made with basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and pine nuts — versatile! Try mixing pesto into dips, cottage cheese, or 4 days ago · To simplify preparation when using larger ingredients, you can use a pestle or blender. This fragrant herb adds brightness, depth, and a punch of flavor to everything from pasta to desserts. If you're looking for something to do other than eat the basil, I love cocktails and drinks in general with basil in it. Pesto, a delicious and versatile sauce, is a delightful addition to various dishes in your kitchen. Sep 13, 2016 · Preserve basil when abundant in summer with recipes for canning, freezing, refrigerating, drying, and more to enjoy all winter long. Step 2 Put chicken halves in a bowl or large heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and cover with three-quarters of the Green Goddess marinade. Learn how to make tomato sauce with basil, salads with basil, basil vinaigrette, and how to dry basil for seasoning. From caprese salad to basil-infused ice cream, there’s a variety of creative uses for basil. Plus, I share my best herb-growing tips. This recipe calls for sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. Feb 18, 2026 · Discover what to do with basil besides pesto—from infusing oils to baking desserts and natural remedies. Pesto is also a great way to use up an abundance of many different herbs. Whether your garden’s overflowing or you just picked up a big bunch at the store, here are 20 fresh basil recipes that go way beyond your basic sauce. Luckily, there are plenty of creative ways to use up excess basil and avoid letting it go to waste. 3 days ago · Here’s what you’ll need for this pesto party: 50g of trimmed carrot tops (we want the good stuff!), 30g of fresh basil (because, yum), 1-2 cloves of garlic (garlic is life!), 60g of walnuts, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons of water (maybe more, we’ll see!), salt and pepper to taste Whether basil is out of season, too expensive, or you just want to try something new, here are six alternative pesto recipes you can make. 3 days ago · I have a ton of left over noodles I made for spaghetti . Explore basil-infused dishes from different cuisines like Italian, Vietnamese, and Thai. The sweet aroma and intense flavour elevates every dish. Sep 4, 2024 · Need to know what to do with too much basil? I think I could be of some assistance! Just read this article, and you shall find out exactly how to use up your leftover basil. May 23, 2023 · Of course, this list of basil recipes includes plenty of ideas for pesto, but it also shows you tons of other ways to use fresh, flavorful basil, too! From summer salads and BBQ side dishes to main courses and colorful cocktails, this list of basil recipes proves just how versatile the little herb can be. Aug 7, 2025 · From the best homemade pesto recipe (classic basil or even mint), to favorite recipes featuring pesto (pasta, salads, sandwiches, and mains!), these pesto recipes give you all the ways to dive in to the much-loved sauce. You bought it with the best intentions—maybe for one dinner or to feel a little fancy—and now it’s sitting there, waiting. In this article, we will delve into the various ways You can buy basil in dried form, but it is best when fresh. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. What to Do with Basil Other Than Pesto? Beyond its iconic transformation into vibrant pesto, basil offers a surprising versatility deserving of exploration. But if you’re tired of churning out endless amounts of pesto, here are 8 more interesting things you can make with basil. Jun 11, 2024 · Discover what to do with basil besides making pesto. Users suggest lemon basil cocktails, Thai dishes, salads, and desserts. Why use a substitute for basil? Perhaps like me, you don't like the way basil tastes, or maybe you just don't have any fresh basil. We have pesto to make. From pasta to pizza, sandwiches to salads But what if you don’t like Basil or don’t have any? There are plenty of substitutes you can use for basil and still create a delicious pesto. Here are seven recipes to use up the last of this season’s bounty in your garden. Are you drowning in fragrant green leaves, desperately searching for a way to use it all before it turns into a sad, brown, basil-flavored raisin? Fear not, fellow garden enthusiast! We’ve got you covered with 17 fresh basil recipes, proving there’s more to life than just pesto Apr 6, 2021 · A simple pesto sauce or bowl of pasta are always good choices, as are tossing a handful of fresh basil leaves into your salad or punching up the flavor of a stir-fry. Make a mojito with basil instead. Its fragrant leaves add a unique flavor to salads, pasta, pesto, and many other dishes. Pesto, the classic Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, has become a staple in many kitchens around the world. Jun 8, 2023 · Here are 54 delicious recipes to use up pesto. Its peppery sweetness and unmistakable aroma invite creativity far beyond the usual suspects. May 24, 2024 · You can add a bit of heavy cream for a creamy pesto sauce or go dairy-free for a vegan pesto. It’s perfect for pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Aug 11, 2025 · Discover unique ways to use fresh basil from your garden beyond classic pesto—think basil ice cream, infused oils, and more delicious ideas. So we’re often still left with lots of basil once the pesto is made. To make a basic basil tea, steep 1-2 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Caprese is not the only salad that benefits from basil. May 20, 2025 · Fresh basil isn’t just for pesto—though pesto is undeniably a culinary gem. Break the rules and make it with garlic scapes, sun-dried tomatoes, or walnuts and arugula. Besides its fancy flavor, it's super easy to make, especially if you have a blender. If you find the basil flavor is too strong, try replacing half of the basil with spinach. If you find yourself with an abundance of basil, whether from your garden or a generous friend, you may be wondering what to do with all of it. 5 days ago · Broccoli Pesto Pizza Ellie makes her own pesto in this recipe but you could just as easily add jarred pesto to the broccoli instead of the Parmesan, basil and olive oil. Make a simple herb oil. Some of our favorite recipes that call for fresh basil include Tortellini Basil Salad and Shrimp and Basil Stir-Fry. Get your basil ready. May 21, 2024 · If you've ever wondered what to make with pesto besides pasta, you'll love this collection of simple ideas and easy vegan recipes using pesto. Basil is a summertime favourite (you can learn all about Basil here) that's often teamed up with fresh summer tomatoes or, turned into pesto. Making fresh pesto at home is surprisingly simple and the flavor difference is huge. The best substitutes for basil in pesto are either leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, arugula, watercress or even seaweed, or herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, mint, sage or tarragon. Dec 31, 2023 · Add a salty tang to standard pesto by using sun-dried tomatoes. Exploring these options can enhance your cooking and help you make the most of what you have on hand. With this recipe, anything goes! Try it with pasta, soups, dips, sandwiches and more. Step 1 In a blender, purée buttermilk, basil, chives, garlic, anchovies (if using), scallion, lime zest and juice, salt and pepper until smooth. In this article, we will explore seven interesting trends related to what to do with excess basil, as Jul 16, 2022 · Tips and tricks for storing leftover basil and my favorite recipes to use it up - from pesto to pasta to salads and more! Basil is a popular herb that is commonly used in various culinary dishes around the world. Basil flourishes in hot, dry weather, and so, at the height of summer, we're tossing the bright green, refreshing leaves into everything we can. There are also classic, fresh favorites like caprese salad, tomato basil bruschetta, and panzanella salad — perfect for summer meals. I’d love hear your own ideas for this too in the comments! Recipes! This is an obvious reason, but besides pesto, basil isn’t usually a main ingredient in recipes. That said, if you're fresh out of this signature herb, these substitutes for basil work in a pinch. Jul 12, 2019 · Get the most out of basil season with these 28 basil recipes! They're all fresh, fun, easy, and delicious. Jul 23, 2025 · Got basil plants that just won't quit? Here are all the recipes you need—for main dishes, salads, dessert, and drinks—to put them to use. Traditionally pesto is made with fresh basil but there are so many other substitutes for basil you can try. What to do with pesto besides pasta? Whatever type of pesto you choose, you will have understood that this little green sauce has more than one trick up its sleeve, and can be found in a multitude of recipes, in addition to the classic pesto pasta. Mar 15, 2022 · Pesto is a delicious way to add flavor to so many dishes. Need some ideas on what to do with pesto? You can do more than dress your linguine with this fresh, fragrant green sauce. Maximize your herb harvest with these expert tips. Jul 14, 2020 · Our favorite easy summer dinners involve creative ways to use pesto. The soup, typically some mix of onions Dec 17, 2025 · Classic Basil Pesto Pasta Hold onto your hats, pasta lovers, because we’re about to dive fork-first into the world of Classic Basil Pesto Pasta—a dish so vibrant, it’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. How to Make Pesto Without Basil? Yes, absolutely! Basil is the traditional cornerstone of pesto, but its absence doesn’t preclude enjoying this vibrant sauce. And if you’ve got more than you know what to do with, you can preserve basil in the freezer where it will last for months and months. For this recipe, you’ll only need fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Think unexpected desserts, bold drinks, and savory twists that bring new life to your kitchen routine. While it is most commonly associated with pasta dishes, pesto’s rich, herby flavor and creamy texture make it an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make this homemade pesto. Jun 26, 2024 · Summary Discover unique ways to incorporate fresh basil beyond traditional pesto. 1 day ago · This basil pesto with walnuts recipe delivers a bright, nutty flavor that’s incredibly versatile. These 12 fresh takes on Jun 5, 2020 · Wondering what to do with basil when you harvest it? These 16 basil recipes will help you use and preserve your garden-fresh herbs. Oct 23, 2020 · There are, like, a million (okay, maybe a couple dozen) other ways you can work pesto into your culinary adventures. Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto Basil Aioli Basil Aioli. My plants are still huge and may grow for a couple more weeks. Have an overflow of basil in your garden and looking for what to do with it besides make pesto? Here are 3 easy recipes using basil that aren't pesto. Parsley: A Fresh Alternative Parsley is a versatile herb that can stand Try our delicious recipes featuring basil, the essential base for pesto, as a star ingredient. It’s not so much that I tire of pesto; I tire of making it, and of purchasing the other, non-basil ingredients required to make it. What to do with lots of basil? **The best way to make use of a surplus of basil is by making homemade pesto sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie. There’s a lot of great recipes to use it in besides pesto. Get the Homemade Pesto Jul 16, 2021 · When you can't eat another bite of pesto, but you've still got tons of fresh basil, we've got some great ideas to help you use it all up. Aug 15, 2024 · Got fresh basil? Here are the best basil recipes for using that bright green peppery herb, from pesto to drinks to pizza. Aug 21, 2023 · It’s not so much that I tire of pesto; I tire of making it, and of purchasing the other, non-basil ingredients required to make it. I've made nearly 2 dozen jars of pesto and at this point I think thats enough. Jul 18, 2024 · We love using basil to add color, flavor, and a bit of fanciness to every meal. Chicken Pesto Salad: Toss cooked chicken and pesto with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and perhaps some fresh mozzarella or feta cheese. This vibrant green sauce is a staple for good reason-it's punchy, garlicky, herby, and can instantly transform simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. Basil tea can be used to soothe digestive issues, reduce stress and anxiety, and even alleviate headaches. . From potato salad to pesto chicken, pesto sauce brightens up so many of your favorite everyday dishes. Though predominantly associated with Mediterranean Feb 18, 2025 · It’s a universal truth that fresh basil is impossible to use up. Aug 8, 2024 · One of the main ways we eat basil during the summer is with tomatoes, mozzarella, and really good balsamic vinegar. Blend it into mayonnaise. Besides being pretty and delicious, this cocktail is helpful, useful even. If you are lucky enough to have more basil than you know what to do with, read on for some ideas to take your basil usage beyond pesto and into creative, new, and delicious territory. Soupe au Pistou At the heart of the robust vegetable soup pictured above is pistou, a Provençal sauce closer in garlicky flavor to chimichurri sauce than pesto. You can even add basil to your homemade salad dressings for an extra layer of complexity. These ideas are quick, no-nonsense, and actually useful for everyday Jun 1, 2025 · Explore the endless possibilities of fresh basil with these mouthwatering snacks & small plates. Taste it and adjust the ratios, depending on the type of pesto you’re using. Jul 2, 2024 · Use up all of your fresh basil with a bevy of recipes that put the vibrant herb to good use. Aug 10, 2020 · How to use basil in recipes other than pesto Basil is a such a fragrant herb that adds incredible flavor to everything from appetizers to dinner ideas. 14 hours ago · What else can I use basil pesto for besides pasta? Pesto is versatile! Use it as a spread on sandwiches, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or mixed into dips and salad dressings. Let your food processor do the work, and bingo — you'll have a fresh and versatile Discover 25 creative ways to use basil in your kitchen—from salads and sauces to desserts and drinks—tips from a cook-gardener. Even the saddest, most pathetic looking herbs taste good when blended into mayo and spread on a sandwich. ** Pesto is a classic Italian sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, sandwiches, or even as a marinade for grilled meats. Jun 7, 2025 · This six-ingredient pesto is a quick, no-cook sauce that works for pasta, dips, or spreads. Jul 3, 2023 · Substitutes for Basil Basil's unique flavor toes the line between sweet and peppery with just a hint of minty goodness. You can also substitute walnuts or almonds for pine nuts. Pesto – This green sauce usually consists of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Oct 22, 2022 · Basil isn’t just for pesto or sprinkling over pizza—it’s a vibrant herb that can transform the simplest dish into something unforgettable. With garlic and lemon, this basil aioli adds a punchy kick to burgers, fries, or grilled vegetables. Make some simple syrup and toss some basil leaves for a basil simple syrup and add that to ice tea. This fresh and vibrant sauce comes together in minutes with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil—and once you've made it from scratch, you'll never want to go back to store-bought. I switched things up a little a couple weeks ago and used burrata cheese instead of traditional fresh mozzarella, peaches instead of tomatoes, and added prosciutto. From the benefits of basil to a classic pesto recipe and creative ways to use it, you can dish up something unique and delicious. Luckily, there are plenty of creative ways to use up your surplus basil Aug 26, 2017 · What Should I Do With My Basil (Besides Make Pesto)? Got more basil than you know what to do with? August 26, 2017 Alyssa Ruane Alyssa Ruane These basil plants are beginning to flower at the top. Once you’ve gotten the taste and texture nailed down, use it as you would like any other salad dressing. Apr 28, 2025 · Try pestos beyond basil with fresh ingredients from your April harvest. Sep 1, 2024 · Basil is the ultimate herb: a little sweet, a little savory, totally vibrant, and the easiest to grow at home, regardless of whether you have a big space or not. Shake up a cocktail. Somehow, no matter how much you use, there are also some leftovers. This flavorful herb shines in many dishes! Jan 9, 2026 · If you've got a jar of basil pesto in your fridge (or a fresh batch you just whipped up), you can use it in one of these Easy and Creative Recipes with Basil Pesto for a perfect lunch or dinner. We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. The most commonly known pairing of basil is with tomatoes, but here are other foods that go well with basil along with recipe ideas and May 28, 2019 · When basil is abundant in the garden or at the farmers market, enjoy it in these sweet or savory basil recipes. Jun 17, 2025 · Wondering what to do with pesto? If you've got leftover sauce to use before it goes bad (store-bought or homemade), you're in luck! We've rounded up almost 50 of our favorite ways to use prepared basil pesto. Basil flowers are edible (just a bit less potent than the leaves) and make great garnishes. Try incorporating fresh basil into a caprese salad, or sprinkle chopped basil over roasted vegetables for a fresh, aromatic touch. Recipe Ideas for using Basil that are not Pesto Margarita Pizza Prosciutto Pizza Garlic pasta with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil Prosciutto appetizer with apples Bruschetta Basil is such a great addition to pizza! Even if you’re not making Not just for pesto and pasta, let’s talk about how to use fresh basil to make lime basil fizz, basil herb butter, basil vinegar, and more. Green salads—the leaf-based ones—are usually made with somewhat bland leaves; basil is also a leaf, but a leaf with far more flavor than romaine. Jun 10, 2025 · Here are 38 pesto recipes that use basil (as well as other leafy greens, nuts, and seeds) to make many different versions of this delicious, herbaceous sauce. Yum!! I thought it would be fun to round up a few other ways to use basil, including the pesto I made the other Aug 12, 2025 · Caitlin Bensel 1 Homemade Pesto You can't really dive into a list of pesto recipes without starting with, well, pesto itself. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and faster than you can say ‘al dente. This post may contain affiliate links that What can I do with basil besides pesto? We have an abundance of basil in our garden and would appreciate advice! Nov 17, 2025 · Pesto, originating from Genoa, Italy, is traditionally made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Jun 17, 2022 · 1. My basil plant is growing out of control, any recommendations beyond pesto? May 18, 2025 · Our best basil recipes—including pastas, salads, summer cocktails, and more—are packed with fresh, herbaceous flavor. Each herb or green offers a unique twist, making your pesto deliciously versatile. However, if you have a surplus of basil on your hands, you may be wondering what to do with it all. And whether you're making homemade pesto, Italian classics, Mediterranean fare, or a simple Caprese salad, you need basil. To make pesto, blend together fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, grated Nov 17, 2025 · Chicken Pesto Pizza: Spread pesto on pizza dough instead of tomato sauce, top with cooked chicken, mozzarella, and your favorite veggies. Plus, well cover tips for storing fresh basil so that you can enjoy this herb all year round. Whether you're in the mood for a quick and easy sheet pan dinner to feed a family, an irresistible appetizer made with frozen puff pastry, or a delicious and savory breakfast with a hint Aug 13, 2025 · A simple pesto sauce or bowl of pasta are always good choices, as are tossing a handful of fresh basil leaves into your salad or punching up the flavor of a stir-fry. Find your next favorite basil dish here. We’ll share our best pesto recipe, as well as pesto with other herbs. Explore delicious recipes and health benefits of basil in our latest blog post. I have a couple ziplocs of fresh frozen basil going, and 2 ice cube trays of chopped basil/olive oil mix. And while summertime brings an abundance of basil, the traditional herb in pesto, don’t be afraid to try other herbs or greens instead. Check out our 28 fresh basil recipes for ideas—it’s not just a garnish anymore. This is particularly useful if your basil is starting to look a little tired. Exploring Alternative Uses for Basil Basil is a versatile herb that is commonly used in a variety of dishes, but Read moreWhat to do with basil besides pesto? What to do with Basil Besides Pesto? Basil can also be used to make delicious herbal teas and infusions. Muddle some basil and strawberries, and mix it with some gin and tonic. Jun 7, 2025 · If you're staring down a bunch of basil that’s starting to droop, these are some great ways to use up basil before it wilts into a soggy mess. These recipes add flavor to any meal and are perfect for spring. Here are 26 fresh basil recipes to use up the bunch. At this point I'm looking for other stuff I can do with it besides pesto or just freezing. But we wanted to find some ways to cook with basil that aren't pesto - because you can only eat and freeze so much pesto. Mar 4, 2026 · Our basil recipes include classics like pesto, but also salads, appetizers, main courses, and even desserts where this fragrant herb shines. Using alternative greens and nuts, and adjusting the ratios slightly, allows you to create delicious pesto variations that are just as flavorful, versatile, and satisfying as the original. I need some ideas of what I can do with it besides pasta salad or chicken Alfredo ?? Jun 23, 2022 · This combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is so simple yet delicious. Perfect for gatherings or a light bite at home, these recipes are sure to impress. Jul 12, 2024 · How to use a bunch of basil and think beyond pesto Pesto is great, but basil can be used in a variety ways, including in sweet and savory dishes. Basil is a versatile herb that is commonly used in cooking to add flavor and depth to dishes. The result is a vibrant, herbaceous, and intensely flavorful sauce that coats pasta beautifully. nhfyyxtxtncoiegjfmygdcpybnjuruwbamkygmcqixrwerkzvg