Fresh basil is one of our favorite parts of summer. It's herbal, refreshing and remarkably versatile. It can liven up a pasta sauce or salad, even a cocktail or dessert. There's pretty much nothing that basil can't hang with, which is why it should be you go-to herb from here on out.
While we typically use just a few varieties -- the sweet Italian kind, known as Sweet Genovese; Thai basil, most often used in Asian cuisine; and Purple Opal basil, a fun addition to cocktails -- there are actually more than 60 types of basil to choose from.
To get the strongest basil flavor, add fresh leaves in at the end of your cooking (though that may vary with the recipe). However you use it, don't be shy. Experiment with adding basil to recipes you might not think to use it in. We promise, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Here are 34 ways to make the most of fresh basil this summer.
Fried Mozzarella, Basil and Nectarine Stacks with Balsamic Glaze
Basil Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
Basil Cornmeal Sandwich Shortbread With Apricot Filling
Nectarine Pizza With Fresh Basil And Reduced Balsamic
Prosciutto Pesto Pizza Twists
Greek Olive Pesto And Fried Zucchini Grilled Pitas With Marinated Feta And Garbanzo Beans
Tomato And Peach Salad With Red Onion And Basil
Peach Bruschetta With Goat Cheese, Basil And Honey
20-Minute Basil Cashew Chicken
Peach And Basil Arnold Palmer
Smashed Grape Cocktail With Basil
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon Balls
Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers
15-Minute Zucchini Pasta With Poached Eggs And Quick Heirloom Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce
Caramelized Peach Caprese Salad With Smoked Sea Salt
