This list of basil-infused recipes offers a range of delicious dishes, from appetizers and salads to hearty dinners and refreshing drinks. Basil, with its fresh, aromatic flavor, shines in each one, adding a touch of brightness to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress guests, these recipes are full of flavor and easy to prepare.
From classic combinations like tomato and basil to more unique pairings like strawberry and basil, this collection showcases the versatility of basil in different cuisines. Grilled dishes, fresh salads, and creamy soups are all enhanced by the vibrant taste of this herb, making it a key ingredient for summer cooking.
Whether you’re preparing a simple snack or a full dinner, these recipes will bring a burst of fresh, herby goodness to your table.
Bruschetta Recipe
This simple yet delicious bruschetta recipe focuses on fresh flavors—juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crunchy toasted bread. It’s a classic appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a light and refreshing bite in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Recipe
Smoked Tomato Basil Soup
This tomato basil soup gets an upgrade with smoked tomatoes, adding depth and richness. Combined with basil, garlic, onions, and a touch of cream, it creates a comforting yet elegant dish. Serve it as a cozy winter soup or a bright summer starter.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Basil Soup
Traeger Bruschetta
Give bruschetta a smoky twist by grilling the bread on a Traeger. Topped with the traditional mix of tomatoes, basil, and garlic, this version adds a layer of wood-fired flavor, making it an ideal appetizer for BBQs and outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Bruschetta
Easy Bruschetta Salmon
This bruschetta-inspired salmon features juicy fillets topped with a fresh mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze. It’s a quick, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, blending the bright tastes of Italian cuisine with succulent seafood.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bruschetta Salmon
Traeger Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Grilled chicken gets a fresh upgrade with a basil accent in this light yet satisfying dish. It’s ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, combining tender chicken with the herbaceous flavor of fresh basil.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Perfect Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Basil Garlic Butter
This grilled ribeye steak is seasoned with herbs and spices, then cooked to perfection for a tender and juicy meal. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this steak recipe promises a beautifully seared exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Basil Garlic Butter
Tortellini Caprese Salad
A light, refreshing dish perfect for summer, this tortellini Caprese salad features juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella. It’s a quick meal that comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for lunch or a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Caprese Salad
Roast Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Appetizer
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil come together in this easy appetizer version of the classic Caprese salad. It’s simple and elegant, perfect for parties or as a quick snack that delivers fresh, summery flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roast Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Appetizer
Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto
Creamy burrata, juicy summer tomatoes, and fragrant basil pesto make for a stunning appetizer. This dish is simple to prepare but packed with flavor, making it a great starter for a dinner party or a light summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto
Simple Lemon Basil Pesto
This lemon basil pesto is herby and fresh, with a bright touch of lemon. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a simple sauce that adds vibrant flavor to pasta, sandwiches, or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Simple Lemon Basil Pesto
Honey Balsamic Caprese Chicken Bake
This baked chicken dish brings the classic Caprese combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to juicy chicken breasts, all finished with a honey balsamic glaze. It’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Honey Balsamic Caprese Chicken Bake
Summer Orzo Salad (Risoni Salad)
This summer orzo salad is loaded with cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, and fresh basil, all tossed with a red wine vinaigrette and feta cheese. It’s a light, vegetarian meal that’s easy to throw together in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad (Risoni Salad)
Burrata Caprese with Peaches
This summer salad combines creamy burrata, ripe tomatoes, and sweet peaches, topped with pistachios and a drizzle of basil vinaigrette. It’s an elegant dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Caprese with Peaches
Pesto Aioli
Fresh basil pesto is blended into creamy homemade mayonnaise to create this flavorful pesto aioli. Use it as a dip, spread, or sauce to add a burst of summer flavor to sandwiches, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Aioli
Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
This easy shrimp pasta recipe brings together tender shrimp, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes in a simple yet flavorful dish. It’s a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner that feels light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil come together in this classic Caprese salad, elevated by a drizzle of sweet balsamic reduction. It’s an easy yet elegant dish that’s perfect as a starter or light side.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese-inspired pasta salad combines tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s ideal for a light lunch or as a side dish at summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad
Fried Peanuts with Garlic and Basil
These fried peanuts are a tasty snack, with the aromatic flavors of garlic and basil enhancing their crunch. Perfect for munching on their own or serving as part of an appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Fried Peanuts with Garlic and Basil
Fresh Tomato Basil & Burrata Salad
This summer salad features fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fragrant basil. It’s simple but luxurious, offering a balance of refreshing and indulgent flavors for a perfect side or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Basil & Burrata Salad
Light Tomato Basil Meatball Soup
A comforting bowl of soup that combines tender meatballs with the classic flavors of tomato and basil. It’s a simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Light Tomato Basil Meatball Soup
Strawberry Basil & Honey Goat Cheese Quesadillas
These quesadillas combine the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy tang of honey goat cheese and the fresh aroma of basil. They’re a delightful fusion, perfect for a light lunch or a unique dessert.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Basil & Honey Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
This creamy tomato tortellini soup, made in an Instant Pot, is quick, cheesy, and packed with fresh basil. A comforting and speedy meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
This refreshing summer drink combines sweet strawberries, fragrant basil, and tangy lemon, naturally sweetened with honey. It’s perfect for sipping on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
This fresh Trapanese pesto is made with tomatoes, nuts, and basil for a light, summery sauce. Toss it with pasta for an easy and refreshing meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese
Strawberry Basil Cider Slushies
These strawberry basil cider slushies are the ultimate summer refresher. With just three ingredients and a blender, you’ll have a perfect drink for hot days or happy hour.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Basil Cider Slushies
Basil Mint Squash Noodles
These squash noodles, simply dressed with basil and mint, make for a refreshing side salad or light meal. It’s a quick and healthy dish that’s ready in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Basil Mint Squash Noodles
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet
This one-pan cashew chicken dish is bursting with fresh basil and coated in a savory-sweet sauce. Serve it over rice for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet
Basil Simple Syrup
Add a splash of summer to your drinks and desserts with this easy basil simple syrup. Perfect for cocktails, iced teas, or even drizzling over cakes and ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Basil Simple Syrup
Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil
This Hasselback chicken is stuffed with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, creating a dish that’s both beautiful and flavorful. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and impressive dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil