One of our favorite summer herbs is the ever-so-aromatic basil. We love it not only for its versatility, but its flavor is unlike anything else, and it can be used in everything from savory salads to sweet desserts.
1. Bacon-basil pesto and chicken pizza recipe
Photo credit: Baked by Rachel
This bacon-basil pesto and chicken pizza would make any family pizza night the best night ever.
2. Basil-peppercorn vinaigrette recipe
Photo credit: Savory Simple
Pair your favorite summer salad with this basil-peppercorn vinaigrette, and amp up the flavor.
3. Braided pesto bread recipe
Photo credit: Baked by Rachel
This gorgeous braided pesto bread is a savory addition to your regular breads. Can you imagine a tomato-mozzarella sandwich on this bread? Amazing.
4. Strawberry-basil creamsicles recipe
Photo credit: With Food + Love
These creamy strawberry-basil creamsicles use coconut milk as their base, so they're dairy free and delicious.
5. Spiked basil lemonade recipe
Photo credit: All Day I Dream about Food
Combine the refreshing thirst quencher of lemonade with your late-night cocktail, add some fresh basil, and you've got this spiked basil lemonade that will see you through the night.
6. Tomato-basil pizza dip recipe
Photo credit: Inside BruCrew Life
What better way to use up both your summer tomatoes and basil than in this tomato-basil pizza dip?
7. Quinoa-basil-bean burgers with basil aioli recipe
Photo credit: Spabettie
These quinoa-basil-bean burgers with basil aioli are the perfect choice when catering to soy-free, vegan, dairy- and gluten-free friends. Plus, they are utterly delicious.
8. Wild blueberry-basil hand pies recipe
Photo credit: Crumb Blog
Bake up these wild blueberry-basil hand pies, and treat your friends and family to a tasty baked good with the best that summer has to offer.
9. Peach, basil and chia seed jam recipe
Photo credit: Fork and Beans
Grab a couple of fresh summer peaches, and make this nutritious peach, basil and chia seed jam, perfect for slathering on bread.
10. Strawberry-basil salsa recipe
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie
We're loving this strawberry-basil salsa. A twist on the classic savory tomato salsa, this is a perfect snack for the kids before dinner or to serve on top of tacos.
11. White peach, basil and blueberry mojito recipe
Photo credit: Pineapple + Coconut
Sip on this white peach, basil and blueberry mojito, and forget all your worries. It's the ideal summer cocktail recipe.
12. Basil, honey and walnut gelato recipe
Photo credit: The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
This basil, honey and walnut gelato is unlike any other gelato we have ever tried — and we've tasted our fair share of crazy ice cream flavors.
13. Pesto-asparagus quinoa recipe
Photo credit: Oh, Sweet Basil
Don't have a ton of time to make dinner? Make this pesto-asparagus quinoa, but here's a tip: Always have cooked quinoa in the fridge to whip up quick whole-grain meals.
14. Basil and cherry pie crumble bars recipe
Photo credit: Diethood
Layers of fresh basil, cherries and graham cracker crumble make up these basil and cherry pie crumble bars, which we think are the perfect dessert to bring to a cookout.
15. Summer peach and basil sangria recipe
Photo credit: The View from Great Island
Make a big batch of this summer peach and basil sangria, and your party has already started.
16. Beet-green pesto recipe
Photo credit: Nutmeg Nanny
Don't throw away those beet greens. Make this beet-green pesto, and serve it alongside sandwiches, salads and pastas.
17. Grilled peach, Brie and basil sandwich recipe
Photo credit: Two Peas & Their Pod
Bring a savory component to classic peach recipes with this grilled peach, Brie and basil sandwich, packed with flavor from the fresh basil, creamy Brie and juicy peaches.
More basil recipes
Cold pasta salad with asparagus, feta, blueberries and basil
Growing basil
Simple Italian salad