When it comes to cooking, few herbs can match the versatility and flavor of sweet basil. From classic Italian dishes to refreshing summer salads, this fragrant herb is a staple in many cuisines around the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next dinner party, sweet basil is an essential ingredient that’s sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the best of what sweet basil has to offer. From creamy pasta dishes and savory stir-fries to refreshing drinks and decadent desserts, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal. So let’s get started and discover the incredible world of sweet basil cooking!
Classic Sweet Basil Pesto Pasta
This beloved Italian dish is a staple of summer cuisine, with the sweetness of fresh basil perfectly balancing the richness of olive oil and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine)
– 1 cup fresh sweet basil leaves
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Process until the mixture is well combined and slightly smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Process until the pesto sauce is creamy and well blended.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and process until well combined.
5. Toss cooked pasta with pesto sauce, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caprese Salad with Fresh Sweet Basil
A classic Italian salad that’s simplicity is its greatest strength. This colorful medley of flavors and textures requires only a few, fresh ingredients to shine.
Ingredients:
– 3 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup fresh sweet basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. Arrange tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top tomatoes with mozzarella cheese rounds.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad in a zig-zag pattern.
4. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the salad.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Total time: 10 minutes
Thai Sweet Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
Thai Sweet Basil Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the streets of Bangkok with this flavorful and easy-to-make Thai Sweet Basil Chicken Stir-Fry!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh Thai sweet basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup toasted peanuts or cashews (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp of oil, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and chopped Thai sweet basil. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add chicken back into the pan and stir to coat with the sweet basil sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Basil and Tomato Bruschetta
This classic Italian-inspired appetizer combines fresh flavors of sweet basil and juicy tomatoes with crispy toasted bread, perfect for a quick and elegant gathering or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh sweet basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and minced garlic.
3. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Top toasted bread rounds with tomato-basil mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Creamy Sweet Basil Pesto Pizza
A twist on traditional pesto pizza, this recipe combines the classic flavors of basil and garlic with a hint of sweetness and creamy texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup creamy pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup sweetened cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped prosciutto or red onion for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Spread creamy pesto sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
4. Mix sweetened cream cheese with mozzarella cheese and spread evenly over the pesto.
5. Top with sliced basil leaves and optional prosciutto or red onion.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Basil Lemonade with a Twist
Elevate your classic lemonade game with the brightness of basil and a hint of sweetness!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add the honey and stir until dissolved.
5. Chill the lemonade further if desired, then serve over ice.
Cooking Time: None!
Sweet Basil Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of fresh basil with the richness of olive oil. Perfect for dressing salads, enhancing pasta dishes, or adding a burst of flavor to breads and crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh sweet basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the basil leaves with cold water, gently pat dry with paper towels, and remove any stems.
2. Place the basil leaves in a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Pour the olive oil over the basil leaves, making sure they are completely covered.
4. If desired, add the lemon juice to enhance the flavor and aroma.
5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. After 24 hours, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 24 hours
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
Sweet Basil and Garlic Butter Shrimp
Savor the flavors of Italy with this succulent shrimp recipe infused with sweet basil and garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped sweet basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, and salt.
3. Add the shrimp to the garlic butter mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
5. Drizzle the sweet basil leaves over the shrimp and sprinkle with pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Serve: With lemon wedges, if desired.
Sweet Basil Margherita Flatbread
This recipe takes the classic Italian flatbread to the next level by adding sweet and tangy flavors from fresh basil and a hint of sugar. Perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and roll out into a thin circle.
6. Sprinkle basil leaves, sugar, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
7. Fold the edges of the crust up over the filling to create a rustic border.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sweet Basil and Pine Nut Risotto
This creamy risotto is infused with the sweetness of fresh basil and the crunch of toasted pine nuts, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice; cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add wine (if using); cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed.
5. Warm broth in a separate pot; add to rice mixture, stirring constantly, and cook in 1/2 cup increments, until liquid is almost absorbed.
6. Stir in basil and pine nuts; season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Basil Mojito Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito, featuring sweet basil and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz triple sec
– Handful of ice
– Fresh mint leaves and sweet basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint and sweet basil leaves with a muddler or spoon to release their oils and flavors.
2. Add lime juice, simple syrup, and triple sec to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water and garnish with additional mint and sweet basil leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just minutes.
Sweet Basil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dish with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of basil with the creaminess of goat cheese. This delightful stuffing is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sweet basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the goat cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Basil and Coconut Curry Soup
This creamy and aromatic soup is a perfect blend of sweet basil and savory coconut curry, sure to warm your heart and belly on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup sweet basil leaves
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in coconut milk, vegetable broth, sweet basil leaves, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Basil and Strawberry Summer Salad
This refreshing summer salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with the brightness of basil, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch for warm weather gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and visually appealing salad that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh sweet basil leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries and chopped basil.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
3. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the top of the salad.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just assemble and serve!)
Sweet Basil and Lemon Sorbet
Sweet Basil and Lemon Sorbet Recipe
Brighten up your dessert game with this refreshing sorbet that combines the sweetness of basil with the tanginess of lemon. This simple recipe is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a light and revitalizing treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sweet basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, basil leaves, and honey. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard the solids.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once set, scoop and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + chilling time
Sweet Basil and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Basil and Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe
A flavorful twist on classic roasted potatoes, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of basil with the pungency of garlic for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh sweet basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes with garlic, basil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and gently stir to combine.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the potato mixture out in a single layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping them halfway through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sweet Basil and Mango Salsa
This refreshing salsa combines the sweetness of ripe mango with the bright flavor of fresh basil, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying this delicious condiment in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh sweet basil leaves, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine mango, basil, jalapeño, and lime juice.
2. Stir in honey until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (mostly prep time)
Sweet Basil and Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and visually stunning recipe. Pan-seared salmon fillets are topped with a crispy crust of sweet basil, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs for a delightful combination of textures.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a plate or tray. Brush both sides with the basil mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the salmon, followed by panko breadcrumbs.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it shimmers slightly.
6. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, crust-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Sweet basil is a versatile herb that adds flavor and fragrance to many dishes. In this article, we’ve gathered 18 sweet basil recipes for every occasion. From classic pasta dishes like Pesto Pasta to refreshing cocktails like Sweet Basil Mojito, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the flavors of Italy with Caprese Salad or Bruschetta, or add a twist to your pizza game with Creamy Pesto Pizza. These recipes are perfect for special occasions, everyday meals, or as a gift for friends and family. Get creative in the kitchen and discover the beauty of sweet basil!
