10 AMAZING Ideas For Your Fresh Basil

Among the herbs you need to have in your garden, basil is definitely one of them. Not only is it easy to grow, but it’s one of the most used kitchen herbs in the world.

Once you begin researching you’ll find that there are endless ideas for your fresh basil:

What can I do with basil from my garden? There is a wide variety of things you can do with fresh basil from your garden, though it is mainly dried for future use as a seasoning on meats and vegetables. The unique strong flavor makes it an excellent herb to enjoy fresh in salads or to prepare exquisite sauces and dips as well. Sometimes basil is used for ice cream, yogurt, and smoothies as well.

Read on below to learn the different options you have to use your basil fresh or to preserve it for when the season is over.

10 Things To Do With Fresh Basil From Your Garden

Here is a list of the different seasonings and sauces you can prepare using basil. There are also a wide variety of techniques to preserve this herb for long periods of time.

1. Pesto

One of the most famous recipes, and best ideas for your fresh basil, EVER, is pesto. An excellent way of tasting it on a wide variety of dishes. Pesto is also a good alternative to preserving the fresh basil from your garden.  

2. Preserve Basil

There are a variety of techniques to preserve basil, the most common being pesto. However, there are many other ideas for your fresh basil, and different ways to preserve it. Yu can freeze the leaves in oil or even infuse them in vodka. 

3. Dry Your Basil Leaves

Dry your basil leaves and use them to add flavor and fragrance to your dishes. This very easy technique can be used with basil and other herbs too. 

4. Basil Sea Salt 

Making sea salt with basil from your garden would be an excellent and creative way of preserving it. You can use this basil-flavored salt to season many different dishes. 

5. Basil Garlic Aioli

Make this basil aioli to use as a dip for appetizers. It’s very easy to make and the combination with garlic gives it the distinctive flavor of pesto but with a creamy consistency.

6. Basil Chimichurri

This chimichurri topping made in a blender retains the strong flavor of basil. It will complement any meat, chicken, or fish. 

7. Fresh Basil for a Year

This is a very easy method that gives you the chance to store your basil fresh in your refrigerator for a whole year. You’ll only need olive oil and follow a number of simple steps. 

8. Basil Oil

This simple basil-flavor oil will be the perfect seasoning of any dish or salad. It’s easy to make and it’s not necessary to consume it all at once, as olive oil is one of the best ways to preserve basil.

9. Basil Vinaigrette

With just a few ingredients and a blender, you’ll come up with this delicious and fresh dressing for your salads, meat or chicken. Once you’ve tried it you’ll want it on every dish. 

10. Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Have you ever heard of the combination of basil and strawberries? If you haven’t you should definitely try it. The end result of this amazing beverage is the perfect combination of the refreshing lemons, the sweet strawberries, and the distinctive taste of basil.

Suggested Reading: Easy Garden Smoothie Recipes