July 13, 2026
Fresh Basil Recipes You’ll Want to Make All Summer
There’s nothing quite like stepping outside, snipping a handful of fresh basil, and turning it into something delicious. Whether you’re growing basil in the garden, on the patio, or in a sunny kitchen window, you’ll often find yourself with more leaves than you know what to do with by mid-summer.
The good news? Basil is one of the easiest herbs to use in the kitchen. It can be blended into sauces, infused into oils, mixed into dressings, or preserved to enjoy long after the growing season ends.
Even better, different basil varieties can bring subtle differences in flavor and growth habit. Here are a few you’ll commonly find at Mahoney’s and where they really shine:
- Genovese Basil – The classic Italian basil with large, fragrant leaves. Perfect for pesto, pasta, and traditional recipes.
- Sweet Italian Basil – Another versatile favorite with a slightly sweet, mild flavor that works beautifully in almost every basil recipe.
- Pesto Party Basil – A compact variety bred specifically for producing plenty of leaves, making it ideal for frequent pesto making.
- Everleaf Emerald Tower Basil – An upright variety that produces leaves over a long season and is excellent for repeated harvesting.
- DMR Devotion & DMR Passion Basil – These disease-resistant varieties offer the same classic sweet basil flavor while helping gardeners enjoy healthier plants throughout the season.
No matter which variety you’re growing, fresh basil is incredibly versatile. Here are five simple recipes to help you make the most of your harvest.
What Can You Make with Fresh Basil?
Basil, Lemon & Garlic Sauce
DMR Devotion Basil
If you’re looking for a quick way to brighten pasta, grilled fish, fresh bread, or even roasted vegetables, this vibrant sauce comes together in just minutes.
Best basil varieties: Genovese, Sweet Italian, or DMR Devotion
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil leaves
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for a creamier sauce)
Directions
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add the butter while blending if you’d like a richer, creamier texture. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Basil Vinaigrette
DMR Passion Basil
Fresh basil makes an incredible salad dressing that’s bright, herbaceous, and much fresher than store-bought versions.
Best basil varieties: Everleaf Emerald Tower, Sweet Italian, or DMR Passion
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed basil leaves
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons shallot, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Directions
Blend everything until completely smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and shake well before serving.
Basil Salt
Everleaf Emerald Tower
Basil salt is one of the easiest ways to preserve fresh basil while adding incredible flavor to everyday cooking.
Best basil varieties: Everleaf Emerald Tower or DMR Devotion
Ingredients
- 1 cup basil leaves, rinsed and dried
- ½ cup coarse salt (table salt also works)
Directions
Blend the basil and salt together until finely combined.
Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and dry in a 250°F oven for about 25 minutes. You’re simply drying the mixture—not cooking it. A dehydrator works well, too.
Once completely dry, break apart any clumps and store in a clean, airtight spice jar.
Try basil salt on:
- Fresh tomatoes
- Caprese salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Corn on the cob
- As a flavorful rim for summer cocktails or mocktails
Basil Oil
Genovese Basil
Basil oil adds beautiful color and fresh flavor to everything from pizza and pasta to focaccia and dipping bread.
Best basil varieties: Genovese or Sweet Italian
Ingredients
- ½ cup basil leaves, rinsed and dried
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Blanch the basil in boiling water for about 20 seconds, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath.
Once cool, squeeze out as much water as possible and pat dry thoroughly.
Blend the basil, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
Store refrigerated for 7–10 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
Basil Pesto
Pesto Party Basil
Classic pesto is one of the most popular reasons to grow basil, and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, freezes beautifully, and can be used in countless ways.
Best basil varieties: Pesto Party, Genovese, or Sweet Italian
Ingredients
- 2½ cups basil leaves
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts (optional for a nut-free version)
Directions
Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to a food processor or blender and pulse until combined.
Add the basil and pulse again.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until smooth, then pulse in the Parmesan cheese. Add toasted pine nuts if using.
Store in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator or freeze for up to three months.
Try pesto on:
- Pasta
- Sandwiches
- Grilled chicken
- Pizza
- Mixed into hummus
- Swirled into soups
Tips for Harvesting Basil
To keep basil producing all summer long:
- Harvest regularly once plants reach about 6–8 inches tall.
- Pinch stems just above a pair of leaves rather than removing individual leaves.
- Remove flower buds as they appear to encourage continued leaf production.
- Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried for the best flavor.
Regular harvesting actually encourages basil to become fuller and produce even more leaves throughout the season.
Don’t Let Your Harvest Go to Waste
Fresh basil is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow because it’s as useful in the kitchen as it is easy to harvest. Whether you’re making a simple vinaigrette, preserving basil salt for later, or blending up a batch of homemade pesto, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to enjoy your harvest.
Stop by your local Mahoney’s Garden Center to explore our selection of basil varieties and herbs, and if you’re not sure which one is right for your garden or your favorite recipes, our team is always happy to help.