21 Recipes With Fresh Basil to Use Up the Vibrant Herb

Bring on the basil!

Fresh basil is typically in season from June to September, which means you may start seeing more of the aromatic herb at the grocery store or farmer’s market. Or, perhaps you planted some basil seeds several months ago and you now have your very own basil plant. No matter how you obtain fresh basil, there’s no doubt that there are thousands of ways to put the vibrant herb to work. Sure, fresh basil works as a garnish for drinks, a bevy of pasta dishes, and homemade pizzas, but it also shines in scrumptious salads, homemade pesto sauce (which has its own litany of uses in the kitchen) and so much more.

So, whether you’ve got a surplus of basil from your garden or your latest grocery run, we’re here to show you how to use the herb before it turns into a mushy, wilted mess. Keep reading for 21 recipes that are made even tastier thanks to fresh basil!