What can I do with fresh basil besides pesto?

Fresh basil is a flavor powerhouse and while pesto is delicious, there are more great ways to use this fragrant herb. If you’re wondering what to do with basil besides pesto, here are a few delicious recipes using fresh basil.

8 Delicious fresh basil recipes that aren’t pesto

1. Meatball Stuffed Shells with Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with cheesy meatballs in a spicy basil arrabbiata sauce make an easy and delicious dinner. All you need it 15 minutes of prep time and the oven takes care of the rest for you.

2. Bruschetta with Basil-Infused Olive Oil

Basil is probably best known as the counterpart to tomato. And for good reason, the two go together like bread and butter. In this bruschetta recipe, olive oil is infused with fresh basil, then brushed onto baguette slices for intense basil flavor.

3. Curried Corn with Basil and Coconut Milk

Basil and yellow curry are another match made in heaven. In this easy side dish, corn is served in a coconut curry sauce that’s flavored with chopped fresh basil.

4. Roasted Lemon Basil Potatoes

Roasted lemon potatoes get a boost of freshness and flavor from basil mixed with olive oil in this easy side dish.

5. Curry Chicken Bites with Mango Basil Sauce

Grilled curry-marinated chicken bites are served with a spicy mango, basil, honey and lime zest sauce.

6. Bruschetta Tilapia

Tilapia fillets are baked with a flavorful and ultra-crispy bruschetta topping for a light and delicious summer meal.

7. Spicy Basil Shrimp Marinade

This great summer appetizer is full of citrus and basil flavors along with some heat from crushed red pepper flakes.

8. Dipping Sauce for Tilapia

This spicy sauce is flavored with fresh basil and jalapeno pepper and makes the perfect condiment for breaded and fried tilapia fillets.