What to Do with Fresh Basil: Creative Ways to Use Your Harvest

One year, I planted basil in every corner of my garden, and come harvest time, I needed to figure out what to do with all that fresh basil in a hurry! If you’re like me and end up with big harvests without much of a plan to deal with the crop, this article is for you.

In this post, we’ll explore creative ways to incorporate basil’s vibrant flavor into your dishes, preserve it for future use, and even use it unexpectedly.

Make Pesto

Pesto is at the top of most people’s list when using basil because pesto requires many fresh leaves. Plus, just like the herb, pesto is versatile and delicious!

If you end up with more pesto than you can use, you can permanently preserve it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for convenient single-use portions and enjoy fresh basil flavor all winter.

Make Infused Olive Oil

Infusing olive oil with fresh basil only takes a few minutes and will make any dish you create with the oil extra delicious! Here’s how to make basil-infused olive oil:

1. Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly.
2. Gently bruise the leaves to release their oils.
3. Please place them in a clean jar and cover them with high-quality olive oil.
4. Seal the jar and let it sit for a week.

This infused oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, pasta, or even pizza. It’s an easy way to elevate your dishes with a burst of basil flavor.

Infuse Condiments

Like infusing oils, you can add basil to condiments like butter or mayo to enhance their flavor.

• Basil Compound Butter: Chop fresh basil and mix it into softened butter. Spread it on bread, toss it into pasta, or use it to season vegetables for a delicious twist.
• Basil Mayo: Chop up a handful of fresh basil and mix it into mayonnaise. Add a dash of garlic to create a flavorful sandwich spread.

Add Basil To Create Unique Salads And Vegetable Dishes

Basil’s herbacious flavor naturally pairs well with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Here are some ideas to pair basil with different foods and dishes:  

• Caprese Salad: The classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves creates a perfect dish for summer.
• Watermelon Salad: Add basil to a watermelon salad with a heavy drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweeter option. This unexpected pairing brings a refreshing twist to your summer menu.
• Tomato-based dishes: Basil complements the sweetness of tomatoes and reduces their acidity. You can use basil in pizza, pasta, marinara sauce, and bruschetta. 
• Parmesan cheese: Basil and Parmesan cheese are often used together in pasta dishes and salads. 
• Roasted potatoes: Toss roasted potatoes with pesto. 
• Grilled vegetables: Spoon basil vinaigrette over grilled vegetables. 
• Chicken salad sandwich: Add pesto to a chicken salad sandwich. 
• Eggplant: Basil goes well in braised eggplant dishes. 
• Summer vegetables: Basil pairs well with other summer foods, such as chiles, green beans, and zucchini

Infuse Water

Have you ever tried adding basil leaves to your water? It’s a simple way to upgrade your hydration routine. Try infusing water with strawberries, basil, and lime for a refreshing, flavorful drink.

Throw Some Into Other Drinks

Basil tastes excellent in a variety of drinks. Add it to mojitos for a unique twist, or make a family-friendly basil lemonade. Basil also works well in berry smoothies, bringing a fresh, herbal note to your beverages.

Basil on Pizza

The best way to use basil on pizza is to rip up pieces and toss them on the pizza just before serving. Adding basil before the oven will guarantee it burns and turns acrid. This method preserves its vibrant flavor and ensures a perfect bite every time.

Finger-Lickin’ Good Appetizers

Make a few easy finger foods for guests when you host a gathering.

• Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto toothpicks, then drizzle them with balsamic glaze.
• Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and chopped basil for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Take Your Soups Up a Notch

Almost any tomato or vegetable soup can benefit from adding chopped fresh basil leaves. Tomato and basil are a power couple – but this herb tastes fantastic in squash, zucchini, or minestrone soups. Bam.

Preserve Your Excess Basil For Later

Even with all these ideas for using up basil, you can store some to use and enjoy over the winter.

• Freezing Basil: Wash and dry the basil leaves, then rip or chop it into small pieces. Add the piece in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer overnight. Once frozen you can transfer the basil to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
• Basil in Olive Oil: Chop fresh basil leaves, add them to olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays. Use the cubes in winter recipes for that fresh basil taste.
• Drying Basil: Dry basil leaves in an oven or dehydrator and store them in a glass jar for up to a year. These methods ensure that basil can be preserved for winter without losing its fresh taste.

Give It Away

If you’ve tried everything else and still have too much basil, share it with friends, family, or neighbors. Fresh herbs are always a welcome gift!

Unexpected Uses for Basil

Fresh basil isn’t just for cooking! Here are some unique ideas you can put into use with your harvest:

• Basil Body Scrub: Mixing basil into a body scrub provides both exfoliating and aromatic benefits. Basil is known for its antibacterial properties. The refreshing scent can invigorate your senses, while the scrub leaves your skin smooth and clean.
• Herbal Sachets: Dry basil leaves and place them in small sachets to add a pleasant scent to drawers and closets.
• Basil Facial Toner: Basil toner, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can help soothe skin irritation and reduce acne. It also helps refresh and tone the skin, leaving it feeling rejuvenated and hydrated.