Welcome to the second edition of my What’s in Season Now series!  I’m excited to help you figure out what to make with all the fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits growing during these warm summer months.

Do you have more basil than you know what to do with? This week, we’re thinking beyond the pesto and finding more creative ways to use basil. Don’t get me wrong, I love pesto and make it quite often, even in the winter.

But when you want something different, here are some creative basil recipes that will help you use your basil for weeks and weeks!

27 Creative Recipes With Basil

Loaded Spinach Salad with Avocado Basil Salad

This vegan salad is loaded with goodness. It’s ALL about that Avocado Basil dressing, though! You’ve got to try this one! (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Basil Lemon Collins

Basil in summer cocktails is one of my favorite things. If you haven’t tried it, you must! Recipe and photo from Platings and Parings.

Caprese Grilled Fish

I could live on basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cheese. I have tried the combination with so many foods, but never fish. I’m excited to try this one from Two Healthy Kitchens.

Zucchini Quinoa Lasagna

I’m kind of obsessed with this noodle-less, vegetarian lasagna. I could eat it every night and be satisfied. Please try it! (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Healthy Tomato Basil White Bean Dip

I’m loving the looks of this summer dip that requires no baking or cooking at all! This is perfect for a healthy snack or to put out as a dip at your next summer barbecue. Recipe and photo from Peas and Crayons.

Ricotta Mango Basil Parfait

These parfaits are easy yet impressive and can be served as hors d’oeuvres or dessert. I’m loving the combination of flavors and the presentation. Recipe and photo from The Nutrition Adventure.

Strawberry Bruschetta

I just adore this version of bruschetta! It starts with goat cheese, then strawberries, basil, and a balsamic vinegar drizzle. This makes an outstanding appetizer! (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Basil Mint Yellow Squash Spiralized Salad

I just LOVE all the fresh herbs and vegetables in this gluten-free spiralized vegetable salad! Mint and basil are two of my favorite flavors and I love how Lindsay uses them together here. Recipe and photo from Cotter Crunch.

Strawberry Basil Infused Water

I love flavoring my water in the summer! Try this strawberry+basil combination–it’s so good! (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Green Bean Tomato and Basil Salad

I like this one because you could potentially use all ingredients from your garden! Lucky you. I dream of having a garden like that someday. Someday…  Recipe and photo from Simply Fresh Dinners.

Quinoa Pizza Pie

Ditch pizza night and have Quinoa Pizza Pie night! All the flavors you love, but it’s packed with nutritionally-dense quinoa! Yes! (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Roasted Summer Vegetable Panzanella

Panzanella is Italian for “bread salad.” I can’t really think of anything that would make a salad more magical than bread, so you definitely should try this one. Recipe and photo from The Nutrition Adventure.

Easy Whitefish with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

This recipe makes me want to go back to my hometown and get some fresh Great Lakes whitefish and grill it up. I’m definitely craving it now. This looks incredible! Recipe and photo from The View From Great Island.

Caprese Chickpea Veggie Burger

Bring the classic caprese flavor to a healthy veggie burger! Even the carnivores will go for this hearty chickpea burger. (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Peanut Noodles with Cabbage and Basil

I’m partial to anything with peanut sauce, and this looks like a perfect easy and healthy weeknight dinner. I am going to try this one for sure! Recipe and photo from Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

Avocado Basil Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Who loves zoodles? They are a great way to have a veggie-packed meal, and this one is especially great if you need to avoid gluten but want a noodle-like dinner. Recipe and photo from Hummusapien.

 Peach and Basil Moscow Mule

If you love the popular Moscow Mules, why not try this fun twist with fresh summer peaches and basil?! You’ll need some copper mugs (affiliate link) to make these stunning cocktails. Photo and recipe from The Gastronom.

No Churn Melon Sorbet with Basil

Doesn’t this sorbet just look and sound so refreshing? What a perfect summer treat! And no churning means it’s not too difficult or time consuming. I’m in! Recipe and photo from Use Your Noodles.

Spinach-Basil Pesto

I know I said we were going beyond the pesto, but this is pesto with a twist. We add some spinach to it for an extra nutritional punch (why not??) and instead of pine nuts, we use almonds. I make this recipe all. the. time. and it adds fantastic flavor to everything! (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Garlic and Herb Salmon Marinade

Do you have a whole bunch of fresh herbs in your garden? This is a great recipe for you! Put all that fresh flavor to work in this awesome marinade. Recipe and photo from The Seasoned Mom.

Grilled Nectarines with Balsamic Basil Reduction

Grilling fruit? YES! I just love the flavor the grill gives to fruit and that balsamic basil reduction just looks to die for. Time to think outside of the box and give this unique dessert a try! Recipe and photo from Fried Dandelions.

Pesto Pasta Salad

So many pasta salads use an Italian dressing. I like to mix it up and use pesto instead! This is super easy to prepare and is a crowd-pleaser. (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Classic French Ratatouille

I had to include this recipe because I am partial to dishes with layers upon layers of fresh vegetables. This WILL make an appearance in my kitchen this summer, and I might not share. Recipe and photos from Bacon is Magic.

Gin and Cucumber Basil Smash

I guess I’m not the only one who loves basil in my cocktails. Basil+cucumber? Such a fresh drink for summer! Recipe and photo from Kitchen Sanctuary.

Mozzarella Stuffed Basil Turkey Burgers

Have you ever stuffed your burger with cheese? You need to! These turkey burgers are stuffed with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, which makes them perfect for your summer grilling days! (Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Basil Feta Greek Yogurt Dip

Basil and feta are a match made in heaven! This dip has extra protein and tanginess from the Greek yogurt and makes a great dip for fresh veggies. (A Happy Healthy Mama recipe)

Bacon and Chicken Skewers with Basil Chimichurri Sauce

Oh, man! It’s ALL about that chimichurri sauce! I love the twist of adding basil. This is another great summer nights recipe. Photo and recipe from Recipes from a Pantry.

If you missed it, check out the first installment of the What’s in Season Now series, 35 Recipes with Bell Peppers! 

Happy summer cooking!

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