Basil recipes

Basil pesto

Whizz those basil leaves up with pine nuts, parmesan, garlic and oil (or use a pestle and mortar for a coarser texture). Stir it through pasta for a quick and easy meal.

Basil oil

Blend basil leaves with oil to make a vibrant green herb oil that's great for drizzling over dishes. This recipe pairs it with Spanish-style snack of tomato and lardo on toast.

Basil sorbet

Infuse that herb into a syrup to make this refreshing and aromatic orange and basil sorbet.

Basil-infused cocktail

Get that fresh, herby flavour by using those leaves in a cocktail. They pair perfectly with grapefruit in this refreshing basil cooler, which uses the stalks as well as the leaves.

Basil dressing

Try whizzing up basil with just a couple of other ingredients to create a zingy dressing to toss through salad. This cannellini bean and roast squash number is a great example.

Melon, mozzarella and parma ham tartines

This quick starter is easily scaled and doesn't scrimp on style or substance - combine shaved, salty parma ham with juicy ripe melon and creamy mozzarella.

Basil, feta and prawn pasta salad

Toss basil leaves through ambient salads and they'll maintain their vibrant colour and freshest flavour. This pasta salad is a great example.

Orecchiette Pasta Salad Recipe with Prawns

Basil-topped pavlova

Basil loves all kinds of fruit – here it's scattered over a summery peach pavlova to add an aromatic, herby edge to the dessert.

Peach Pavlova Recipe with Mascarpone Cream

Prawn caesar salad

The addition of basil to this caesar salad recipe helps to give it a more summery feel.

Basil and tomato stew

Basil and tomato is a classic pairing that never gets old. Try slow-cooking tomatoes and then stirring through basil for a hearty and healthy stew, packed with flavour.

Tomato and basil pizza bread

Bake that basil into bread, along with tomato purée, and you have a tasty snack or pre-dinner nibble. This pizza swirl bread is a great tear-and-share idea.