On TV Now
Full Schedule

Basil 5 Ways

The basil plants in my garden are getting ready to explode – in a few short weeks I’ll have bunches and bunches on my hands. Here are 5 different ways to use this fresh and flavorful herb.
By: Dana Angelo White, M.S., R.D., A.T.C.

Giada De Laurentiis's Parmesan, Basil And Lemon Wafers (Fricos) On Food Network's Everyday Italian

Photo by: Tara Donne ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Tara Donne, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

The basil plants in my garden are getting ready to explode –- in a few short weeks I’ll have bunches and bunches on my hands. Here are 5 different ways to use this fresh and flavorful herb.

Chopped

Basil and seafood are an unbeatable combination. You don’t want strong herbs to overpower the delicate flavor of shrimp. Sweet basil has just enough punch to give this dish some extra pizzazz!

Recipe: Garlic Basil Shrimp
Torn

Tear up basil leaves for an easy (and virtually calorie-free) pizza topping. It gets dark and crispy in the oven – yum! Add some more when the pizza comes out of the oven for a pop of color.

Recipe: Tomato-Basil Pizza
Infused

Get extra mileage out of fresh basil by infusing oil with bright and “herb-y” flavor. Drizzle over grilled chicken, fish, veggies or pasta. Read our tips for making your own flavored oils.

Recipe: Red Peppers with Basil Oil
Baked

This 3–ingredient recipe is a creative alternative to plain old crackers. Basil and lemon freshen up the salty bite of Parmesan cheese.

Recipe: Parmesan, Basil and Lemon Wafers (pictured)

Chilled

Make sweet basil even sweeter with a hint of sugar and squeeze of fresh lime. This recipe will be a huge hit at your next summer dinner party.

Recipe: Basil and Lime Sorbet
TELL US: What's your favorite way to use basil?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

You Might Also Like:

Keep Reading

Next Up

Shrimp 5 Ways

Enjoy this low calorie shellfish packed with selenium and energy-boosting B-vitamins any day of the week. Three-ounces cooked contain 84 calories and 1 gram of fat. As long as you keep portions under control (and forgo the frying), there’s no need to stress about the cholesterol. Shrimp lovers—enjoy these 5 recipes.

Parsnips 5 Ways

Parsnips might look like pale versions of carrots, but these root veggies have a nutty, sweet flavor all their own. Here are five recipes to help you get better acquainted with this intriguing fall veggie.

Okra 5 Ways

Fried okra is a classic, but this green hued veggie can also be prepared with few calories and fat added. Here are 5 mouthwatering recipes to get you started.

Melon 5 Ways

Nothing says summer like biting into a wedge of juicy melon. While simple snacking is tasty, we’ve got 5 more ways to devour this seasonal goodie.

Eggs 5 Ways

Eggs are budget-friendly and a delicious meatless alternative for protein. If you're worried about cholesterol, don't -- according to the American Heart Association, an egg a day is a-okay. Try our five favorite healthy egg recipes.

Chocolate 5 Ways

Just a touch of chocolate is all you need to remind that special someone how you feel. This Valentine’s Day,scrumptious chocolate recipes morning, noon or night.

Pomegranate, 5 Ways

Whether you prefer sipping on pomegranate juice or biting into pomegranate seeds, we’ve got 5 fun ways to love this spectacular, nutrient-filled fruit.

Salmon 5 Ways

Add some heart-healthy salmon into your weeknight meal plan. Here are 5 easy ways to prepare this healthy and sustainable, omega-3-packed fish.

Quinoa, 5 Ways

If you’re looking for some new, creative quinoa recipes—we’ve got 5 you’ll love!

Cherries 5 Ways

Cherry season has arrived! These babies are brimming with antioxidants including vitamins A and C, anthocyanin and quercitin. They’re also one of our favorite and mouthwatering warm weather fruit. Here are 5 fun ways to enjoy them.

What's Cooking

Healthy Weeknight Dinners 132 Photos