Pick up a bunch (or two!) of this fragrant herb while it's in season. And don't worry about how you'll manage to use it all—there are just so many delicious ways.

Pesto

Go the traditional route and whip up a mean pesto sauce. Use as a condiment or as a sauce for fish or pasta dishes.

• Ina's Pesto
• Basil Pesto
• Pasta, Pesto, and Peas
• Pesto Lasagna Rolls
• 50 Things to Make With Pesto

Infused Oil

Infuse your favorite olive oil with basil. It only takes a few minutes!

• Basil Oil

Appetizers

Having a few guests over? Whip up simple finger foods using fresh basil leaves.

• Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta
• Black Pepper-Basil Farmer's Cheese Bruschetta with Tomato
• Tomato, Watermelon, and Basil Skewers
• Pizzette with Gorgonzola, Tomato and Basil
• Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil

Vegetable Soups

Whip up a batch of a summer veggie soup--add ribbons of chopped basil for more seasonal flair.

• Tomato Basil Soup
• Summer Squash Soup with Basil
• Best Tomato Soup Ever
• Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Salads

Basil pairs nicely with a wide variety of seasonal veggies. Just chop and toss into your favorite salad.

• Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
• Potato, Tomato, Corn and Basil Salad
• Tomato Basil Salad
• Caprese Salad
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad

Pizza

Toss whole basil leaves on your favorite pizza when it's hot out of the oven. Delicious!

• Mushroom, Onion and Basil Pizza
• Pizza with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
• Fresh Herb Pizza
• Thin-Crust Caprese Pizza
• Margherita Pizza
• Grilled Everything Pizza

Fish & Seafood Dishes

Tomato and basil are a match made in seafood heaven. Combine with shrimp or halibut for a delicious main dish.

• Halibut with Pepitas, Capers, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
• Thai Shrimp Stir-Fry with Tomatoes and Basil
• Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil, and Salmon
• Pesto Pasta with Shrimp
• Pesto Orecchiette with Grilled Shrimp and Corn

Sides

Use aromatic basil to punch up your everyday sides.

• Sauteed Asparagus with Olives and Basil
• Roasted Peppers with Basil
• Lemon-Basil Potatoes
• Sausage-and-Basil-Stuffed Tomatoes

Frozen Desserts

Basil also goes well with fruit like watermelon, lime, lemon, mango and strawberries. Combine for variety of mouthwatering frozen treats.

• Basil-Lemon Ice
• Basil and Lime Sorbet
• Strawberries with Basil Granita
• Chianti Affogato
• Vanilla Ice Cream with Peach Syrup

Cocktails

Don't forget your cocktails! Muddle basil into lemon or berry-based drinks to balance out the sweetness.

• Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Basil Daiquiri
• Watermelon Basil Spritzer
• Blackberry Spritzer
• Basil-Lime Rum Fizz

What to Look For

At the market, choose basil with bright green leaves and avoid those with black, brown or yellow spots.

How to Store

Once you get home, place the cut stems in a container of water and keep it on the windowsill for about a week. The water should be changed every other day. You can also store basil wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator drawer for up to 4 days.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition.