From Garden to Table: Easy Pesto and Dressing Recipes with Fresh Basil

There's something truly special about stepping into your garden to harvest fresh basil which I've been doing from summer and into autumn. I love the basil's vibrant green leaves, fragrant aroma and its irresistible flavor in the salads and dishes I've been making during these past weeks in Long Island, NY, USA.

If you're like me and many other home cooks, you may find yourself with an excess of basil during the growing season. Instead of letting it go to waste, think about freezing some in Ziplock bags and turning fresh or frozen basil into delicious pesto and salad dressings. In this post, I'm sharing two of my pesto recipes that I've been making for years, as well as a tangy caper basil ladolemono (olive oil/lemon) dressing. I hope these recipes bring you joy and perhaps add a little something special to your everyday cooking!

The Versatility of Basil

Basil is not just a culinary herb; it’s a true superstar in the kitchen. Its unique flavor enhances a variety of dishes, from pasta, pizzas and salads to grilled meats. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to incorporate into your meals. For instance, fresh basil will enhance your tomato sauce by about 30% and a sprinkle on your tomato salad or pizza will raise its taste score significantly! Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a weekend get-together, fresh basil adds that extra touch of flavor and freshness (just like it did in my version of my friend's Dora recipe - link below the photo)

A Culinary Delight: Zucchini Spaghetti with Shrimp in Reykjavik

The recipes I'm about to share will help you make the most of the fresh basil from your garden in tasty and easy ways. Let's dive into the realm of pesto and dressings!

Easy2Make Pesto

Ingredients for my Easy2Make Pesto recipe - with or without fresh parsley & honey!

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/3 cup pine nuts

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, washed

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Balsamic vinegar, to taste

• Honey, to taste (optional)

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  
  

Preparation Method

1. Place garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and pine nuts in a food processor, blending until smooth.

2. Add the basil leaves and blend until smooth.

3. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, a bit at a time and blend to your desired consistency.

4. Add a little balsamic vinegar and honey, to taste, and blend well.

5. Transfer to a container with a lid and store in the fridge. For the best flavor, aim to use the pesto within a week!

Tips!

• I typically don’t add salt because I prefer the flavor from finely grated aged Parmesan cheese. However, if your cheese is mild, consider adding a dash of salt. Sometimes, I throw in fresh parsley too. If you do, you may need to add a bit of vegetable broth or water to achieve the right consistency.

Basil and Caper Ladolemono Dressing

A Twist on an Italian Classic!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon capers

• 1/8 cup fresh chopped basil leaves or to taste

  
  

Preparation Method

1. In a blender, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and capers. Puree until smooth.

2. Add fresh basil and blend until you reach your desired consistency.

   
   

This dressing is perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables or salads. It can also serve as a marinade for chicken or fish, adding a zesty flavor that brightens up any dish.

Basil and Parsley Pesto

Ingredients

• 
  

  1 cup scallions – carefully washed

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves - washed

• 1 ½ cups fresh flat-leaf parsley - washed

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup pine nuts

• 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar or to taste

  
  

Preparation Method

1. Place scallions, garlic, and chicken or vegetable broth in a food processor. Blend until smooth.

2. Add basil leaves, parsley, olive oil, pine nuts, and balsamic vinegar, blending until you reach your desired consistency.

   
   

This basil and parsley pesto is a fantastic twist on the classic recipe. The combination adds a fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta, sandwiches, smoked salmon or as a dip for fresh bread.

Elevate Your Cooking with Fresh Basil

Fresh basil leaves ready for harvest

Next time you have a bounty of basil, do not hesitate to whip up these delicious recipes. You'll enjoy the flavors while feeling accomplished for making the most of your garden harvest . . . or bought fresh basil.

As always . . . . Happy cooking!

Summer Vibes: My Chill Watermelon Feta Salad with Fresh Herbs from John's Garden