Beyond Pesto: 23 Awesome Basil Recipes You'll Love

This time of year, fresh basil is abundant. These 23 recipes will make the most of your herb harvest without resorting to pesto.

Spicy Thai Basil Cucumber Cocktail

Charity Beth / Via vintagekitty.com

Cool cucumber, spicy peppers, lime and Thai basil make this cocktail a unique summer drink. Get the recipe here

Sprouted Meyer Lemon Basil Hummus

Stephanie / Via cali-zona.com

Here's a cool appetizer! Fresh basil and meyer lemon breathe new life into ordinary hummus. Get the recipe here

Cherry Basil Sorbet

Liren / Via kitchenconfidante.com

This frozen sorbet is made with sweet cherries and a simple syrup infused with basil. What a perfect treat for a hot summer day! Get the recipe here

Whole30 Strawberry Basil Chicken with Avocado

Cheryl / Via 40aprons.com

This Whole 30 recipe takes chicken from boring to sweet with a strawberry basil avocado salsa. Get the recipe here

Best Gluten Free Strawberry Crumble

Jennifer / Via fromentfree.com

This yummy strawberry basil dessert is topped with a nutty gluten free crumble. Who wants a big helping with ice cream? Get the recipe here

Grilled Lamb Kabob Platter with Basil Goat Cheese

Jessica / Via coffeeandcrayons.net

Colorful bell pepper and lamb kabobs make a showstopping platter when they're served with a side of basil goat cheese dip. Get the recipe here

Grilled Peaches and Burrata Salad

Jessy / Via thelifejolie.com

Cheesy and sweet? Score! Balsamic vinegar, peaches, burrata cheese and fresh basil make this salad sing. Get the recipe here

Basil Lemon Collins

Erin / Via platingsandpairings.com

Tea, ginger, and basil jazz up this Tom Collins cocktail. So refreshing! Get the recipe here

Margherita Pizza Soup

Charity Beth / Via vintagekitty.com

This fun soup has the flavors of margherita pizza, right down to the fresh basil and melty mozzarella cheese, but it’s deconstructed for a creative twist. Get the recipe here

Blueberry Basil Smoothie

Maresa / Via breakfastfordinner.net

This smoothie is packed with blueberry, banana and fresh basil for a fresh and healthy summer breakfast. Get the recipe here

Strawberry Basil Cupcakes

Tatyana / Via tatyanaseverydayfood.com

Love scratch baking? Strawberry flavored cake and basil buttercream make such pretty cupcakes! Get the recipe here

Blueberry Basil Moscow Mule

Molly / Via spicesinmydna.com

Blueberries and basil make for a refreshing twist on the Moscow mule. Cheers! Get the recipe here

Pasta Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, Snow Peas and Spring Onions

Alison / Via twoofakindcooks.com

This no mayo pasta salad features fresh summer veggies topped with mint and basil. Get the recipe here

Peach Basil Hand Pies

Neha / Via whiskaffair.com

Peaches and Basil make these cute hand pies an extra special dessert. Small enough to have one in each hand! Get the recipe here

Sausage Tomato Basil Paleo Pizza

Michele / Via paleorunningmomma.com

Sausage and red onion top this pizza with paleo crust. And of course it has a healthy helping of fresh basil leaves. Get the recipe here

Melon Halloumi Salad

Gaby / Via whatsgabycooking.com

Pretty pastels! Melon and halloumi are dressed in a a mint basil vinaigrette for a fresh summery salad. Get the recipe here

Vegan Thai Green Curry

Charity Beth / Via vintagekitty.com

Finally, a vegan Thai green curry from scratch that takes only an hour to make! Plus it's loaded with fresh Thai basil. Get the recipe here

Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken

Krista / Via joyfulhealthyeats.com

This creamy, savory chicken skillet topped with basil takes only 30 minutes! Winner, winner chicken dinner! Get the recipe here

Savory Basil Cornmeal Cakes

Sarah Jane / Via thefitcookie.com

These savory cornmeal cakes are topped in wild blueberry jam. Plus they're gluten free! Get the recipe here

Corn Salad with Basil and Queso Fresco

Charity Beth / Via vintagekitty.com

In just 20 minutes you can put together this healthy corn salad. It features seasonal ingredients and a simple lemon dressing. Get the recipe here

Vegan Pomegranate and Basil Bruschetta

Sarah / Via mydarlingvegan.com

Here's a new take on bruschetta! Pomegranate arils and basil get the star treatment in the vegan appetizer. Get the recipe here

Tuscan Tomato and Egg Skillet

Katherine / Via wanderspice.com

Inspired by a Tuscan staple, this easy breakfast is loaded with crispy potatoes, sofrito and poached eggs that are topped with fresh basil. Get the recipe here

Blackberry and Basil Shaved Ice

Kayla / Via adventuregathereat.com

Blackberries and basil over shaved ice is the adult version of snow cones...but super chic! Get the recipe here