What To Do With Italian Basil

What to do with Italian basil is a great question because this fragrant herb is so much more than just a garnish.
 
You can do a lot with Italian basil, from making fresh pesto to freezing it for winter meals.
 
If you’ve got a bunch of Italian basil sitting on your counter, I’m going to walk you through the best ways to use it all up.
 
In this post, we’ll cover practical ideas for what to do with Italian basil, storage tricks, and easy recipes that make the most of its flavor.
 
Let’s dive right into the many ways you can enjoy this wonderful herb.
 

Why You Should Make the Most of Italian Basil

Italian basil is one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen, so knowing what to do with Italian basil means you’ll never waste a single leaf.
 
Its sweet, peppery flavor pairs beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and cheese.
 
The key to getting the most out of Italian basil is to use it fresh, because that’s when its aroma is at its peak.
 
Once you understand the basics of what to do with Italian basil, you’ll find yourself adding it to everything.
 

1. Make a Classic Pesto

When you’re wondering what to do with Italian basil, pesto is probably the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason.
 
All you need is a few cups of fresh Italian basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and good olive oil.
 
Blend everything in a food processor and you’ve got a sauce that works on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
 
The best part about pesto is that it freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch.
 
This is one of the simplest answers to what to do with Italian basil when you have a huge harvest.
 

2. Infuse Olive Oil

Another smart idea for what to do with Italian basil is to create a delicious infused oil.
 
Gently warm olive oil with fresh Italian basil leaves to release their essential oils.
 
Let it cool, then strain the leaves out and store the oil in a glass bottle.
 
This basil oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled vegetables, or even pizza.
 
It’s a fantastic way to capture the essence of Italian basil and use it all month long.
 

3. Freeze It in Ice Cube Trays

If you’re short on time, the answer to what to do with Italian basil might just be to freeze it.
 
Chop the Italian basil finely and pack it into ice cube trays, then cover with water or olive oil.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
 
You can drop a cube directly into soups, stews, or sauces whenever you need a burst of freshness.
 
This method ensures you’ll never run out of Italian basil flavor, even months later.
 

Easy Recipes Featuring Italian Basil

Let’s talk about what to do with Italian basil in your daily cooking with some simple, mouthwatering recipes.
 
These ideas are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they all highlight the herb beautifully.
 

1. Caprese Salad

You can’t talk about what to do with Italian basil without mentioning a classic Caprese salad.
 
Just layer ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and whole Italian basil leaves on a plate.
 
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
 
This dish is so simple, yet it truly lets the Italian basil shine as the star ingredient.
 
It’s the perfect answer to what to do with Italian basil during summer months.
 

2. Tomato Basil Soup

A warm bowl of tomato basil soup is a comforting way to use a large amount of Italian basil.
 
Sauté onions and garlic, add canned tomatoes and broth, then simmer for about twenty minutes.
 
Blend the soup until smooth and stir in a generous handful of chopped Italian basil at the end.
 
The heat will wilt the leaves just enough to release their sweet aroma into the soup.
 
This is a hearty answer to what to do with Italian basil when you want something cozy.
 

3. Garnish for Pasta

Sometimes the best thing to do with Italian basil is to keep it simple and use it as a garnish.
 
Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with garlic, olive oil, and cherry tomatoes.
 
Right before serving, tear fresh Italian basil leaves and scatter them right on top.
 
The fresh, vibrant leaves add a pop of color and an incredible burst of flavor.
 
This trick works for almost any pasta dish, making it a go-to answer for what to do with Italian basil.
 

How to Store Italian Basil for Maximum Freshness

Storing it properly is a huge part of what to do with Italian basil so it lasts longer.
 
The wrong storage can turn your beautiful bunch into a slimy mess within days.
 
Here are the best ways to keep Italian basil fresh and full of flavor.
 

1. The Flower Vase Method

Treat your Italian basil like a bouquet of flowers to keep it fresh for up to a week.
 
Trim the stems and place the bunch in a glass of water, just like you would with cut flowers.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and keep it on the counter, not in the fridge.
 
Change the water every day and your Italian basil will stay perky and fragrant.
 
This is my favorite thing to do with Italian basil when I’m not ready to cook yet.
 

2. The Paper Towel Wrap

If you prefer to refrigerate, then a paper towel wrap is a solid answer to what to do with Italian basil.
 
Pat the leaves completely dry, then wrap them gently in a damp paper towel.
 
Place the wrapped bunch in a zip-top bag and squeeze out as much air as possible.
 
Store it in the crisper drawer where it’s cool but not freezing.
 
This method helps Italian basil stay crisp for several extra days without turning brown.
 

So, What to Do With Italian Basil?

What to do with Italian basil is easy once you know a few key techniques.
 
You can make pesto, infuse oils, freeze it, or simply toss it into soups and salads.
 
The options for what to do with Italian basil are truly endless, from Caprese to pasta to pesto.
 
Just remember to store it well, whether that’s in a glass of water or wrapped in a towel.
 
Now you have a full list of ideas for what to do with Italian basil, so go enjoy this amazing herb.