My basil is officially out of control.
I walked outside one morning and realized my little basil plants had somehow taken over the garden. And while I’m definitely not complaining about having an abundance of fresh herbs, I quickly realized I needed to figure out what to do with all this basil.
So lately, I’ve been in the kitchen finding as many delicious ways as possible to use up my garden harvest.
If your basil is growing like crazy too, I put together a list of some of my favorite fresh basil recipes and easy ways to use a big basil harvest—from freezer-friendly pesto to refreshing summer salads, creamy pasta, drinks, and even a simple tea.
7 Easy Basil Recipes for When Your Garden Is Overflowing
If you have more fresh basil than you know what to do with, save this list. These recipes are a great way to use up your homegrown basil while it’s fresh and plentiful.
1. Frozen Pesto Cubes
One of my favorite ways to preserve fresh basil is by turning it into pesto and freezing it in cubes.
It’s such an easy way to make your garden basil last longer, and having individual pesto cubes in the freezer makes weeknight meals so much easier.
Toss one into pasta, spread it on bread, add it to chicken, or use it to flavor vegetables.
This is such a good way to preserve fresh basil from the garden! 🌿 You’ll have little basil-and-olive-oil cubes ready to toss into pasta, soups, sauces, marinades, and more.
🌿 Frozen Basil & Olive Oil Cubes
Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Ice cube tray
- Freezer-safe bag or container
Directions
- Pick the basil. Harvest fresh basil leaves in the morning when the plant is hydrated. Choose healthy, vibrant green leaves and remove any flowers or damaged leaves.
- Wash and dry. Gently rinse the basil under cool water. Pat very dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. Getting the basil as dry as possible helps prevent excess water from getting into your oil mixture.
- Add to the food processor. Place the basil leaves into your food processor. You can use whole leaves—no need to chop them first.
- Add olive oil. Pour in enough extra-virgin olive oil to coat and blend the basil. Start with about ½ cup olive oil for every 2 packed cups of basil leaves, adding more if needed.
- Blend. Pulse until the basil is finely chopped and suspended in the olive oil. You don’t need to make it completely smooth.
- Fill the ice cube tray. Spoon the basil mixture into the compartments, filling each about ¾ full.
- Freeze. Freeze until completely solid, usually 4–6 hours or overnight.
- Transfer to a freezer bag. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and place them in a labeled freezer-safe bag or container. Label it “Basil + Olive Oil” with the date.
- Use whenever you need it. Add a frozen cube straight to a warm pan, soup, sauce, pasta, roasted vegetables, or anything else that could use a burst of fresh basil flavor.
Tip: I love making these in small cubes so I can grab exactly what I need for a recipe.
2. Creamy Basil Orzo
If you’re looking for a cozy recipe that uses plenty of fresh basil, this Creamy Basil Orzo is one to keep in your back pocket.
It’s creamy, flavorful, and makes such a delicious side dish or simple meal.
Get the Creamy Basil Orzo recipe →
3. Strawberry Basil Latte
Fresh basil doesn’t have to stay in savory recipes.
This Strawberry Basil Latte is such a fun way to use garden basil in a sweet drink. The combination of juicy strawberries and fragrant basil makes it feel like summer in a glass.
If you love trying creative seasonal drinks at home, you’ll want to save this one.
Get the Strawberry Basil Latte recipe →
4. Watermelon, Strawberry & Basil Salad
This is one of those recipes that tastes like summer.
Sweet watermelon, strawberries, and fresh basil make the most refreshing combination, especially on a hot day.
It’s perfect for summer lunches, backyard gatherings, cookouts, or bringing along to a family dinner.
Get the Watermelon, Strawberry & Basil Salad recipe →
5. Creamy Shrimp Pasta
When you have a bunch of basil to use, pasta is always a good idea.
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta is rich, comforting, and an easy way to sneak a generous handful of fresh basil into dinner.
Serve it with a simple salad and you’ve got a meal the whole family can enjoy.
Get the Creamy Shrimp Pasta recipe →
6. Mango, Cherry & Burrata Salad
This salad is proof that fresh basil belongs in all kinds of unexpected combinations.
Sweet mango, cherries, creamy burrata, and fresh basil come together for a beautiful salad that feels special enough for entertaining but is simple enough to make at home.
This would be gorgeous on a summer table or served alongside grilled chicken.
Get the Mango, Cherry & Burrata Salad recipe →
7. Debloat Tea
And because apparently I’m determined to find a use for every last leaf of basil, we’re making tea.
This Debloat Tea is a simple, soothing option to enjoy when you want something warm and refreshing.
It’s another easy way to put those fresh herbs to use instead of letting them go to waste.
What to Do With Too Much Fresh Basil
If your basil plant is producing faster than your family can eat it, you’re not alone.
One of the best things about growing your own food is having fresh ingredients right outside your kitchen, but an abundant garden harvest can definitely leave you wondering how to use everything before it goes bad.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to use a big basil harvest:
- Make homemade pesto and freeze it.
- Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portions.
- Add fresh basil to pasta and orzo dishes.
- Use basil in summer salads.
- Pair basil with strawberries, watermelon, cherries, or mango.
- Add fresh basil to homemade drinks and lattes.
- Make herb-infused sauces and dressings.
- Dry or preserve basil for later use.
And if you’re growing your own herbs, don’t be afraid to harvest them. Basil benefits from regular harvesting, which can encourage the plant to continue producing.
So if you walked into your garden and realized your basil has officially taken over, I hope this gives you a few ideas.
I rounded up all of these recipes in one place so you can easily save them and come back whenever your herb garden is overflowing with fresh basil.
Because growing your own food is wonderful, but figuring out what to do with a ridiculous amount of basil is a whole different hobby.
If your garden is doing the same thing right now, you’re welcome.
Save this post, bookmark these recipes, and send it to a friend whose basil is also taking over her garden.
More Garden & Homemaking Inspiration
If you’re growing your own herbs and vegetables, you might also enjoy my other seasonal recipes, homemaking ideas, and simple ways to make the most of what you already have at home.
