Best Basil Recipes: Farmers Market Faves

No Comments | Written on August 17, 2012 at 5:00 pm, by Lauren Jagnow

Look, out in the garden … it’s a herb … it’s a leafy vegetable… it’s basil!

Alright, so basil might not have the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but we do think this versatile, delicious herb has super powers. Basil can be used as a flavoring in dishes such as pasta; it can act as a tasty replacement for lettuce or spinach in salads and sandwiches; it can even flavor cocktails and other beverages.

Much as Superman’s alter-ego was Clark Kent, basil can either be low-key in a dish or a muscular star. For example, basil goes somewhat undercover in pesto or our basil rouille, while it is front and center in our delicious Italian basil, tomato and pasta salad. Whichever guise basil chooses, it is always a flavorful, fresh and delicious addition to any meal.

To celebrate this heroic herb at the peak of its season, we’re giving you some of our favorite basil recipes to enjoy. And thanks to the many nutrients that basil provides, after eating these dishes, you might just be faster than a speeding bullet.