Recipes with basil

Lazy day lasagna uses uncooked noodles that soften in the oven with water poured around the edges. Layered with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and a beefy spaghetti sauce, no boiling required.

Red Devil rub with whole-grain Dijon mustard, fresh basil, cayenne, and olive oil. A sharp, herby wet rub for grilled chicken, fish, or barbecue. Five ingredients, bold heat.

Crisp raw cauliflower florets and fresh spinach ribbons tossed in a garlicky white wine vinaigrette with dry mustard and basil, finished with crunchy slivered almonds. A light, no-cook side salad ready in 20 minutes.

Cajun shrimp pasta with linguine tossed in a slow-simmered tomato sauce spiked with cayenne, thyme, Worcestershire, and hot sauce, finished with Parmesan.

Vegetarian barley and bean soup with kidney beans, mushrooms, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes in a basil-oregano broth. A filling one-pot meal packed with fiber and protein.

Mediterranean chicken breasts braised in red wine, canned tomatoes, basil, and garlic, served over spaghetti with green olives. A light one-skillet version of chicken cacciatore.

Artichoke, tomato, and three-cheese pizza with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Asiago over Roma tomatoes and marinated artichoke hearts. The Italian-style white pizza with bright flavor.

Greek marinated vegetable salad with broiled eggplant, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms in a lemon-herb olive oil dressing with oregano and marjoram.

Basic spaghetti sauce simmers tomato sauce with sauteed onions, garlic, green pepper, basil, and oregano in under 30 minutes. A pantry-staple weeknight base for pasta or pizza.

Traditional tabbouleh salad with fine bulgur wheat, fresh mint, parsley, lemon juice, and ripe tomatoes. A bright, herby Middle Eastern side dish served cold.

Italian marinated chicken with a bright lemon-and-herb marinade of olive oil, basil, oregano, and garlic. Grills, bakes, or broils with equal success after a 2-hour soak.

Vegetable pasta sauce loaded with zucchini, mushrooms, carrot and a secret of blended chickpeas that add body and protein to a red-wine tomato base. A hearty, vegan sauce that eats like a meaty ragu.

Roasted vegetable salad with tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, zucchini, and new potatoes tossed in balsamic-garlic dressing. A farmers market side that eats like summer on a sheet pan, finished with fresh basil.

Grilled vegetable salad with eggplant, roasted peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onion tossed in a balsamic basil vinaigrette. Make it hours ahead and serve at room temperature for peak flavor.

Grilled Italian shrimp and salami skewers served warm over fresh mozzarella with a balsamic vinaigrette drizzle and fresh basil. Antipasto on a plate, ready in about 20 minutes from the grill.

These eggplant patties are golden brown on the outside; soft, warm and delicious in the inside. Feel free to adjust the seasoning, if you like spicier, add more hot chili pepper; if you prefer more garlicky, add a few more cloves of garlic. These patties are delicious enough to be served directly, or make a creamy sauce with yogurt or sour cream.