Basil/35 recipes

Easy cream of tomato soup simmers fresh tomato juice with half-and-half and a generous handful of fresh basil. Smooth, creamy, and on the table in about 25 minutes. The homemade answer to the can.

Bright, herb-forward hummus with no tahini needed. Sautéed onion and garlic blend with fresh parsley, basil, oregano, and coriander into silky chickpeas for a lighter Middle Eastern dip that skips the paste but keeps all the flavor. Ready in 25 minutes.

Vegetarian country chili with kidney beans, canned tomatoes, and a basil-oregano-thyme spice blend. Diabetic-friendly, ready in 25 minutes, no meat needed.

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad (insalata caprese) with thick-sliced ripe tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, fresh basil strips, and a drizzle of olive oil. Five ingredients, 15 minutes, Italian perfection.

Basil-Vegetable Saute with zucchini, bell peppers, scallions, and fresh basil, ready in 15 minutes. A low-calorie, vegan side dish that works alongside grilled meats or pasta.

Orange roughy with basil and peppers is a light microwave fish dinner for two: mild white fillets steamed over julienned red bell peppers and onions with fresh basil and lemon. Ready in 25 minutes with almost no fat.

Tomato basil mussels: fresh mussels steamed open in a broth of white wine, garlic, diced tomatoes, basil, and hot sauce. A 15-minute Mediterranean dinner served in its own briny-tomato broth.

Penne with sauteed mushrooms, fresh Roma tomatoes, basil, and oregano topped with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. A bold Italian pasta dish ready in 25 minutes.

Broiled tomato mozzarella bruschetta with Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, capers, and balsamic vinegar on toasted Italian bread. Ready in 15 minutes as an appetizer or light meal.

Shrimp scampi primavera tosses garlicky lemon shrimp with spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and basil. Bright Italian-American weeknight dinner ready in 25 minutes.

Quick vegetarian pizza on a Boboli crust topped with fresh tomato, broccoli florets, red onion, basil, and melted mozzarella. Ready in about 25 minutes, weeknight-friendly meatless dinner.

Quick herbed macaroni Parmesan tossed with fresh basil, Roma tomatoes, parsley, and grated Parmesan. A 15-minute weeknight pasta side dish.

Tomato mozzarella and basil salad over fresh spinach with a lemon-olive oil dressing. A light caprese-style salad ready in 15 minutes, no cooking needed.

Quick orzo salad with grape tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil in a simple red wine vinaigrette. A 15-minute side dish that shines warm or cold, perfect for picnics and weeknights.

Quick rotini pasta salad tossed with mozzarella, mixed vegetables, and a herbed mayo dressing scented with oregano and basil. A 15-minute lunchbox-friendly side that holds up cold.

Whole wheat spaghetti tossed with crisp asparagus, smoky mozzarella, prosciutto ribbons, garlic, and fresh basil. A 25-minute Italian pantry pasta with bold flavors and a hint of springtime.