I dont have a garden but I always have basil growing out on the back deck during summer.

Basil isnt just for summer though.

I can always find both Thai basil and sweet basil at the grocery store all year round.

Close up of caprese stuffed tomatoes with basil scattered on top.

Kalisa Marie Martin

When buying basil in the store, look for bright green leaves and green stems.

Browning means that the basil is past its prime.

If the basil is from your garden, look for undamaged bright green leaves.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a Parchment Lined Tray, and on the Counter Next to the Tray, Plates With Individual Ingredients

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

Speaking of stems, basil stems are edible.

after you grab your basil, what do you do with it?

Have no fear, basil is a versatile herb that complements many different flavors.

Platter of Caprese Salad With Tomatoes, Basil, and Mozzarella Next to a Plate With a Serving, All on a Yellow Placemat

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Basil is used twice in this sandwich: fresh basil leaves and pesto spread on the toasted ciabatta bun.

Use beefsteak tomatoes or heirloom when in season.

Its a perfectly simple, yet stunning dish that takes only minutes to put together.

Overhead view of sheet pan chicken thighs with tomatoes, potatoes, capers, and basil on a sheet pan.

Alison Bickel

I like using fresh buffalo mozzarella when I can.

Add the torn basil right before serving.

Chop cucumbers and peaches, then mix with the herb vinaigrette.

Summer peach and cucumber salad in a bowl with a serving spoon. A blue linen is to the right and peaches, limes and basil are to the left of the bowl.

Kalisa Marie Martin

confirm to use the food processor for the dressing for the best flavor.

Creamy Basil Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy mac and cheese is always a good idea.

An even better idea?

Bowl of No Cook Tomato Sauce Pasta with a Fork

Simply Recipes / Sarah Tane

Blend basil with the cream before making the sauce and add marinated artichokes.

Spoon it over grilled vegetables or toss it in a salad.

confirm to use ripe tomatoes and to salt them to draw out the juices.

Mac and Cheese Add-Ins - mac and cheese in bowl with basil leaves and breadcrumbs on top

Sally Vargas

Serve as a vegetarian main or sizzling side dish.

If you dont have a cast iron skillet, you could grill them on a grill-safe pan.

Tear 1/4 cup basil and sprinkle it on top to finish the salad.

Basil Vinaigrette

Elise Bauer

Fresh Basil Pesto

Bunches and bunches of fresh basil call for making your own pesto.

You’ll go through 2 whole cups of basil leaves in this recipe.

But if grilling isnt an option take this pizza indoors and use your oven.

Bowl of Fried Polenta Panzanella with Tomato, Basil, and Burrata with a Drink on a Table

Matt Armendariz

Add the basil just before serving to preserve its flavor.

This is best eaten the same day.

Its tempting to use a nonstick skillet but it’s not the best option for this recipe.

Overhead view of a cast iron skillet with vegetarian stuffed tomatoes with basil leaves scattered over top.

Kalisa Marie Martin

Instead, use stainless steel or an enamel coated skillet with high sides.

What is Panzanella? overhead shot of panzanella in white bowl

Nick Evans

Fresh Basil Pesto

Elise Bauer

How to make pizza on the grill

Katie Workman

Caprese Corn Salad in a bowl.

Elise Bauer

Chicken caprese on a black plate.

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel