Herb | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Basil Leaf

Ocimum basilicum Allergen-Free
basil leaf

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Lamiaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian,Southeast Asian
  • Seasonality Summer-Fall
  • Source Basil Plant

The Forktionary Angle

"Uncover the fresh vibrancy of basil in every dish."

Definition

An aromatic herb with sweet, peppery, and slightly anise-like notes, widely used in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet,Peppery,Anise-like,Minty,Slightly Pungent
TextureTender,Soft,Delicate
AromaSweet,Clove-like,Anise,Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Fresh Shelf Life

1 week (stems in water, covered)

Global Varieties

>60 known cultivars (e.g., Sweet, Thai, Lemon, Holy)

Key Flavor Compound

Eugenol (clove-like), Linalool (floral)

Nutrition Facts

Per 4g (1/4 cup chopped)
Calories23 kcal
Total Fat0.6g
Saturated Fat0.0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein3.2g
Total Carbohydrate2.7g
Dietary Fiber1.6g
Total Sugars0.3g
Calcium177mg
Iron3.2mg
Potassium295mg

Chef’s Secret

Add fresh basil leaves at the very end of cooking or as a garnish to preserve their delicate flavor and vibrant color.

Substitutions

Best Match

Fresh Oregano

1:1 (use less due to stronger flavor)

Similar Mediterranean profile, but more pungent and less sweet.

Fresh Mint

1:1 (use less)

Offers freshness, but with a distinct minty flavor not suitable for all basil dishes.

Fresh Parsley

1:1

Milder, herbaceous, good for color and general fresh herb flavor, but lacks basil's complexity.

Dried Basil

1:3 (dried to fresh)

Convenient but significantly less potent and nuanced than fresh. Best added early in cooking.

Buying Guide

Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting or dark spots. Store at room temperature in water.

Flavor Pairings

Tomato mozzarella garlic olive oil lemon chicken fish pesto.

Recipes Using Basil Leaf

4 Hours Or Less Oven One Dish Meal Pasta

Adriana's Pasta Pie

Prepare for a culinary revelation! This Adriana's Pasta Pie recipe, straight from the legendary St. Louis Italian hilltop restaurant, is a game-changer. Get ready for a rich, meaty crust and a decadent pasta filling that will leave you craving more. This recipe makes extra delicious sauce, perfect for future meals. Plus, it's freezer-friendly! Bake it partially, freeze it, and bake it later for ultimate convenience. Featured on FoodTV.com (with slight variations), this is a must-try for pasta lovers.

See Complete Recipe
Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make From Scratch

American Kitchen Classic Basic Thai Curry

Unlock the secrets of authentic Thai curry in just 35 minutes! This easy recipe guides you through creating a vibrant and flavorful curry, customizable to your taste. Choose your favorite protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp—the possibilities are endless!), and load it with your preferred vegetables. From the aromatic simmering sauce to the perfectly tender-crisp vegetables, this recipe is your passport to a delicious Thai culinary adventure. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Preparation Low In Something Low Cholesterol

Angel Hair Pasta With Basil Tomatoes

This quick and easy Angel Hair Pasta recipe bursts with fresh Italian flavor! Garlic and vibrant basil complement perfectly ripe tomatoes, creating a simple yet unforgettable dish ready in under 20 minutes. Easily adaptable – use your favorite pasta! Serves 3.

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Side Dishes Easy Main Ingredient

Angel Hair With Avocado And Tomatoes

A light and refreshing summer pasta dish! This vibrant recipe combines the delicate flavor of angel hair pasta with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch. Inspired by Betty Crocker's Diabetic Cookbook, this recipe is naturally delicious and satisfying.

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Tomatoes 3 Steps Or Less Main Dish

Asparagus Penne

A vibrant and flavorful 15-minute pasta dish! This Asparagus Penne recipe features tender penne pasta tossed with perfectly blistered cherry tomatoes, crisp-tender asparagus, and a hint of garlic. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious!

See Complete Recipe
Chicken Oven 60 Minutes Or Less Chicken

Avocado Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts get a creamy, vibrant makeover with this California Avocado Stuffed Chicken recipe! This elegant yet easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken is filled with a luscious avocado mixture, then baked to perfection. Get ready for a burst of fresh, flavorful goodness in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Rice And Grains 30 Minutes Or Less Penne Time To Make

Bacon And Mushroom Penne With Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

This decadent pasta dish elevates a classic pesto recipe with smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy sunflower seeds! A vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto coats perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Easily swap bacon for chorizo for a spicy twist. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

See Complete Recipe
Course 30 Minutes Or Less Appetizers Preparation

Baked Caprese Salad

Giada De Laurentiis inspired! This easy Baked Caprese Salad recipe elevates classic flavors. Crispy toasted focaccia topped with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – a perfect appetizer or light lunch! Get ready for a burst of fresh, summery goodness.

See Complete Recipe
European 60 Minutes Or Less Equipment American

Baked Ziti Casserole

This irresistible Baked Ziti Casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks! Creamy ricotta, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese combine with perfectly cooked ziti for a comforting and flavorful dish. Get ready for the ultimate cheesy, baked pasta experience!

See Complete Recipe
Summer Served Hot Egg Free Summer

Barbecued Pesto Fish

Escape to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Barbecued Pesto Fish recipe! Simple, easy, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. Succulent fish fillets are slathered in a homemade pesto and grilled to perfection. Cooking time adjusts to your fish thickness, ensuring flaky, delicious results every time.

See Complete Recipe
Fish Main Ingredient Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less

Basil Baked Tilapia

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy and flavorful Basil Baked Tilapia recipe! Perfect for delicate white fish like tilapia or flounder, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. The fragrant basil, buttery sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs create a symphony of taste that's sure to impress. Get ready for a light yet satisfying meal the whole family will love!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Preparation Low Sodium 3 Steps Or Less

Basil Basmati Rice

Ready in 30 minutes, this vibrant Basil Basmati Rice recipe from Coup de Pouce is a fragrant and flavorful side dish. Perfectly cooked basmati rice infused with a zesty basil pesto – elevate your weeknight meals with this easy and delicious recipe!

See Complete Recipe
3 Steps Or Less Equipment Main Ingredient Very Low Carbs

Basil Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms

Savor the delightful combination of juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant basil in this quick and easy Chicken Marsala recipe! This 15-minute meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, boasting rich Marsala wine sauce and a burst of fresh basil flavor. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish!

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Cheese Time To Make Main Dish

Basil Mozzarella Burgers

Savor the taste of summer with these juicy Basil Mozzarella Burgers! Our Italian-inspired recipe features fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and a vibrant sweet pepper relish. These delicious grilled burgers are perfect for a BBQ or a weeknight dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Equipment Toddler Friendly Dinner Party Meat

Beef Pho

Experience the rich, savory depths of authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho! This classic recipe, perfect for beef lovers, delivers a heartwarming and flavorful soup that's worth the time. While the elaborate, slow-simmered broth takes dedication (and is best made a day ahead), the result is a deeply rewarding culinary journey. Fresh herbs and perfectly seared beef elevate this dish to an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient 15 Minutes Or Less Healthy 2 Low Protein

Best Ever Fresh Sweetcorn Salad

This vibrant and incredibly flavorful sweet corn salad is a game-changer! Unlike other corn salad recipes, this one boasts a unique twist inspired by Ina Garten, perfected by food blogger Hannah, and now shared with you. Get ready for a burst of fresh corn kernels, juicy red onions, sweet roasted red peppers, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious – this recipe will be your new summer go-to!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Course Elbow Macaroni Preparation

Mozzarella Macaroni And Cheese

Escape the salt overload of traditional cheddar mac and cheese! This recipe from Angie McGowan of Eclectic Recipes delivers a luxuriously creamy, dreamy mac and cheese experience. Made with fresh mozzarella, this recipe boasts a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce with no grainy texture. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food upgrade – quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious!

See Complete Recipe
Thai Low In Something Meat Chicken Breasts

Thai Inspired Coconut Chicken With Spinach And Mushrooms

Craving that authentic Thai coconut chicken soup but short on time? This 20-minute recipe delivers incredible flavor without the lemongrass hunt! A quick and easy fusion dish, perfectly balancing creamy coconut milk with savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for a taste of Thailand in your kitchen!

See Complete Recipe