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

Kid Friendly Kid Friendly Preparation European

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.

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Diabetic 3 Steps Or Less Diabetic Course

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.

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Steak Time To Make Preparation Main Dish

Argentine Style Stuffed Flank Steak

Experience the rich flavors of Argentina with this incredible stuffed flank steak recipe! Perfectly tender and bursting with savory goodness, this show-stopping dish is easier to make than you think. Marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and herbs, then generously stuffed with prosciutto, spinach, and a medley of vegetables, this impressive centerpiece is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey!

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Dietary Preparation Italian Pasta

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!

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Beginner Cook Main Ingredient Taste Mood Beginner Cook

Asparagus With Gorgonzola

Indulge in this decadent and easy Asparagus with Gorgonzola Sauce recipe! Inspired by London's River Cafe, this rich side dish is the perfect complement to grilled pork tenderloin, steak, or your favorite protein. Creamy gorgonzola cheese creates a luxuriously flavorful sauce that will elevate any meal. Prepare this 10-minute wonder and impress your guests!

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Equipment Chicken Meat Main Dish

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!

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Preparation Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Appetizers

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.

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Pasta Rice And Grains European Comfort Food Equipment

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!

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Chicken Cuisine Preparation Main Ingredient

Balsamic Chicken And Fresh Mozzarella

This recipe creates a mouthwatering balsamic chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or elevated sandwiches! Marinating the chicken overnight unlocks incredible flavor. (Marinating time not included in cook time)

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Preparation Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Barefoot Contessa's Lasagna

Indulge in this irresistible Barefoot Contessa-inspired lasagna recipe! Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella create a symphony of flavors. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this generously portioned lasagna is sure to be a hit. Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread, and a glass of Chianti for a complete Italian feast.

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Vegetables Cuisine Occasion Vegetables

Barley Minestrone With Pesto

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful Barley Minestrone! This satisfying soup bursts with fresh vegetables, tender barley, and a vibrant basil-garlic pesto. Customize it with your favorite veggies – the possibilities are endless! Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, served with crusty bread and a side salad. (Prep time excludes barley soaking.)

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Easy North American American 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!

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Easy Main Dish Very Low Carbs Meat

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!

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Food Processor Blender Vegetarian Dinner Party Course

Basil Vinaigrette Dressing

Elevate your salads with this vibrant Basil Vinaigrette! Imagine this bright, herbaceous dressing drizzled over juicy tomatoes, crisp sweet onions, creamy avocado, peppery radicchio, and refreshing romaine lettuce. Perfect for a light lunch, summer BBQ, or a quick weeknight dinner.

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Low Protein Salad Dressings Healthy 2 Greens

Bibb Salad With Basil Green Goddess Dressing

Indulge in this vibrant Bibb lettuce salad, featuring a revitalized Basil Green Goddess dressing! Inspired by the iconic 1920s San Francisco Palace Hotel recipe, this updated version boasts a burst of fresh basil flavor. Originally a tribute to the play "The Green Goddess," our dressing swaps tarragon for a more intense basil taste, creating a bright green masterpiece. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant dinner, this recipe is surprisingly quick to make and incredibly delicious. Enjoy it with crisp Bibb lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and the creamy, herbaceous dressing – a flavor sensation that's both refreshing and satisfying! Adapted from Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa.

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Cheese 30 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains 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!

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Low In Something Low Sodium Cooking Mixes Time To Make

Roasted Capsicum Goat Cheese And Walnut Salad

A vibrant and flavorful salad bursting with roasted sweetness and creamy textures! This recipe, inspired by a local pub, features tender pasta tossed with perfectly roasted capsicum (bell peppers), tangy goat cheese (or feta!), crunchy walnuts (or pecans!), and fresh basil. A light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer gathering. Easy to customize to your liking!

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Main Dish Dietary Preparation Low In Something

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!

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