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You can do a lot with lemon basil in the kitchen, and it’s one of the most versatile herbs you can grow.
Lemon basil brings a bright, citrusy twist to meals that regular sweet basil just can’t match.
If you’ve been wondering what can you do with lemon basil, the short answer is: almost anything that needs a fresh, lemony kick.
From salads and drinks to marinades and desserts, this herb elevates simple dishes into something special.
In this post, we’ll explore what you can do with lemon basil in everyday cooking and how to make the most of its unique flavor.
Let’s dig into the many ways you can use lemon basil today.
What Can You Do With Lemon Basil in Cooking?
What can you do with lemon basil?
The possibilities are nearly endless, but the best uses focus on highlighting its natural citrus notes.
This herb shines when added fresh at the end of cooking or used raw, so its essential oils stay vibrant.
Here are the top ways to put lemon basil to work in your meals.
1. Toss It Into Fresh Salads
Lemon basil is a game-changer in green salads, fruit salads, and grain bowls.
Its lemony aroma pairs beautifully with watermelon, strawberries, or peaches in a summer salad.
You can also chop lemon basil finely and mix it into coleslaw for a zesty crunch.
A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon basil leaves turns a boring salad into a bright, refreshing dish.
This is one of the easiest ways to use lemon basil because it requires zero cooking.
2. Infuse It Into Drinks and Cocktails
Lemon basil is perfect for beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Muddle lemon basil leaves into lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water for instant flavor.
You can also blend it into smoothies, where it adds a surprising herbaceous note that complements citrus fruits.
For cocktails, lemon basil pairs wonderfully with gin, vodka, or rum in mojitos and spritzers.
A lemon basil simple syrup is another fantastic thing you can make, and it lasts for weeks in the fridge.
3. Make Pesto With a Citrus Twist
Traditional pesto uses sweet basil, but lemon basil pesto is a bright, aromatic upgrade.
Swap lemon basil for sweet basil in your favorite pesto recipe, and you’ll get a sauce that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.
The natural lemon flavor means you can reduce the amount of lemon juice you normally add.
This lemon basil pesto freezes well, so you can enjoy summer’s harvest all year round.
4. Season Fish and Seafood
Lemon basil and seafood are a match made in heaven.
Sprinkle chopped lemon basil over grilled salmon, shrimp, or white fish right before serving.
You can also stuff whole fish with lemon basil sprigs and lemon slices for a fragrant, moist result.
The herb’s citrus notes complement the delicate flavor of seafood without overpowering it.
This is a simple way to use lemon basil that feels gourmet but takes minutes.
5. Add It to Marinades and Sauces
Lemon basil works beautifully in marinades for chicken, pork, or tofu.
Mix chopped lemon basil with olive oil, garlic, and a splash of vinegar for a quick marinade.
You can also stir lemon basil into tomato sauces, cream sauces, or stir-fry sauces near the end of cooking.
The heat slightly wilts the leaves and releases their citrusy aroma into the sauce.
What Can You Do With Lemon Basil Beyond Dinner?
You don’t have to stop at savory dishes when thinking about what can you do with lemon basil.
This herb has a place in baking, desserts, and even homemade wellness remedies.
Let’s explore some unexpected uses that will make you love lemon basil even more.
1. Bake It Into Desserts
Lemon basil and sweet treats are an underrated combination that deserves more attention.
Finely chop lemon basil and fold it into shortbread cookies, pound cake, or ice cream bases.
You can also infuse milk or cream with lemon basil leaves before making custards or panna cotta.
A lemon basil glaze on a simple cake adds a floral, citrusy finish that’s unforgettable.
So if you love baking, this is a creative way to use lemon basil beyond savory meals.
2. Craft Herb-Infused Oils and Vinegars
Infused oils and vinegars are superb pantry staples, and lemon basil makes them exceptional.
To make lemon basil oil, gently warm olive oil with fresh leaves, then strain and store.
This oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled bread, or roasted vegetables.
Similarly, you can infuse white wine vinegar with lemon basil for bright, tangy salad dressings.
These homemade infusions are thoughtful gifts and an easy way to preserve lemon basil’s flavor.
3. Brew a Calming Herbal Tea
Lemon basil tea is a soothing, caffeine-free beverage with a gentle citrus aroma.
Steep a handful of fresh lemon basil leaves in hot water for five to ten minutes.
Add a drizzle of honey if you like a touch of sweetness.
This tea is lovely after dinner or as a comforting afternoon pick-me-up.
Drinking lemon basil tea is also a nice way to use up a large harvest of leaves all at once.
How to Store Lemon Basil for Maximum Flavor
Knowing how to store lemon basil is key to making the most of what you can do with lemon basil over time.
Fresh lemon basil wilts quickly, so proper storage is essential to keep its flavor strong.
1. Fridge Storage for Short-Term Use
For immediate use, wrap lemon basil stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
Keep the bag in the crisper drawer, and the leaves should last about a week.
Another method is to stand the stems in a glass of water with a loose plastic bag over the top.
Change the water every couple of days to keep the herb fresh longer.
2. Freezing or Drying for Long-Term Use
If you have a big harvest, freeze lemon basil in ice cube trays with olive oil or water.
These cubes are convenient for adding to soups, sauces, or marinades later.
Drying lemon basil works, but note that it loses some of its citrusy punch.
For best flavor, freeze lemon basil rather than drying it whenever possible.
So, What Can You Do With Lemon Basil?
What can you do with lemon basil?
The truth is, you can do so much more with lemon basil than you might have imagined.
You can toss it into salads, blend it into drinks, make pesto, season seafood, and even bake it into desserts.
Lemon basil is also wonderful in teas, infused oils, and marinades, making it a truly multipurpose herb.
Whether you’re growing lemon basil in your garden or buying it fresh at the market, this herb rewards creativity in the kitchen.
So don’t be shy, grab a bunch of lemon basil and start experimenting with these versatile ideas.
Your dishes will thank you for the bright, citrusy lift that only lemon basil can deliver.