25 Easy Recipes Using Your Favorite Fresh Herbs

Using fresh herbs is a simple way to make your everyday meals taste much more interesting and delicious. They can add a lot of flavor to sauces, salad dressings, and marinades without requiring a lot of extra work from you. Herbs are very easy to cook with and can be used in so many different kinds of dishes. Once you start adding them to your food, you will notice how much better everything tastes.

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Table of Contents

1 Rosemary Jalapeño Steak
2 Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Herbs
3 Cilantro Chimichurri
4 Roasted Rosemary Chicken
5 Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto Sauce, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella
6 Pollo al Cilantro (Cilantro Chicken)
7 Chimichurri Sauce
8 BLT Salad with Pesto Ranch and Garlic Toast Croutons
9 Pesto Rosso (Sun-dried Tomato Pesto)
10 Simple Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs
11 Creamy Whipped Ricotta Dip with Garlic and Herbs
12 Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter Sauce
13 Paruppu Vadai (Indian Chickpea Fritters)
14 The BEST Dutch Oven Potatoes
15 Skinny Honey Strawberry Basil Mocktail
16 5-Minute Balsamic and Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
17 Easy and Oh So Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta (gluten-free)
18 Italian Basil Pesto (Pesto alla Genovese)
19 Oven Roasted Turkey
20 Vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi
21 Granma Ragù
22 Grilled Chicken Skewers (with Fresh Herbs and Chillies)
23 Easy Pea and Mint Dip
24 Greek Vegetarian Phyllo Dough Pizza
25 Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette

Rosemary Jalapeño Steak

The combination of spicy jalapeño and earthy rosemary gives this Rosemary Jalapeño Steak a really bold and delicious flavor that is perfect for cooking on the grill. It is a simple way to make a steak dinner feel special and impressive for a weekend meal or when you have guests over.
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Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

A large red-handled pot filled with cooked spaghetti, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, sitting on a marble countertop. The dish appears light and appetizing. — Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Herbs. Photo credit: Cucina By Elena.

This Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Herbs is a light and simple dish where the fresh herbs like basil and parsley really stand out. It comes together very quickly with just a few ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a fast and tasty dinner on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

Cilantro Chimichurri

You can add a zesty and fresh taste to grilled meats or vegetables with this Cilantro Chimichurri, which is a sauce made from lots of chopped herbs. It is like a burst of flavor in every bite and can turn a simple meal into something much more exciting and restaurant-quality.
Get Recipe: Cilantro Chimichurri

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

The mouthwatering smell of rosemary will fill your kitchen while this Roasted Rosemary Chicken is cooking in the oven, which is a comforting and classic meal. The herbs make the chicken skin crispy and flavorful, creating a dish that is always a popular request for family dinners.
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Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto Sauce, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

A vibrant pasta dish features tortellini topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and green pesto sauce, garnished with basil leaves. A small bowl of pesto and additional cherry tomatoes are placed around the plates on a rustic dark surface. — Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto Sauce, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

A homemade basil pesto sauce coats the tortellini, tomatoes, and mozzarella in this Tortellini Pasta Salad, making it a fresh and satisfying dish. The pesto is packed with herby flavor, and this salad is a great option for a make-ahead lunch or a easy side dish for a party.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto Sauce, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

Pollo al Cilantro (Cilantro Chicken)

For Pollo al Cilantro, chicken is marinated in a zesty and bright dressing that is made with a large amount of fresh cilantro. This gives the grilled chicken a delicious citrusy flavor that is a great way to change up your usual routine for cooking chicken breasts or thighs.
Get Recipe: Pollo al Cilantro

Chimichurri Sauce

This Chimichurri Sauce is a fresh and garlicky blend of parsley and other herbs that adds a bold, herby kick to grilled steaks or chicken. It is a very popular sauce from Argentina that is simple to make but can make any simple piece of meat taste amazing and special.
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BLT Salad with Pesto Ranch and Garlic Toast Croutons

A vibrant salad on a blue and white patterned plate featuring crispy bacon strips, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, torn pieces of bread, and fresh greens. Inspired by pesto recipes, a small bunch of fresh basil sits in the center of the salad. — BLT Salad with Pesto Ranch and Garlic Toast Croutons. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

The creamy dressing for this BLT Salad is a pesto ranch that gets its herby flavor from fresh basil blended right into it. Combined with the crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, the pesto makes this salad much more interesting and flavorful than a standard version.
Get the Recipe: BLT Salad with Pesto Ranch and Garlic Toast Croutons

Pesto Rosso (Sun-dried Tomato Pesto)

A close-up view of a jar filled with thick, reddish-brown sun-dried tomato pesto. A wooden spoon rests inside the jar, showcasing the rich, textured contents. Fresh green basil leaves are blurred in the background on a light-colored surface. — Pesto Rosso (Sun-dried Tomato Pesto). Photo credit: Addicted to Dates.

Unlike traditional pesto, Pesto Rosso is made with sun-dried tomatoes which gives it a rich and tangy flavor along with the fresh herbs. It is a deeply flavorful sauce that is wonderful tossed with pasta, spread on a sandwich, or used as a dip for a piece of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Rosso (Sun-dried Tomato Pesto)

Simple Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs

A close-up photo of a bowl filled with creamy potato salad. The potato chunks are coated in a thick white dressing and garnished with chopped chives. The bowl is set on a wooden surface, with some fresh chives placed beside it. — Simple Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs. Photo credit: Cucina By Elena.

Chopped fresh parsley and dill are mixed into the creamy dressing for this Simple Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs, which makes it taste much brighter. The herbs help to balance out the richness of the mayonnaise or yogurt, turning a classic picnic side into something extra special.
Get the Recipe: Simple Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs

Creamy Whipped Ricotta Dip with Garlic and Herbs

A wooden platter featuring a variety of snacks including crisp toast, a bowl of creamy dip, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and an assortment of berries. A wicker basket with more toast is visible to the side. — Creamy Whipped Ricotta Dip with Garlic and Herbs. Photo credit: Maplevine Kitchen.

This Creamy Whipped Ricotta Dip is made smooth and light by whipping the cheese, and then it is flavored with garlic and fresh herbs like basil. It is a simple but elegant appetizer that is perfect for serving with slices of toasted bread or crunchy raw vegetables for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Whipped Ricotta Dip with Garlic and Herbs

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter Sauce

A table set with two plates of ravioli topped with grated cheese, sage leaves, and hazelnuts. A skillet with more ravioli, a bowl of grated cheese, and a glass of wine are also present. The tablecloth features a blue floral design, and a white cloth is partly visible. — Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

The warm and earthy taste of fresh sage is the star of the browned butter sauce that is served over this Butternut Squash Ravioli. The herb enhances the natural sweetness of the squash filling, creating a comforting and restaurant-quality dish that feels fancy but is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter Sauce

Paruppu Vadai (Indian Chickpea Fritters)

Crispy vegetable fritters are arranged on a white surface next to a small bowl of dark dipping sauce garnished with chopped green herbs. Each fritter appears golden brown, showcasing various bits of veggies, and looks freshly made. — Paruppu Vadai (Indian Chickpea Fritters). Photo credit: Earth to Veg.

These Indian chickpea fritters, called Paruppu Vadai, are packed with flavor from a mixture of fresh herbs and traditional warm spices. They are fried until they are crispy on the outside but still soft inside, making them a delicious and flavorful snack or appetizer to share.
Get the Recipe: Paruppu Vadai (Indian Chickpea Fritters)

The BEST Dutch Oven Potatoes

A close-up of a bowl filled with tender, roasted baby potatoes garnished with fresh parsley. The potatoes are halved and seasoned, showing a golden-brown exterior and white interior. The dish sits on a white surface, suggesting a simple and wholesome meal. — The BEST Dutch Oven Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Chef Within.

Fresh rosemary and thyme are tossed with potatoes before they are roasted in a Dutch Oven Potatoes recipe, making them crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. The herbs give the potatoes an earthy and wonderful smell and taste that makes them a perfect side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Dutch Oven Potatoes

Skinny Honey Strawberry Basil Mocktail

A vibrant cocktail in a glass garnished with a basil leaf and a large ice cube. The drink features a frothy layer with green zest sprinkled on top. Accompanying the drink are a honey dipper, strawberries, and a lime wedge in the blurred background. — Skinny Honey Strawberry Basil Mocktail. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

Fresh basil leaves are muddled with sweet strawberries to create a refreshing and alcohol-free drink called a Skinny Honey Strawberry Basil Mocktail. The herb adds a surprising and delicious twist that makes the drink taste more complex and perfect for a hot day or a party.
Get the Recipe: Skinny Honey Strawberry Basil Mocktail

5-Minute Balsamic and Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

A vibrant Caprese salad on a white plate featuring sliced heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of pesto. Grilled bread slices are on a wooden board beside the plate, and a small bowl of extra pesto sauce is in the upper left corner. — 5-Minute Balsamic and Fresh Basil Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

Fresh basil leaves are the key ingredient in this 5-Minute Balsamic and Fresh Basil Vinaigrette, giving a regular salad dressing a fragrant and herby upgrade. It is so quick to make that you can whip it up right before dinner to pour over a salad or use as a marinade.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Balsamic and Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

Easy and Oh So Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta (gluten-free)

Two bowls of creamy pasta with a rich orange sauce are garnished with chopped walnuts, crumbled cheese, and herbs. A fork is twirling pasta from one bowl, while several shelled walnuts are scattered on the white surface nearby. — Easy and Oh So Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta (gluten-free). Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

Fresh sage and other warm spices are stirred into this Easy and Oh So Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta to give it a rich and cozy depth of flavor. The sauce is made from pumpkin and is completely dairy-free, but the herbs make it taste indulgent and satisfying for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Oh So Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta (gluten-free)

Italian Basil Pesto (Pesto alla Genovese)

A jar of green pesto with a wooden spoon is placed on a beige cloth. Surrounding it are a bottle of olive oil, a wedge of cheese, a half-cut lemon, and fresh basil leaves. Pine nuts are scattered on the marble surface. — Italian Basil Pesto (Pesto alla Genovese). Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

This Italian Basil Pesto is a classic sauce made by blending fresh basil leaves with garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese. It is a quick and versatile way to add a huge burst of herby flavor to a bowl of pasta, a sandwich, or even a piece of grilled fish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Basil Pesto (Pesto alla Genovese)

Oven Roasted Turkey

A plated roasted turkey is garnished with fresh rosemary, sliced oranges, and cranberries. The turkey is artistically sliced with a mix of white and dark meat. The vibrant colors of the garnish add a festive touch to the dish. — Oven Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Sweet & Savory Meals.

An herb butter made with fresh rosemary and thyme is rubbed under the skin of this Oven Roasted Turkey to make it extra flavorful and juicy. The herbs also help the skin get perfectly crispy and golden brown, which is ideal for a holiday meal or a special Sunday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Turkey

Vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi

A bowl of yellow saffron rice surrounds a serving of ghormeh sabzi, a Persian herb stew with kidney beans and dried limes, in the center. The dish is accompanied by a wooden spoon and raw black limes and kidney beans scattered around on the white surface. — Vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi. Photo credit: Earth to Veg.

This Vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi is a traditional Persian stew that is filled with the strong, fresh flavors of parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek. The large amount of herbs gives the dish its signature dark green color and its bold, unique taste that is both hearty and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi

Granma Ragù

A white plate holds a serving of pappardelle pasta topped with a savory meat sauce. The sauce includes ground meat, tomatoes, and herbs. A fork rests atop the noodles, which are arranged in a somewhat messy yet appetizing manner. — Granma Ragù. Photo credit: Stefania’s Kitchenette.

Fresh herbs like basil and oregano are slowly simmered with tomatoes and meat in this classic Granma Ragù to build a rich and hearty flavor. This is a comforting pasta sauce that takes time to cook but is worth it for the deep, homemade taste that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Granma Ragù

Grilled Chicken Skewers (with Fresh Herbs and Chillies)

A wooden board featuring grilled chicken skewers garnished with herbs, lemon wedges, pita bread, a colorful salad with tomatoes, onions, and parsley, a small bowl of green olives, a bowl of yogurt sauce, and another small bowl with white and dark seasoning. — Grilled Chicken Skewers (with Fresh Herbs and Chillies). Photo credit: The Spice Adventures.

These Grilled Chicken Skewers are marinated in a mixture of fresh herbs and chilies before being cooked, which gives the chicken a really bold and delicious taste. They are a simple and fun meal to cook on the grill for a easy weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Skewers (with Fresh Herbs and Chillies)

Easy Pea and Mint Dip

A bowl of guacamole garnished with a sprig of fresh mint sits on a colorful, patterned tablecloth. A halved lemon is placed in the background, adding a touch of brightness to the scene. — Easy Pea and Mint Dip. Photo credit: Cinnamon & Kale.

Fresh mint leaves are blended with sweet peas to make this light and refreshing Easy Pea and Mint Dip, which is a great alternative to hummus. The mint gives the dip a cool and bright flavor that is perfect for spreading on crackers or dipping with vegetable sticks.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pea and Mint Dip

Greek Vegetarian Phyllo Dough Pizza

A colorful Mediterranean flatbread with crispy phyllo base is topped with vibrant tomato slices, black olives, green leafy vegetables, and white feta cheese on a parchment paper. — Greek Vegetarian Phyllo Dough Pizza. Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

Fresh basil is layered with feta cheese and tomatoes on this Greek Vegetarian Phyllo Dough Pizza, which has a crispy and flaky crust. The herb adds a fresh and aromatic flavor that makes this a lighter and more interesting version of a classic pizza for a fun dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Phyllo Dough Pizza

Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette

A vibrant blue plate with four veggie burgers topped with green pesto, tomato slices, and lettuce. On the side are a pile of sweet potato fries, and a small bowl of additional green pesto in the center. Fresh greens and an orange cloth are partially visible. — Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette. Photo credit: The Heavenly Spiced.

A bright basil vinaigrette is drizzled over these Caprese Turkey Burgers, which are also topped with mozzarella and tomato for a fresh twist. The herb dressing adds a lot of flavor to the lean turkey meat, making a regular burger feel much more special and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette