Freshen Up Dinner With These 25 Herb Recipes

Adding fresh herbs to your cooking is one of the easiest ways to make food taste way better without a lot of work. They bring bold flavor to sauces, meats, salads, and even drinks. Herbs work in all kinds of dishes, from simple weeknight pastas to weekend meals that feel special. Once you start cooking with them, you will notice how much more flavor everything has. These recipes show just how easy and tasty cooking with herbs can be.

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Table of Contents

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

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 coats every piece of tortellini, tomato, and mozzarella in this Tortellini Pasta Salad. It is packed with herby flavor and works great as a make-ahead lunch or an easy side for a get-together.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto Sauce, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella

Pollo al Cilantro (Cilantro Chicken)

For Pollo al Cilantro, chicken soaks in a bright, citrusy marinade loaded with fresh cilantro. This gives the grilled meat a fresh flavor that is a nice change from plain chicken breasts or thighs.
Get Recipe: Pollo al Cilantro

Cilantro Chimichurri

This Cilantro Chimichurri is a zesty, herby sauce made from lots of fresh chopped cilantro. Spooning it over grilled meat or veggies adds a bright, fresh burst of flavor that makes the whole meal taste like it came from a restaurant.
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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.

Fresh basil gets mixed right into the creamy ranch dressing for this BLT Salad. Along with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, the pesto ranch makes the whole salad way more interesting than a basic version.
Get the Recipe: BLT Salad with Pesto Ranch and Garlic Toast Croutons

Rosemary Jalapeño Steak

The spicy kick from jalapeño and the earthy taste of rosemary make this Rosemary Jalapeño Steak perfect for the grill. It turns a regular steak dinner into something that feels a lot more impressive for company or a weekend cookout.
Get Recipe: Rosemary Jalapeño Steak

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.

Pesto Rosso swaps fresh basil for sun-dried tomatoes, which gives it a rich, tangy flavor along with the herbs. It is great tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or served as a dip with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Rosso (Sun-dried Tomato Pesto)

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

While this Roasted Rosemary Chicken cooks, the smell of rosemary fills the whole kitchen. The herb makes the skin turn crispy and gives the meat a savory flavor that always gets asked for again at family dinners.
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Chimichurri Sauce

This Chimichurri Sauce blends fresh parsley and garlic into a bright, herby sauce that is great on steak or chicken. It is a famous Argentinian recipe that is simple to throw together but makes any plain meat taste way more exciting.
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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 get stirred into the creamy dressing for this Simple Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs. The herbs make the whole dish taste brighter and help balance out the richness from the mayo or yogurt.
Get the Recipe: Simple Creamy Potato Salad with Herbs

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.

Fresh basil and parsley really shine in this light Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Herbs. It comes together fast with just a few ingredients, which makes it a solid choice for busy nights when you need dinner on the table quick.
Get the Recipe: Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

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 full of fresh herbs and warm spices. They fry up crispy on the outside while staying soft inside, making them a tasty 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 get tossed with potatoes before roasting in this Dutch Oven Potatoes recipe. The herbs give them an earthy smell and flavor, and they turn out crispy outside and fluffy inside every time.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Dutch Oven Potatoes

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 star of this 5-Minute Balsamic and Fresh Basil Vinaigrette, which upgrades any plain salad. It is so quick to whisk together that you can make it fresh right before dinner to use as dressing or 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 warm spices are stirred into this Easy and Oh So Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta for a rich, cozy flavor. The sauce is dairy-free and made from pumpkin, but the herbs make it taste indulgent and satisfying for a weeknight meal.
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 blends fresh basil leaves with garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese into a classic sauce. It is a fast way to add a huge burst of herby flavor to pasta, sandwiches, or even simple 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 gets rubbed under the skin of this Oven Roasted Turkey. This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful while the skin turns perfectly crispy and golden brown for a special 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 loaded with fresh parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek. The huge amount of herbs gives the dish its dark green color and bold, unique flavor 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 basil and oregano simmer low and slow with tomatoes and meat in this classic Granma Ragù. The long cooking time builds a deep, rich flavor that makes this pasta sauce worth the wait for a homemade taste.
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 marinate in a mix of fresh herbs and chilies before hitting the grill. They turn out bold and tasty, making them a fun and simple option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Skewers (with Fresh Herbs and Chillies)

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 gets layered with feta and tomatoes on this Greek Vegetarian Phyllo Dough Pizza with its crispy, flaky crust. The herb adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that makes this a lighter and more interesting take on pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Phyllo Dough Pizza

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 gets whipped until light and smooth, then mixed with garlic and fresh basil. It is an easy but elegant appetizer that goes perfectly with toasted bread or crunchy veggies 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.

Fresh sage is the main flavor in the browned butter sauce served over this Butternut Squash Ravioli. The herb brings out the natural sweetness of the squash filling, making a dish that tastes fancy but is simple to put together.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter Sauce

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 gets drizzled over these Caprese Turkey Burgers, which also have mozzarella and tomato on top. The herby dressing adds tons of flavor to the lean turkey, making a regular burger feel way more special.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette

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 get muddled with sweet strawberries to make this refreshing Skinny Honey Strawberry Basil Mocktail. The herb adds a surprising twist that makes the drink taste more complex and interesting without any alcohol.
Get the Recipe: Skinny Honey Strawberry Basil Mocktail

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 blend with sweet peas to make this light and refreshing Easy Pea and Mint Dip. The mint gives it a cool, bright flavor that works great with crackers or veggie sticks for a healthy snack.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pea and Mint Dip