Best Fresh Basil Paste Recipes

FRESH BASIL PASTE

Fresh Basil Paste image

Provided by Food Network

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

4 cups (packed) fresh basil leaves (about 8 ounces weighed with stems on)
4 to 5 peeled cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
About 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For each 1/4 cup, add 2 tablespoons chopped pine nuts and or 2 to 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Steps:

Rinse the basil well and pat dry. In a food processor, puree basil with garlic until coarsely chopped. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the oil and process until finely pureed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
USES: Grill or broil some sword fish and each portion with a tablespoonful or so of basil puree. Spoon a tablespoonful or so into each portion of canned vegetable soup.

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

Caprese Pasta Salad image

This easy Caprese pasta salad is always a favorite, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it's chilled for a few hours. -Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 17 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
3 large heirloom tomatoes (about 2 pounds), seeded and chopped
3/4 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Gently stir in the tomatoes, cheese and basil., In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 137mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.