I love the fresh combination of tomato and basil, especially in the summer. Every spring or summer, I usually buy one of those little potted basil plants from the grocery store and set it in my kitchen window:
The smell of fresh basil on the counter inspires me to create delicious recipes that put my little plant to good use! Here are some of my favorite tomato and basil recipes:
Tomato and Basil Pizza
I love a good Margherita pizza. Not only is it full of flavor, but it is super easy to make. All you need to do is add tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and basil leaves to a store-bought (or homemade) pizza dough and you’re all set! (Bake for 8-10 minutes @ 450 degrees on a baking sheet or directly on the rack.)
Caprese English Muffins
Take a break from your usual breakfast routine, and try this quick and easy idea: top a toasted english muffin with shredded mozzarella cheese and heat up in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or until the cheese has melted. Then, top with tomato slices and basil leaves. Delicious!
Caprese Sandwich
Same ingredients in sandwich form! Spread olive oil on one side of a slice of sourdough bread, and then heat up in a pan or griddle over medium high heat. Then add mozzarella, tomato slices and basil, and top with another slice of sourdough. Spread olive oil on the top slice and then, once the cheese has started to melt, flip the sandwich over to finish cooking, until cheese is completely melted and both sides are golden brown.
Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad
This is one of my go-to pasta salad recipes. It makes a great light and refreshing weeknight meal or the perfect side dish to bring to a potluck or bbq. I found this recipe online and have been going off of the folded piece of paper I printed out years ago. But sadly, the web site is no longer online! So instead of sharing the link, I have copied the recipe here for you:
Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
Fresh and delicious pasta salad with tomatoes and basil
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 12 Basil Leaves (torn into small pieces)
- 2-3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 lb Tomatoes (chopped Roma or halved cherry tomatoes)
- 1 lb Bow-tie Pasta
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese (for topping)
Cook pasta according to package directions.
If using Roma tomatoes, chop and remove seeds. For Cherry tomatoes (or similar), cut tomatoes in half.
Mince garlic.
(*Optional) Sauté the minced garlic. I personally prefer this method as it gives it a more mellow and less “in-your-face” garlic flavor, but if you love garlic and prefer a bolder taste, then you can skip this step.
Rinse and dry basil leaves and tear into small pieces.
Put tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt & pepper into a large serving bowl.
Drain pasta, add to bowl and toss well with the tomato mixture.
Top & serve with shredded parmesan cheese.
Can be used as a side dish or make it a meal and serve with fresh french bread.
Let me know if you try any of these recipes or if you have any of your own to share! Enjoy!