Looking for lemon-basil recipes packed with flavor? Look no further! These dishes make the most of the satisfying combo.
28 Fresh Lemon-Basil Recipes
Updated on Dec. 06, 2023
1/27
Peach-Basil Lemonade Slush
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chilly slush with peaches, lemon juice and garden-fresh basil is hands-down the best lemonade ever. It tastes just like summer. —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 152 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
2/27
Lemony Vegetables and Pasta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing pasta dish comes together in 30 minutes. Its simplicity and flavor combinations are typical of authentic Italian cuisine. Buon appetito! —Erin Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 366 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
3/27
Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn on the cob is a comforting and cherished Midwest dish. It’s amazing when grilled, and my recipe adds a few unexpected ingredients to make it taste even more like summertime. —Caitlin Dawson, Monroe, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 125 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
4/27
Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 406 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
5/27
Lemon-Basil Roasted Potatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Two of my favorite ingredients, onion and garlic, make lemony herbed potatoes even more delicious. The versatile side dish will complement just about any main course.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 209 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
6/27
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 fruit.
7/27
Lemon-Herb Olives with Goat Cheese
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Greek olives have a fruity flavor that comes into play when you mix them with lemon and fresh herbs. Spoon over goat cheese and slather on crackers. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without crackers): 135 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
8/27
Grilled Tilapia Piccata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
9/27
Lemon-Basil Mojito Mocktails
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In this twist on the classic summer beverage, lemon and basil take the place of mint. For a grown-up version, just add your favorite rum or vodka. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 101 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
10/27
Farmers Market Orzo Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Orzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 291 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
11/27
Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a dish that’s light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies…for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 399 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
12/27
Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 115 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/27
Honeyed Carrots with Citrus-Basil Gremolata
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the scent of fresh basil. It’s even better when paired with fresh citrus peel! In this recipe, the carrots are sweetened with a touch of honey, then topped with a lively citrus-basil gremolata. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 113 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
14/27
Creamy Lemon Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright rice dish has a creamy texture that’s reminiscent of a lemon risotto, but without all the watching and stirring. Keep this one in your back pocket for hosting dinner guests—or a great side any old day! —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 246 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 806mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
15/27
Asparagus ‘n’ Shrimp with Angel Hair
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It’s easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 488 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
16/27
Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This isn’t Grandma’s chicken soup, but it is comforting. The lemon juice gives this easy soup enough zip to make it interesting. —Bill Hilbrich, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 435 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
17/27
Lemon Basil Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It was my husband, Steve, who came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender Lemon Basil Salmon. We eat a lot of salmon and Steve likes trying out different herbs and spices on our food. This recipe’s a winner! —Marianne Bauman, Modesto, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 274 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
18/27
Lemon Rice Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad makes a refreshing side dish for a special occasion meal. I take it to holiday potluck suppers and other family gatherings. People enjoy the combination of flavors, and I like that it can be made ahead. —Margery Richmond, Lacombe, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 247 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/27
Peach-Basil Cooler
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (3 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
Mix peaches and basil with club soda for a cool and refreshing mocktail! —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 157 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/27
Lemon Chicken with Basil
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
21/27
Quick Antipasto Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always told my sister, Karen, I’d marry a cowboy—and I did! Patrick and I had a festive farm-style wedding. My mother prepared all the side dishes, including this tongue-tingling salad. —Kendra Waterbury, East Thetford, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 281 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
22/27
Basil-Lemon Crab Linguine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always add herbs to pasta to really punch up the flavor. This linguine looks and tastes like it’s from a five-star restaurant. We love it. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 392 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
23/27
Lemon Salmon with Basil
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini. —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet: 294 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
24/27
Broiled Chicken & Artichokes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My wife and I first made this chicken entree as newlyweds, and we have been hooked on it ever since. We make it almost weekly now. It’s so simple and affordable, yet delicious and healthy. You can’t beat that! —Chris Koon, Midlothian, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
25/27
Honey-Melon Salad with Basil
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Put the taste of summer in your salad! Loaded with juicy cantaloupe and honeydew, and glazed with a sweet honey dressing, this dish will be gone in minutes. Watermelon is a tasty addition, too. —Khurshid Shaik, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 68 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
26/27
Lemon Herb Quinoa
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is turning to quinoa more and more these days. It’s a super grain that’s packed with protein and vitamins. Plus, it can be paired with any kind of main course. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 160 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
27/27
