Basil Leaves Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Basil leaves are one of the most fragrant and versatile herbs in vegetarian cooking. Their sweet, slightly peppery flavor adds a fresh burst of aroma and taste to countless dishes, from vibrant salads to hearty pastas and refreshing beverages.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your vegetarian meals, incorporating basil leaves is a fantastic idea. Not only do they bring a delightful flavor, but they also pack an impressive nutritional punch.

In this post, we’ll explore a simple yet flavorful basil leaves recipe that is completely vegetarian, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will inspire you to enjoy the fresh taste of basil in a new and delicious way.

Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you make the most of this wonderful herb.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This basil leaves vegetarian recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together with minimal fuss. The recipe highlights the natural flavors of basil while complementing it with other vibrant vegetables and seasonings to create a harmonious dish.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and everyday kitchen equipment. It’s a perfect option for quick weeknight dinners or light lunches.

Additionally, this dish is packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making it as nutritious as it is tasty. The versatility allows you to adapt it to your preferences, whether you want it spicy, tangy, or creamy.

For more inspiration on vegetarian dishes, check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or the hearty Half Runner Beans Recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed, washed and dried
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for extra richness)

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Mixing bowl
• Small skillet or pan for toasting nuts
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving bowl or plates

Instructions

1. Toast the pine nuts: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the basil leaves: Gently tear or roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, cooked chickpeas, finely chopped red onion, and minced garlic to the bowl with basil.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if using.
5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the basil mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated.
6. Add nuts and cheese: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese over the top and give a final gentle toss.
7. Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the basil’s aroma and flavors to shine.

Tips & Variations

“For the best basil flavor, always use fresh leaves and add them at the last moment to your dishes. Avoid cooking basil for too long as it loses its delicate aroma and taste.”

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Make it vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Add grains: Incorporate cooked quinoa, bulgur, or couscous for a more filling meal.
• Try different nuts: Swap pine nuts with almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
• Introduce more veggies: Add diced cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Basil pesto twist: Blend some of the basil leaves with olive oil, garlic, and nuts to make a fresh pesto dressing instead of balsamic vinaigrette.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This basil leaves vegetarian salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a refreshing side to your favorite grain bowls or alongside a warm loaf of bread.

For a complete meal, enjoy it with a bowl of soup or use it as a topping for crusty bread, similar to a bruschetta. It also works beautifully as a light lunch on its own or as part of a picnic spread.

Looking for more delicious bread recipes to accompany this salad? Try the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe or the savory Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe.

For something sweet afterward, the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe is a perfect choice.

Conclusion

Incorporating fresh basil leaves into your vegetarian meals is a simple way to boost flavor and nutrition. This recipe showcases the herb’s vibrant essence alongside wholesome ingredients like chickpeas and cherry tomatoes, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a side for a dinner party, this basil leaves recipe is versatile and easy enough for everyday cooking. Experiment with the variations and tips to make it uniquely yours.

Enjoy the fresh, fragrant taste of basil in a dish that celebrates the best of vegetarian cuisine!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Basil Leaves Vegetarian Stir-Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring fresh basil leaves and colorful vegetables. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups fresh basil leaves”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, sliced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 cup sliced mushrooms”, “1 medium zucchini, chopped”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 teaspoon soy sauce”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add fresh basil leaves, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 2 minutes until basil wilts.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}