10 Genius Ways to Use Up Fresh Herbs

Posted by Allison Day on July 17, 2017

More than just a garnish, fresh herbs add pops of vibrancy, freshness and colour to every meal, both savoury and sweet. Large bunches from the grocery store can go to waste unless you use them fast. And backyard bounties of basil, mint, chives and oregano only have so long before frost enjoys them first. These recipes showcase herbs in abundance, in new, fresh and enticing ways.

1 of 10

Filet Mignon with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette, Lavender Fine-Herb Goat Cheese and Butter Lettuce

A riff on compound butter, goat cheese combines with herbs to add tang and creaminess to create a meltingly decadent sauce over rich filet mignon. Lavender permeates the cheese while green herbs balance the flavours. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/filet-mignon-with-honey-dijon-vinaigrette-lavender-fine-herb-goat-cheese-and-butter-lettuce/19472/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Filet Mignon with Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette, Lavender Fine-Herb Goat Cheese and Butter Lettuce</a>
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Muffin Tin Strawberry Shortcakes with Basil Whipped Cream

Basil’s licorice notes are a delicate complement to whipped cream and strawberries. Muffin tins make shortcake-making a cinch, so you can focus on your herb garden. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/easy-peasy-muffin-tin-strawberry-shortcakes/" target="_blank">Muffin Tin Strawberry Shortcakes with Basil Whipped Cream</a>
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Green Herb Pancakes with Ricotta and Red Chile Oil

Savoury pancakes are a palate-awakening option for brunch, lunch or dinner, especially when mixed with bright green herbs. Change up the flavour with the herbs, making it Scandinavian inspired with dill, French with tarragon, Asian with cilantro or basil for an Italian twist. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/green-herb-pancakes-with-ricotta-and-red-chile-oil/19704/" target="_blank">Green Herb Pancakes with Ricotta and Red Chile Oil</a>
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Grilled Salmon with Herb and Meyer Lemon Compound Butter

Salmon gets saucy with a naturally complementary lemon-herb compound butter (softened butter with flavourings mixed in, chilled and sliced). Because compound butter can be frozen, it’s a quick and safe way to preserve your abundance of herbs if you can’t get to them right away. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-salmon-with-herb-and-meyer-lemon-compound-butter/16352/" target="_blank">Anne Burrell's Grilled Salmon with Herb and Meyer Lemon Compound Butter</a>
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Grilled Strawberry Kebabs with Lemon-Mint Sauce

Mint tends to sprawl wherever it's planted, so if you have some in your backyard, you’re likely looking for new ways to utilize the refreshing herb. Dessert is a natural application for the spicy green, offering a zingy hit over seasonal strawberries. Any <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/great-grilled-fruit-recipes/" target="_blank">grilled fruit</a> would love this lemon-mint sauce, taking it beyond berry season. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-strawberry-kebabs-with-lemon-mint-sauce/19996/" target="_blank">Grilled Strawberry Kebabs with Lemon-Mint Sauce</a>
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Spring Rice Bowls with Chive Oil

Oil pulls all the flavour from anything it’s infused with. Chives are employed in this recipe as the flavouring and garnish, for a gentle onion taste that won’t overwhelm. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spring-rice-bowls-with-chive-oil/18143/" target="_blank">Spring Rice Bowls with Chive Oil</a>
7 of 10

Spanish Spice Rubbed Chicken Breasts with Parsley-Mint Sauce

Give chicken something to sing about with a verdant, vegetal-meets-refreshing herb sauce. This sauce is chockful of garden freshness, bringing to life super-savoury grilled chicken. Make extra sauce, using up the rest as a dressing for steak tacos, stirring into pasta for a speedy picnic salad or swirling on top of hummus for a hit of vibrancy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spanish-spice-rubbed-chicken-breasts-with-parsley-mint-sauce/16007/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Spanish Spice Rubbed Chicken Breasts with Parsley-Mint Sauce</a>
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Watermelon and Mint Spritz

Juicy watermelon is punctuated with zippy mint, for a summer sip that pleases both kids and adults alike. Bonus points for the chic, sunset-esque presentation on this drink. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/watermelon-and-mint-spritz-for-kids/17030/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Watermelon and Mint Spritz</a>
9 of 10

Green Goddess Chickpea Salad

Any soft, tender herb can be used to make pesto, from parsley to basil, mint to cilantro. Choose your favourite, or a combination, and turn chickpea salad into a full-on herby feast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/1-can-of-chickpeas-5-simple-chickpea-salads/" target="_blank">Green Goddess Chickpea Salad</a>
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Spaghetti with Pecan-Herb Pesto

Pesto is a quick and easy way to use up fresh herbs in one go. This version replaces the bulk of expensive pine nuts with buttery pecans. Toss with pasta, use as a dip for roasted vegetables or thin with oil for a herbaceous salad dressing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spaghetti-with-pecan-herb-pesto/19179/" target="_blank">Geoffrey Zakarian's Spaghetti with Pecan-Herb Pesto</a>
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