Whether you’re a connoisseur in the kitchen, or just trying to eat healthy, fresh herbs can take a dish from good to great! In the culinary world, an herb refers to any green or leafy part of a plant used for seasoning. They not only add flavor, but are known for their fragrant properties too! Impress your family and friends when you start cooking with fresh herbs. Here are a few basic recipes to help get you started.

Recipe from Kate’s Curious Kitchen

This flavorful seasoning provides a subtle, dry aroma suitable for a variety of dishes. Use to season poultry, fish, vegetables, soups, or tomatoes.

Ingredients

2 cups Kosher salt, coarse salt or Himalayan salt

1 tbsp parsley, chopped

1 tbsp rosemary, chopped

1 tbsp thyme, chopped

1 tbsp black pepper, freshly ground

1 lemon, juiced and zested

Directions

1. Set oven to 250℉.
2. Measure the Kosher salt into a medium size bowl add the fresh ground pepper to the bowl and set aside.
3. Wash and dry all the fresh herbs, remove only the leaves and discard the woody stems from all the herbs.
4. With a sharp knife and cutting board, finely chop the herbs and add to the salt.
5. Wash and dry the lemon, using a zester remove the peel and add the zest to the salt and herbs.
6. Juice the lemon you just zested, making sure to strain any pulp and seeds. Add the lemon juice to the salt and herbs.
7. Stir the salt well so the lemon juice, herbs, and zest are fully incorporated. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet and bake 30-45 minutes or until the salt is no longer wet and looks very dry, stir the salt mixture carefully once or twice through the cooking process.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool, take a fork or wooden spoon and break up the large pieces.
9. Place in an airtight container to store for up to 6 months.

Recipe from Irena Macri

This delicious homemade paleo pesto is a dairy-free version of the Italian classic. It’s a versatile condiment that can be used as a spread, topping, drizzle, dressing or sauce.

Ingredients

1 large bunch of basil, stems removed (about 2–3 cups)

⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove

2 tbsp pine nuts

1 tsp lemon zest

3 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp sea salt

2 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat a frying pan until hot and toast the pine nuts for 1-2 minutes until browned slightly, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2. Place all ingredients in a blender or a food processor and puree until smooth and well combined.

Recipe from Home Grown Happiness

This bright green salad dressing takes an ordinary garden salad to the next level. It’s packed with flavor and color thanks to the parsley and other fresh herbs included.

Ingredients

1 cup parsley

½ cup of mixed fresh herbs (coriander, thyme, basil, mint, sage)

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ cup lime or lemon juice OR 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 ½ tbsp dijon mustard

¼ -½ tsp salt

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a jug and use an immersion blender to blend into a smooth consistency.
2. Taste and add in more salt, acid, or sweetener, if needed.
3. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. The herbs will settle to the bottom as it sits. Shake it up again before serving.
4. Once the dressing has stored in the fridge, it may thicken. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Want to make cooking with herbs more convenient? Grow your own herb garden! You’ll have access to fresh sprigs of herbs every time you walk into the kitchen. Read how to Grow An Herb Garden in 6 Simple Steps.

Want more fresh herb recipes? Let us know in the comments below what recipes you’d like to see next!