Cliantro and Basil Recipes

The herb gardens are going bonkers around here after a week of good, soaking rains.  My aunt brought us a whole bag of fresh cilantro and basil from her herb garden today, and I have been looking for recipes to use them!  Here are some of my favorites.  I can't wait to try them!

Ahhh, cilantro.  I think it is my favorite herb.  Love any recipe that uses it.  The more the better.

Pico de Gallo from The Pioneer Woman

If Ree Drummond makes it, it's always good.  

Plus her pictures are amazing and make you feel like you can cook anything. 

She has a great Tostada recipe that incorporates her pico and leftover beef brisket...

Cilantro Coleslaw

(Recipezaar.com)

A refreshing take on the picnic classic.  

I would add even more cilantro to the recipe.

Cilantro Rice

(Recipezaar.com)

Add some lime to this recipe

Cilantro Canapes

Like bruschetta, but with cilantro.  

Impressive enough for company, easy enough for a weeknight.

*B*A*S*I*L*

Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil Couscous

(MyRecipes.com)

Tomato Basil Soup

(MyRecipes.com)

Risotto with Sauteed Shrimp, Corn and Fresh Basil

(MyRecipes.com)

Classic Basil Pesto

Sunset Magazine, 1959

This was one of the first pesto recipes published in the United States.  

It gets rave reviews on MyRecipes.com

The best part about pesto is that I can make a big batch when the basil is blooming and then freeze it in bags or ice cube trays for days when I need quick access to pesto for a recipe.  Here are a few great recipes pesto recipes to use with your amazing basil creation...

Chicken and Farfalle Pasta with Pesto

(MyRecipes.com)

Chicken Red Grape and Pesto Pizza

(MyRecipes.com)

This is one of our all time FAVORITE pizza recipes.  We can't get enough of this recipe.  The sweet of the grapes with the salty of the pesto is amazing.  A must-try recipe, perfect for pesto.

Enjoy the bounty!  Thank the Lord for the first fruits of summer!