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What to make with fresh basil and oregano is a question every home cook asks when their herb garden starts overflowing.
Fresh basil and oregano are a culinary power couple, and the possibilities for what to make with fresh basil and oregano are truly endless.
These two herbs bring the taste of summer to everything from pasta to pizza, and the best part is that they need very little to shine.
In this post, we’ll explore some of my favorite dishes highlighting what to make with fresh basil and oregano, from quick weeknight dinners to simple sides.
And we’ll focus on easy recipes that let these fragrant leaves be the star of your kitchen.
Why Fresh Basil and Oregano Are Perfect Together
Before we dive into the specific recipes, it helps to understand why what to make with fresh basil and oregano works so well.
Oregano is earthy, slightly bitter, and a little bit spicy, while basil is sweet, peppery, and wonderfully aromatic.
When you combine them, the oregano adds depth while the basil brings a fresh, bright finish.
This pairing is the foundation of Mediterranean cooking, and it’s why you see them together in so many Italian classics.
Finding what to make with fresh basil and oregano is easy because they complement each other in both raw and cooked applications.
Whether you’re making a quick sauce or a simple salad, these herbs will elevate the entire dish.
1. Classic Pasta with Tomato Sauce
One of the simplest answers to what to make with fresh basil and oregano is a classic pasta dish.
You can add a handful of both chopped herbs to any store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
Simply sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, and then stir in your fresh herbs at the end.
The oregano will infuse the sauce with a warm, savory flavor while the basil adds a sweet, fresh pop.
Toss this with spaghetti or penne, and top with plenty of grated parmesan for a meal that’s pure comfort.
2. Margherita Pizza
When you think about what to make with fresh basil and oregano, a homemade pizza is a natural choice.
Instead of relying on dried spices, use the fresh version for a brighter, more complex flavor profile.
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on your dough and sprinkle fresh oregano over it before baking.
Once the pizza comes out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot melted mozzarella.
The heat will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its essential oils and making the whole pizza fragrant.
3. Caprese Salad with a Twist
You might not think of oregano when you picture a Caprese salad, but it’s a secret weapon.
This is a fantastic answer to what to make with fresh basil and oregano if you want something light and fresh.
Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, then layer them on a platter with whole basil leaves.
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and a generous amount of fresh oregano.
Drizzle this herb vinaigrette right before serving so the flavors stay bright and vibrant.
The oregano adds a savory kick that takes the classic salad to a whole new level.
Easy Sauces and Spreads Using Fresh Herbs
If you’re stuck on what to make with fresh basil and oregano, sauces are often the best place to start.
These condiments are versatile and can be used on sandwiches, meats, or as a dip for crusty bread.
Making your own pesto is a fantastic way to use up a large bunch of fresh basil.
You can even add a small oregano sprig to your pesto for an unexpected depth of flavor.
Another great option is a simple chimichurri, which traditionally uses parsley but works beautifully with basil and oregano.
1. Basil and Oregano Pesto
To make this pesto, all you need is basil leaves, a bit of fresh oregano, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan.
Blend it all together with a good pour of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
You’ll find that what to make with fresh basil and oregano becomes a question you answer with “pesto” more often.
This sauce is perfect tossed with pasta, spread on a sandwich, or even spooned over grilled chicken.
The oregano gives the pesto a little more rustic, herby flavor without overpowering the basil.
2. Herb-Infused Olive Oil
A great way to preserve the question of what to make with fresh basil and oregano is to create an infused oil.
Gently warm olive oil in a pan with several sprigs of both herbs and a few cloves of garlic.
Let it cool, then strain it into a glass bottle for dipping bread or drizzling over vegetables.
This is more of a pantry trick, but it allows you to enjoy the flavor of fresh herbs anytime.
The oil captures the essence of the basil and oregano so you can use them in a pinch.
Quick and Satisfying Meat and Seafood Mains
Many people want to know what to make with fresh basil and oregano that will be a hearty main course.
The good news is that these herbs are excellent with proteins.
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon, garlic, fresh basil, and fresh oregano works wonders on chicken.
You can also use the same mixture to season a piece of fish before baking it in the oven.
The key is to let the fresh herbs sit on the protein for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, making each bite juicy and aromatic.
1. Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken
For a quick weeknight meal, this is one of the best things you can make using fresh basil and oregano.
Pound chicken breasts flat, then coat them in a mixture of chopped herbs, olive oil, and salt.
Grill them for a few minutes on each side until they’re nicely charred and cooked through.
The oregano creates a slight crust while the basil keeps the chicken tasting light and fresh.
This is a delicious and healthy answer to what to make with fresh basil and oregano.
2. Garlic Shrimp with Herbs
Seafood also pairs beautifully with these herbs, making it a great option for the main course.
Sauté shrimp in a hot pan with lots of garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
Right at the end, toss in a big handful of chopped basil and oregano from your garden.
Cook for just another minute until the herbs are fragrant and slightly wilted.
Serve this over pasta or with a slice of toasted bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Brilliant Ways to Use Them in Sides
You can also find dishes that answer what to make with fresh basil and oregano through simple side dishes.
Roasted vegetables are a blank canvas for these aromatic herbs.
Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and lots of fresh herbs before roasting.
The high heat will caramelize the vegetables and release the amazing fragrance of the herbs.
You can also infuse butter with a few leaves to create a herb butter for corn on the cob.
1. Garlic Bread with Fresh Herbs
This is a super simple side that showcases what to make with fresh basil and oregano beautifully.
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped oregano, and shredded basil.
Spread this mixture over a halved baguette and broil until golden and bubbling.
The butter will be speckled with green herbs, and the smell will be incredible.
This bread is perfect for mopping up sauce or just eating on its own.
2. Creamy Herb Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad is another great way to use up your fresh herbs for a picnic or BBQ.
Cook some short pasta like rotini or fusilli and let it cool completely.
Stir in mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and plenty of chopped fresh basil and oregano.
Add some cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a complete and flavorful bowl.
This dish will taste even better if you let it sit for an hour so the herbs can meld together.
So, What To Make With Fresh Basil And Oregano?
So, what to make with fresh basil and oregano is a question with endless delicious answers.
You can make fresh basil and oregano work in classic pasta, pizza, salads, sauces, mains, and sides.
The key is simply to use them generously and let their natural flavors shine.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with what to make with fresh basil and oregano in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking a simple weeknight dinner or a big weekend feast, these herbs will never let you down.
The aromas and flavors they bring to the table are truly unmatched.
So head to your garden or local market, pick up a big bunch of these herbs, and start cooking with confidence.
Your meals will thank you for it, and you’ll wonder why you ever cooked without them.