10+ Fresh Herb Recipes Dinners to Elevate Your Meals

Fresh herbs can elevate any meal, adding vibrant flavors and delightful aromas to your dinner table. Whether you grow them in your garden or pick them up at the store, fresh herbs can transform simple dishes into culinary treasures. Using fresh herbs not only enhances the taste of your meals but also boosts the health benefits of your ingredients.

In this article, you’ll discover various dinner recipes that highlight the best of fresh herbs. From basil and cilantro to mint and dill, the possibilities are endless. Get ready to explore delicious ways to incorporate fresh herbs into your weeknight dinners!

1) Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

This Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta is a tasty and simple dish you will love. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh basil brighten up the pasta and chicken. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

You will need cooked pasta, chicken, fresh basil, lemon juice, and butter for this recipe. The chicken is tender and coated in a creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the pasta.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in lemon juice and fresh basil.
5. Toss the chicken mixture with the cooked pasta.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

2) Minty Lamb Chops

Minty lamb chops are a tasty treat that you can whip up for dinner. The fresh mint really enhances the flavor of the lamb, making it a delightful dish.

To make these chops, you can season them with garlic, fresh mint, and a bit of salt. This simple combination brings out the natural taste of the meat.

Grilling or broiling the chops will give you a beautiful char and keep the meat juicy. Aim for a temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.

Ingredients

• 4 lamb chops
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the mint, garlic, salt, and pepper with olive oil.
3. Rub the mixture on the lamb chops.
4. Grill the chops for about 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
5. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

3) Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Rosemary garlic roasted potatoes are a flavorful and easy side dish. These potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The blend of garlic and rosemary adds a wonderful taste that pairs well with many meals.

To make this dish, start by choosing baby potatoes for a perfect texture. You will roast them in olive oil to enhance their flavor. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic makes each bite delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) baby potatoes, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.
5. Enjoy your flavorful rosemary garlic roasted potatoes!

4) Herb-Crusted Salmon

Herb-crusted salmon is a flavorful and easy dish to prepare. It’s perfect for dinner during any season. Fresh herbs add brightness to the rich taste of salmon.

Start by coating the salmon with a mix of your favorite herbs. You can use parsley, dill, or tarragon for a fresh flavor. A bit of garlic and lemon juice enhances the taste even more.

Bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. The fish should be flaky and tender when done. This dish pairs nicely with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or tarragon)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread the herb mixture over the salmon fillets.
4. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

5) Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Cilantro lime shrimp tacos are a tasty and bright dinner option. They bring together fresh flavors that make your meal fun and exciting. Using shrimp seasoned with cilantro and lime gives each bite a zesty kick.

Start by preparing your tortillas with fresh cilantro and cabbage for crunch. Add the shrimp, and top it off with avocado and Cotija cheese for creaminess. A drizzle of cilantro lime sauce adds the perfect finishing touch.

These shrimp tacos are quick to make and are sure to impress. Enjoy them for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes, juiced
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Cilantro lime sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix shrimp, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Cook shrimp until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Assemble tacos with shrimp, cabbage, avocado, and cheese.
5. Drizzle with cilantro lime sauce and serve.

6) Basil Pesto Pasta

Basil pesto pasta is a simple yet delicious dish. The fresh basil gives it a bright flavor that makes dinner special. You can add grilled chicken or vegetables for extra nutrition.

To make this dish, cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the basil pesto by blending fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the pesto. Adjust the amount of pesto to your taste. It’s great served with a crusty bread and a side salad.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a blender, combine basil, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
3. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend again.
4. Drain the pasta and mix with the pesto.
5. Serve warm.

7) Dill-Infused Potato Salad

Dill-infused potato salad is a refreshing and tasty side dish. You can make it without mayonnaise, keeping it light and healthy. With fresh herbs, this salad is perfect for BBQs or picnics.

Start with baby red or yellow potatoes. Boil them until tender, then let them cool. Mix in fresh dill, chives, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

You can also add chopped pickles for extra flavor. For a creamy touch, consider stirring in some sour cream.

This dish is easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby potatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup chives, chopped
• 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash and cut potatoes into halves or quarters.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain and let cool.
4. In a large bowl, mix potatoes with dill, chives, and pickles.
5. Stir in sour cream and lemon juice.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8) Herbed Grilled Eggplant

Herbed grilled eggplant makes a delicious side dish for any dinner. It’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Start by slicing the eggplant into rounds, which helps them cook evenly on the grill.

You’ll want to marinate the slices in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano. This adds a tasty kick to each bite.

Grill the eggplant for about 4-5 minutes on each side at 450°F (232°C) until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks.

Serve them warm with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon for extra zest!

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the eggplant into rounds.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, basil, and oregano.
3. Coat eggplant slices with the marinade.
4. Preheat the grill to 450°F (232°C).
5. Grill the eggplant for 4-5 minutes on each side.
6. Serve with salt and lemon wedges.

9) Tarragon Chicken Salad

Tarragon chicken salad is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You can enjoy it as a lunch or a light dinner. This salad features tender chicken mixed with fresh tarragon, which adds a nice flavor.

To prepare, start by poaching chicken breasts in chicken stock. You can add herbs like parsley and basil for extra taste. Then, mix in celery, onion, and, if you like, some raisins for sweetness.

Serve it chilled on a bed of greens or with bread for sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: raisins

Cooking Instructions

1. Poach the chicken breasts in chicken stock for about 15 minutes.
2. Once cooked, let the chicken cool and then chop it.
3. In a bowl, mix chicken, tarragon, celery, onion, and mayonnaise.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.

10) Parsley Garlic Butter Steak

Creating Parsley Garlic Butter Steak is easy and delicious. This dish combines tender steak with the rich flavors of garlic and fresh parsley. It makes for a great weeknight dinner that you can whip up in no time.

Start by searing your steak in a hot skillet. While it cooks, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley for a flavorful topping.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, add the parsley garlic butter on top to melt and infuse flavor.

Serve it with your favorite sides for a hearty meal. This recipe is sure to impress family and friends!

Ingredients

• 1 ribeye steak (about 1 inch thick)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare (135°F / 57°C).
4. In a bowl, combine butter, garlic, and parsley.
5. Remove the steak from the skillet and add the butter mixture on top.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.