10+ Mint Recipes for Refreshing Flavors and Easy Entertaining
Mint is a versatile herb that adds a refreshing flavor to many dishes. You can use mint in salads, drinks, and desserts to enhance their taste and appeal.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just want to elevate your meals at home, incorporating mint can bring a delightful twist to your recipes.
In this article, you’ll discover various mint recipes that are simple and fun to make. From classic dishes to unique creations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this aromatic herb in your cooking.
Let’s dive into the world of mint and explore how to make the most of this delightful ingredient.
1) Watermelon Salad with Fresh Mint
Watermelon salad with fresh mint is a refreshing choice, especially on hot days. The combination of sweet watermelon and fragrant mint creates a delightful taste.
You can enjoy this salad as a side dish or a light dessert.
To make it, start by cubing ripe watermelon. Add fresh mint leaves for that burst of flavor. A simple dressing of lime juice brings it all together.
You can also mix in some crumbled feta cheese for a salty twist. This salad is easy to customize with other ingredients like cucumbers or herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Optional: 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Optional: 1 cup cucumber, diced
Cooking Instructions
- Cube the watermelon and place it in a large bowl.
- Chop the fresh mint leaves and add them to the bowl.
- Drizzle lime juice over the mixture and toss gently.
- If using, add feta cheese and cucumber before serving.
2) Mint Pesto Grilled Chicken
Mint pesto grilled chicken is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. The bright taste of mint adds a unique twist to traditional pesto.
You’ll enjoy how easy it is to prepare.
To start, you’ll need chicken breasts marinated in yogurt to keep them moist. Blend mint leaves, garlic, almonds, and some lemon juice to make the pesto. This mixture not only flavors the chicken but also makes it vibrant.
Once your grill is hot—about 400°F (200°C)—cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. This gives you a juicy and delicious meal ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate chicken in yogurt with salt and pepper for 30 minutes.
- Blend mint, garlic, almonds, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Serve with mint pesto on top.
3) Lime and Mint Mojito
The Lime and Mint Mojito is a refreshing drink perfect for warm days. It combines fresh mint with the zesty flavor of lime.
This cocktail is fizzy and cooling, making it a favorite for many.
To prepare, you’ll muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar. Then you add rum and ice, topping it off with club soda for that bubbly finish.
Garnish with extra mint leaves and lime slices for a beautiful presentation. It’s easy to share with friends and enjoy together.
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lime slices for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Muddle mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
- Add lime juice and stir until sugar dissolves.
- Pour in the rum and mix well.
- Fill the glass with ice and top up with club soda.
- Garnish with mint leaves and lime slices. Enjoy!
4) Cucumber Mint Raita
Cucumber mint raita is a refreshing yogurt-based side dish. It pairs well with spicy foods and adds a cool element to your meal.
This recipe is easy to make and perfect for warm days.
To prepare it, you combine yogurt with diced cucumber, fresh mint, and a few spices. The blend of flavors creates a balance that enhances many dishes. Chill it in the fridge for a while to let the flavors mix.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt and diced cucumber.
- Add the chopped mint and honey.
- Sprinkle in the cumin and salt.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
5) Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Mint chocolate chip ice cream is a refreshing treat, perfect for hot days. The cool mint flavor pairs wonderfully with chocolate bits, making each bite delightful.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, peppermint extract, and semi-sweet chocolate.
Mix the milk, sugar, and cream in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the peppermint extract for a fresh flavor.
Chill the mixture in your fridge for about 30 minutes. Once it’s cold, pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s directions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Fold in the chopped chocolate, and then transfer the mixture to a container. Freeze for a few hours until firm.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1.5-2 tsp peppermint extract
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Cooking Instructions
- Mix whole milk, sugar, and heavy cream in a bowl until sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Pour into ice cream maker and churn as directed.
- Fold in chopped chocolate.
- Transfer to a container and freeze until firm.
6) Mint and Feta Dip
Mint and feta dip is a refreshing and tasty choice for snacks or parties. This dip combines the creamy texture of feta cheese with the bright flavor of fresh mint.
It’s easy to make and perfect for dipping.
To start, you will need crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves. Mixing in some Greek yogurt adds a creamy touch. A splash of lemon juice enhances the flavors wonderfully.
Serve this dip with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or spread it on sandwiches. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the cool taste of mint with feta.
Ingredients
- 100 grams crumbled feta cheese
- 10 grams fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 5 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
7) Lemon Mint Sorbet
Lemon mint sorbet is a delightful treat that’s perfect for warm days. The combination of fresh lemon juice and mint creates a refreshing flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
To make this sorbet, you will need just a few simple ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy on a hot day.
You start by blending water, sugar, lemon juice, and mint leaves until smooth. Once everything is mixed well, you can freeze it until it sets. The result is a light and cooling dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
Cooking Instructions
- In a blender, combine water, sugar, and mint leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish.
- Freeze for about 4 hours, stirring every hour until it reaches a sorbet texture.
8) Spicy Mint Chutney for Grilled Veggies
Spicy mint chutney is a delicious dip that pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables. The fresh taste of mint combined with spices enhances the flavor of your veggies. Making this chutney is quick and easy.
To start, gather your ingredients. You can use it as a side with summer squash, zucchini, or eggplant that you’ve grilled to perfection. The chutney adds a spicy kick that balances the smoky taste of the vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1-2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Place mint leaves, cilantro, chilies, lemon juice, and salt in a blender.
- Add olive oil and 1/4 cup water.
- Blend until smooth. Add more water if needed for desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with grilled veggies.
9) Mint Iced Tea
Mint iced tea is a refreshing drink, perfect for warm days. You can make it easily using fresh mint or mint tea bags.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need water, fresh mint leaves or tea bags, and a bit of lemon or lime juice, if you like.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) of boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh mint leaves or 7 mint tea bags
- 1 tablespoon of lemon or lime juice (optional)
- Ice cubes
Cooking Instructions
- Boil 6 cups of water (about 212°F or 100°C).
- If using fresh mint, add it to the boiling water. For tea bags, place them in a heat-safe container.
- Pour the boiling water over the mint or tea bags.
- Steep for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how strong you want it.
- Sweeten with lemon or lime juice, if desired.
- Strain, pour over ice, and enjoy!
10) Apple Mint Smoothie
An Apple Mint Smoothie is a refreshing and healthy drink. It combines the sweetness of apples with the coolness of mint. This smoothie is perfect for a hot day or a quick breakfast.
To make it, you’ll need a blender. Cut your apples and add them along with fresh mint leaves and some lime juice. You can also include cucumber for extra crunch and hydration.
Once everything is in the blender, add some ice cubes and a splash of coconut water. Blend until smooth and enjoy your drink!
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup coconut water
- Ice cubes
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the apples and cucumber into smaller pieces.
- Add the apples, cucumber, mint leaves, and lime juice to the blender.
- Pour in the coconut water and add ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!