Garden-Inspired Summer Recipes

If you can’t find marjoram, a slightly more floral cousin of oregano, try basil or parsley in this grilled corn salad. This low-calorie starter salad is like a BLT in a bowl!

Put fresh herbs (lemon thyme or chives) and edible flowers (violas) in the spotlight on petite open-face tea sandwiches. This pretty appetizer will steal the show at any summer party.

Basil and parsley add garden-fresh flavors to the citrusy pesto drizzled over pan-roasted salmon and veggies. This low-fuss dinner recipe is perfect to serve to guests with special diets: It’s low in calories, light on carbs, gluten-free, and Paleo-friendly.

When your garden is overflowing with parsley, toss together this vegetarian salad recipe. It calls for 2 cups of the vibrant fresh herb! For more protein to keep you full and fueled, add grilled chicken, salmon, or steak.

Herbs in dessert? You bet. A sprinkle of fresh thyme in this peach cobbler biscuit topping adds a subtle earthy flavor and scent that balances the sweetness of the fruit filling.

Combine a couple handfuls of basil with the leaves from the carrots you’re roasting (yes, the part you’d normally toss!) for a no-waste side-dish recipe that makes vegetables a treat to eat. Mix any leftover pesto into scrambled eggs for a breakfast upgrade the next day.

The simple preparation of this arranged fresh tomato salad allows summer's best ingredients to steal the show. Dill and cilantro play nicely with a platter of heirloom tomato slices dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and toasted peanuts.

Sweet honeydew plus refreshing cucumber and mint disguise the cauliflower hiding in this super-powered smoothie recipe.

This whole grain salad, brightened up with parsley and mint, could be a meal on its own when topped with falafel. We also love it paired with our endlessly customizable souvlaki.

Plain butter melted over creamy mashed potatoes is good. But butter infused with garlic, leeks, and parsley melted over creamy mashed potatoes is even better in this summer side-dish recipe.

Here's proof that pasta salad can be more than a mayo-coated carbfest. Fresh basil and sweet peaches ensure that this grilled chicken and pasta salad is light but full of flavor.

Dress up your vodka lemonade cocktail with a few lavender buds for a light floral infusion that balances the sweetness of the simple homemade lemonade recipe. Top each serving with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy finish.

Bull's-eye! A half cup of mint leaves marks the flavor center of this beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad. Add a few—or a bunch—of serrano chile slices to spice things up.

For a fresh counterpoint to the savory pho broth, top each bowl of soup with a blend of basil, cilantro, and mint.

Never sip on a watered-down drink again. Rather than diluting your juice, punch, or cocktail, these fruit and herb cubes add to the complexity.

Classic shortbread can feel a bit plain as part of a dessert spread. So before baking, bring this sweet treat into bloom by topping each cookie with an edible viola.