Basil is a culinary must-have that has been used to enhance the taste of food of cultures across the world. This herb is part of the mint family and is great for adding a fresh, herbal flavor to meats, pastas, and entrées.

Though Basil oil is known for its culinary benefits; it also has a variety of uses for both the mind and the body. The basil plant and Basil oil is rich with linalool, a naturally occurring chemical, which is beneficial in decreasing feelings of tension when applied to the temples and reducing anxious feelings when diffused. See the link below for to learn more about the benefits of Basil Essential Oil.

Ingredients:

2 plum tomatoes

2 large cloves garlic, minced

2 tbs. champagne vinegar

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1-3 drops Basil essential oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Pinch of sugar (optional, to cut acidity of tomatoes)

4 zucchini

4 summer squash

8 radishes, very thinly sliced

4 shallots, very thinly sliced

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1½ cups shaved parmesan

1 cup sunflower seeds

Directions:

Using a mini food processor, puree the tomato; you should have about 1/2 cup. In a small bowl, whisk together tomato puree, minced garlic, champagne vinegar, olive oil, and Basil essential oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add sugar to taste if desired.

Trim ends from zucchini and summer squashes. Using a spiralizer fitted with the small shredder blade, cut the zucchini and squash into spaghetti-like spiral strands, using kitchen shears to cut the curls every 3 or 4 rotations.

Transfer zucchini and squashes to a large bowl. Add radishes, shallots and cherry tomatoes. Add the vinaigrette to taste and toss to evenly distribute. Top with parmesan shavings and sunflower seeds and serve immediately.

Serves 8.

Would you like to learn more about Basil?