As the sun shines bright this summer, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of iced tea or a cool and creamy sorbet to quench your thirst. And what better way to add some zing to your summer menu than with the bright and citrusy flavor of lemon balm? This perennial herb is often overlooked in favor of more popular herbs like basil and rosemary, but it’s definitely worth getting to know.
From sweet treats like cookies and cakes to savory dishes like pasta and chicken marinades, lemon balm adds a unique and delicious twist to any recipe. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to grow and harvest right in your own backyard! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 refreshing lemon balm recipes perfect for summer. Whether you’re looking for a light and tangy salad dressing or a decadent dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, we’ve got you covered.
Lemon Balm Iced Tea with Honey
Lemon Balm Iced Tea with Honey: A Refreshing Twist on Classic Lemonade
Lemon Balm and Mint Infused Water
Refresh with a touch of sunshine! This refreshing drink combines the sweet essence of lemon balm with the cooling zing of mint.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh peppermint leaves
– 1 liter water
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon balm and peppermint leaves.
2. Pour in the liter of water and stir gently to combine.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the mixture into glasses filled with ice cubes (if desired).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy infusion that’s ready when you are.
Lemon Balm Pesto Pasta
Brighten up your pasta dish with the refreshing flavor of lemon balm and creamy pesto sauce. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, blending the herbal notes of lemon balm with the richness of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1/4 cup freshly made lemon balm pesto (see below for recipe)
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to serve
– Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish
Lemon Balm Pesto Recipe:
– 2 cups fresh lemon balm leaves
– 1/3 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, combine pesto sauce and cooked pasta. Toss until well coated.
3. Add parmesan cheese and toss until melted and smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Balm and Lemon Zest Cookies
Brighten up your snack time with these refreshing cookies infused with the sweetness of lemon balm and the zestiness of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 teaspoons dried lemon balm leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in lemon juice, lemon balm leaves, and lemon zest.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Balm Salad Dressing
Lemon Balm Salad Dressing Recipe
Summary: Brighten up your salads with this refreshing Lemon Balm Salad Dressing, featuring the sweet and citrusy flavors of lemon balm.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh lemon balm leaves
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Add the chopped lemon balm leaves and whisk until well combined.
3. Stir in the Dijon mustard.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Note: Fresh lemon balm leaves can be found at most farmers’ markets or specialty grocery stores during spring and summer months. If not available, you can substitute with a few drops of lemon extract.
Enjoy your Lemon Balm Salad Dressing on salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables!
Lemon Balm and Cucumber Smoothie
Reinvigorate your day with this revitalizing smoothie, perfect for hot summer days. The combination of lemon balm’s citrusy zing and cucumber’s refreshing coolness will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh cucumbers, peeled and seeded
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh lemon balm leaves
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the cucumber, lemon juice, honey, and lemon balm leaves.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Greek yogurt and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately. If desired, add ice cubes to chill.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Lemon Balm Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon balm infused into rich olive oil.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves (or 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm)
– Glass jar or airtight container
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fresh lemon balm leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Combine the olive oil and lemon balm leaves in a clean glass jar or airtight container.
3. Seal the container and store it at room temperature (about 68°F to 72°F) for 2 weeks, shaking the mixture daily.
4. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into another container. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: None required! Your infused olive oil is ready to use immediately.
Tips:
– Use this flavored oil as a finishing touch for dishes like pasta, pizza, and salads.
– Lemon balm pairs well with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil.
– Store your infused olive oil in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
Lemon Balm and Strawberry Sorbet
A refreshing summer treat that combines the sweet flavor of strawberries with the subtle citrus hint of lemon balm, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon balm leaves, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine strawberries, sugar, and water. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in lemon juice and lemon balm leaves.
3. Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once the sorbet is almost set, stir in heavy cream.
5. Continue to churn for another 2-3 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
6. Transfer sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (including churning time)
Lemon Balm Chicken Marinade
Lemon Balm Chicken Marinade Recipe
Add a bright and refreshing twist to your chicken dishes with this easy-to-make lemon balm marinade recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh lemon balm leaves
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, lemon balm, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s coated evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature (grill: medium-high; oven: 375°F).
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook the chicken according to your preference (grilled: 5-7 minutes per side; baked: 20-25 minutes).
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours (marinating time) + cooking time
Lemon Balm and Ginger Herbal Tea
This refreshing herbal tea combines the bright citrus flavor of lemon balm with the spicy warmth of ginger, creating a soothing and invigorating brew perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm leaves
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced thin
• 2 cups boiling water
• Honey or sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine dried lemon balm leaves and sliced ginger in a tea infuser or heat-resistant cup.
2. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together to your liking.
3. Strain the tea into a cup using the infuser or by pouring it through a fine-mesh sieve.
4. Add honey or sweetener to taste, if desired.
5. Enjoy immediately.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Lemon Balm and Yogurt Parfait
A refreshing and tangy dessert perfect for warm weather, this Lemon Balm and Yogurt Parfait combines the sweetness of yogurt with the brightness of lemon balm.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped lemon balm leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup granola
– Fresh berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries), for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey until well combined.
2. Stir in the chopped lemon balm leaves.
3. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into a parfait glass or a tall clear cup.
4. Top with granola, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Spoon the remaining yogurt mixture over the granola.
6. Garnish with fresh berries.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook recipe.
Lemon Balm and Garlic Butter for Bread
This flavorful butter is a perfect accompaniment to crusty bread, baguettes, or even as a spread for crackers. The brightness of lemon balm pairs beautifully with the pungency of garlic, creating a delightful combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped lemon balm leaves
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped lemon balm, and minced garlic.
2. Mix until well combined and smooth, taking care not to overmix.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the butter mixture to an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time:
– None required! This butter is best served chilled, making it perfect for a quick and easy snack or addition to your favorite bread.
Lemon Balm and Peach Jam
This refreshing jam combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the brightness of lemon balm, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped lemon balm leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced peaches, sugar, lemon balm, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Stir in the water to achieve the desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Lemon Balm and Coconut Rice Pudding
A creamy and refreshing dessert that combines the sweet flavors of coconut and lemon balm, perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh lemon balm leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the rice is coated with the creamy liquid (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, chopped lemon balm, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Balm and Almond Cake
A refreshing twist on traditional cake recipes, this Lemon Balm and Almond Cake combines the bright citrus flavor of lemon balm with the rich nuttiness of almonds. Perfect for a warm-weather dessert or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh lemon balm leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Fold in sliced almonds and chopped lemon balm leaves.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Lemon Balm and Avocado Toast
This refreshing twist on traditional avocado toast combines the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon balm with creamy avocado and crispy whole grain bread. Perfect for a light and satisfying snack or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Sprinkle the lemon juice, lemon balm leaves, salt, and pepper evenly over the avocado.
4. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Lemon Balm and Berry Compote
This sweet and tangy compote is perfect as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, or as a side dish for grilled meats or cheeses. The addition of lemon balm adds a subtle citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh lemon balm leaves
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the mixed berries, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Add the chopped lemon balm leaves to the mixture.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries have broken down and the compote has thickened slightly (about 15-20 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the water.
5. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing for later use.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Balm and White Chocolate Truffles
Brighten up your dessert table with these refreshing and creamy truffles infused with the subtle citrus flavor of lemon balm.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 ounces white chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped lemon balm leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
3. Stir the lemon balm leaves into the melted white chocolate until well combined.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the honey, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until fully incorporated.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Scoop the truffle mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball between your hands to shape.
Cooking Time: None necessary! Chill and serve.
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these 18 refreshing lemon balm recipes! From classic drinks like lemon balm iced tea and infused water to innovative dishes like pesto pasta and strawberry sorbet, these creative concoctions showcase the versatility of this sweet herb. Try using it in salad dressings, chicken marinades, and even baked goods like almond cake and white chocolate truffles. With its light, citrusy flavor, lemon balm adds a bright touch to any dish. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing pick-me-up or a new twist on summer favorites, these recipes are sure to delight!
