Herb-Infused Olive Oil with Basil and Mint
A fragrant, versatile oil made by steeping fresh basil and mint in extra virgin olive oil for drizzling or cooking. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 15 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh basil leaves, chopped fresh mint leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine olive oil, chopped basil, mint, minced garlic, and sea salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat until just simmering (do not boil), stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and let cool completely at room temperature for 1 hour to infuse, stirring once halfway through.
- Step 3: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar, pressing gently on herbs to extract oil. Discard solids and store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Olive Oil with Basil and Mint take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Olive Oil with Basil and Mint?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Olive Oil with Basil and Mint?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Infused Olive Oil with Basil and Mint for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herb-Infused Olive Oil with Basil and Mint?
Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious, just as the recipe said. Great for quick meals.
- ★★★★★
The basil and mint come through beautifully. Will make again and again.
- ★★★★★
Made it for my wife's birthday dinner and it was a hit. So fragrant!
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