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25 Best Mint Recipes for a Fresh and Zesty Meal

Make a savory dinner or refreshing dessert with this sweet and punchy herb.

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blackberry mint mule in a copper mug
MIKE GARTEN

Herbs are a recipe game changer. If something needs a hit of freshness or a little extra zest, a sprinkle of mint, parsley, basil or cilantro will do the trick. These mint recipes prove it! Whether you have an abundance of mint in the summer (when the crop grows rampant and you're wondering what to do with mint leaves) or you're looking to add a bit of brightness to any dish, like a quick and easy breakfast or family dinner, and even dessert and drinks, this spunky fresh leaf has your back.

We've gathered our go-tos to make the most of mint, from dinner recipes with mint (chicken with minty rice, anyone?) to luxe spring salads that use the herb as another form of green. So if you're wondering, "What can I do with lots of fresh mint?" The short answer is, almost anything! Fold into a springy omelet with peas, toss onto veggie-packed grilled pizzas or muddle with cucumber to make an epic cocktail for your next summer party. No matter how you choose to use up your stash, know that your recipes are about to get a lively punch, thanks to fresh mint.

1

Pea and Ricotta Omelets

pea and ricotta omelet with fresh mint on top
MIKE GARTEN

An elegant breakfast-for-dinner or Mother's Day brunch calls for the freshest of flavors, like tender peas, creamy ricotta and pungent mint.

Get the Pea and Ricotta Omelets recipe.

RELATED: 30 Best Egg Recipes That Are Healthy and Simple to Make for Any Meal

2

Asparagus and Pea Panzanella

asparagus and pea panzanella in a bowl
MIKE GARTEN

Put your leftover, about-to-go-stale sourdough to good use. Make croutons to toss with spring veggies and a lemony yogurt dressing for a fresh take on panzanella.

Get the Asparagus and Pea Panzanella recipe.

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3

Air Fryer Falafel Salad

air fryer falafel salad with kale in a bowl
MIKE GARTEN

These crisp chickpea fritters are ready in only 30 minutes, all thanks to your trusty air fryer.

Get the Air Fryer Falafel Salad recipe.

RELATED: 72 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That You Absolutely Need to Try

4

Mint Julep

mint julep cocktail in a glass
MIKE GARTEN

For Derby Day — or any day! — whip up these classic mint juleps. Bonus: you only need four ingredients.

Get the Mint Julep recipe.

RELATED: 35 Classic Cocktails That You Can Whip Up Anytime

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5

Tzatziki Sauce

tzatziki with roasted tomatoes and grilled pita bread
mike garten

Fold grated cucumber and vibrant herbs into yogurt to create a crave-worthy sauce that deserves a spot on any mezze platter.

Get the Tzatziki Sauce recipe.

RELATED: 80 Best Party Dip Recipes That Are Easy to Serve a Crowd

6

Aleppo Grilled Steak with Farro Salad

aleppo grilled steak with farro salad on a white plate
MIKE GARTEN

Mild, sweet and slightly fruity Aleppo pepper adds so much flavor to smoky grilled steak, while mint boosts the fresh side. Dig in!

Get the Aleppo Grilled Steak with Farro Salad recipe.

RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy

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7

Lamb Chops and Snap Pea Salad

lamb chops and snap pea salad
mike garten

Serve a fresh and crunchy salad of lightly pickled fennel and onion, snap peas, and herbs alongside juicy roasted lamb chops.

Get the Lamb Chops and Snap Pea Salad recipe.

8

Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice with Feta and Mint

chicken and rice with feta and mint in a bowl
MIKE GARTEN

Your rice cooker goes way beyond making a perfect pot of rice. Grab it to whip up this one-pot steamed chicken and mint recipe. How easy is that?!

Get the Rice Cooker Chicken and Rice with Feta and Mint recipe.

RELATED: 6 Best Rice Cookers, According to Testing

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9

Watermelon Salad with Feta

watermelon salad with feta and cucumbers
mike garten

For a refreshing summer salad, look no further than this dynamite watermelon and cucumber with creamy feta tossed in a super simple, yet delicious, dressing.

Get the Watermelon Salad With Feta recipe.

10

Summer Squash Pizza

summer squash pizza with fresh herbs on top
MIKE GARTEN

Ever grilled a pizza? Now is the time to fire up the flames. Top off the charred dough with zucchini, yellow squash, fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese.

Get the Summer Squash Pizza recipe.

RELATED: 77 Easy Summer Dinner Ideas Made for Enjoying the Season

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11

Swordfish Kebabs with Mint Pesto

swordfish kebabs on skewers with mint pesto
MIKE GARTEN

No basil on hand? Mint pesto packs on a refreshing punch to cubes of swordfish.

Get the Swordfish Kebabs with Mint Pesto recipe.

12

Elderflower Gin Cocktail

elderflower gin cocktail in a glass pitcher
MIKE GARTEN

Just muddle cucumber and mint together in the bottom of a pitcher, stir in gin, lime juice and elderflower liqueur, then add sparkling wine or club soda. A quick cocktail for a crowd, prepped!

Get the Elderflower Gin Cocktail recipe.

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13

Spinach and Yogurt Dip

spinach and yogurt dip with pita bread on the side
MIKE GARTEN

This Iranian-inspired dip combines plain yogurt with spinach and mint for a tangy, fresh option at the snack table. Pass the pita!

Get the Spinach and Yogurt Dip recipe.

14

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Lemon-Herb Sauce

grilled sweet potatoes with lemon herb sauce on the bottom
MIKE GARTEN

These spuds stand up to the char of your grill thanks to their stunning sweetness.

Get the Grilled Sweet Potatoes With Lemon-Herb Sauce recipe.

RELATED: 15 Grilled Vegetable Recipes That Belong at Every Summer BBQ

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15

Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch

sparkling wine mojito punch in a tall glass
MIKE GARTEN

If you like mojitos (a mint lover's must-have drink!) and wine, then this cocktail is a must at your next party.

Get the Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch recipe.

16

Summer Squash, Mint and Pecorino Pasta

summer squash, mint and pecorino pasta on a white plate
DANIELLE DALY

Squash, mint, and lemon juice lighten up this fresh summer pasta made in under 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight meal.

Get the Summer Squash, Mint and Pecorino Pasta recipe.

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17

Spicy Bánh Mì Wraps

spicy bánh mì wraps with sliced radish
MIKE GARTEN

Take a cue from the Vietnamese street food staple and fill wraps with meat, tart pickled veggies and fresh herbs.

Get the Spicy Bánh Mì Wraps recipe.

18

Grilled Eggplant with Chickpea Croutons

grilled eggplant with chickpea croutons on a plate
MIKE GARTEN

Chickpea flour makes the croutons gluten-free while grilled eggplant makes this side super hearty. Top it all off with mint for a burst of freshness.

Get the Grilled Eggplant with Chickpea Croutons recipe.

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19

Ginger Pork and Cucumber Salad

ginger pork and cucumber salad with white rice
DANIELLE DALY

Fresh herbs, like mint and cilantro, provide relief from the pleasantly fiery pork.

Get the Ginger Pork and Cucumber Salad recipe.

20

Mixed Green and Herb Toss Salad

mixed green and herb salad with soft boiled eggs on top
MIKE GARTEN

Fresh herbs bulk out greens in a salad that pairs perfectly with any protein.

Get the Mixed Green and Herb Toss Salad recipe.

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