Cooking with fresh mint
Bright, refreshing mint makes so many dishes come to life, from cool cocktails and desserts to more assertive lamb, Southeast Asian salads, and even new spins on pesto.
West-Fresh Pisco Sour
Agave nectar and mint leaves are added to the classic Peruvian cocktail.
Recipe: West-Fresh Pisco Sour
Peach and Mint Caprese Salad with Curry Vinaigrette
Peaches and mint go Italian with this twist on the Caprese salad. The rich cheese pairs well with the mint, adding a fresh element to contrast the bold curry vinaigrette.
Thai Beef Salad
Some sort of magic happens when you combine a few simple ingredients to turn out this simple, refreshing salad.
Recipe: Thai Beef Salad
Vietnamese Calamari Herb Salad
Fresh mint, basil, dill, parsley, and cilantro make a delicious counterpoint to crunchy fried calamari.
Recipe: Vietnamese Calamari Herb Salad
Turkish Cucumber and Mint Soup
This yogurt-based soup—similar to cacik—is seasoned with Aleppo pepper, a chile grown in Syria and Turkey that has a smoky note. Add falafel or baked pita chips to make it a meal.
Recipe: Turkish Cucumber and Mint Soup
Pumpkin Soup with Pumpkin Seed–Mint Pesto
Not quite enough pumpkin for you? Serve it in mini pumpkin bowls.
Ravioli with Snap Peas, Pea Shoots, and Minty Pea Shoot Pesto
A trip to the farmers' market and a few purchased cheese raviolis are all you need for this delicious springtime meal.
Recipe: Ravioli with Snap Peas, Pea Shoots, and MInty Pea Pesto
Fettuccine with Mint, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Pesto
There's just enough blue cheese in this minty-bright pesto for an interesting, but not strong, flavor.
Roast Leg of Lamb with Almond-Mint Pesto
Mint jelly is traditional with lamb, but not everyone loves its cloying sweetness or garish color. This fresh mint pesto takes a more savory direction, and is rolled up in the lamb to flavor it as it roasts.
Mint and Egg Salad
Instead of a heavy mayonnaise dressing, eggs are tossed with vibrant mint leaves and a light dressing of olive oil and lemon. As cookbook author Paula Wolfert’s longtime editor Fran McCullough notes, grating the egg is a clever technique you can also apply to a traditional egg salad to make it velvety smooth.
Recipe: Mint and Egg Salad
Garlic-Rubbed Tri-Tip with Mint Caper Salsa
This take on the barbecue classic is elegantly Mediterranean.
Mojito Shrimp
These succulent grilled shrimp get their kick minty-lime kick from a cocktail-inspired marinade.
Recipe: Mojito Shrimp
Chocolate Mint Pots de Crème
These elegant, individual custards can be made a few days ahead of time for a party. Allowing the mint to steep in the milk and cream intensifies the flavor. If you like a rich custard, use all cream.
Recipe: Chocolate Mint Pots de Crème