14 Ways 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.

The secret to a good mojito is lots of fresh mint.

Recipe: Mojito

Agave nectar and mint leaves are added to the classic Peruvian cocktail.

Recipe: West-Fresh Pisco Sour

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.

Recipe: Peach and Mint Caprese Salad with Curry Vinaigrette

Some sort of magic happens when you combine a few simple ingredients to turn out this simple, refreshing salad.

Recipe: Thai Beef Salad

Fresh mint, basil, dill, parsley, and cilantro make a delicious counterpoint to crunchy fried calamari.

Recipe: Vietnamese Calamari Herb Salad

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

Not quite enough pumpkin for you? Serve it in mini pumpkin bowls.

Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Pumpkin Seed-Mint 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

There’s just enough blue cheese in this minty-bright pesto for an interesting, but not strong, flavor.

Recipe: Fettuccine with Mint, Walnut, and Gorgonzola 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.

Recipe: Roast Leg of Lamb with Almond-Mint Pesto

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

This take on the barbecue classic is elegantly Mediterranean.

Recipe: Garlic-Rubbed Tri-Tip with Mint Caper Salsa

These succulent grilled shrimp get their kick minty-lime kick from a cocktail-inspired marinade.

Recipe: Mojito Shrimp

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