As the temperature rises, our taste buds crave refreshing and cooling flavors to beat the heat. One herb that shines brightly in the summer kitchen is spearmint, with its bright green leaves and sweet aroma. From revitalizing drinks to zesty sauces and cooling desserts, spearmint adds a delightful twist to any dish. In this article, we’ll explore 18 refreshing spearmint recipes perfect for sizzling summer days. Whether you’re looking for a light and revitalizing drink or a flavorful twist on classic dishes, these recipes will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Spearmint and Cucumber Infused Water
Stay hydrated and refreshed with this simple and flavorful infused water recipe that combines the cooling properties of spearmint and cucumber. Perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing pick-me-up anytime!
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 1 liter water
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced cucumber and fresh spearmint leaves.
2. Add the liter of water to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve the infused water chilled, with or without ice cubes. You can adjust the amount of cucumber and spearmint leaves to your taste.
Cooking Time: None! Simply chill and serve.
Fresh Spearmint Tea with Honey
This sweet and soothing tea is perfect for a relaxing evening or a pick-me-up any time of the day. With the cooling properties of spearmint and the warmth of honey, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 1 quart water
– 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fresh spearmint leaves with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed spearmint leaves to the boiling water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
4. Strain the tea into a teapot or individual cups using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
5. Add the honey to the tea and stir until dissolved.
6. Serve hot or chilled, depending on your preference.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spearmint Pesto Pasta Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad, this recipe combines the brightness of spearmint with the richness of pesto and the comfort of al dente pasta. Perfect for a light summer lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bowtie or penne work well)
– 1/4 cup Spearmint Pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh spearmint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, Spearmint Pesto, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
3. Toss gently to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh spearmint leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including pasta cooking time)
Grilled Lamb Chops with Spearmint Chimichurri
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this refreshing and flavorful recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings. Juicy lamb chops are grilled to perfection and served with a zesty spearmint chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb chops
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh spearmint leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine mint leaves, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Process until smooth.
3. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper.
4. Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Serve grilled lamb chops with spearmint chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spearmint and Lemon Sorbet
This sweet and tangy sorbet is perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between meals. The combination of spearmint and lemon creates a refreshing and invigorating treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup spearmint leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped spearmint leaves. Let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Whisk in the honey (if using) and let cool to room temperature.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + freezing time
Spearmint Mojito Cocktail
Refresh your senses with this revitalizing twist on a classic mojito recipe, infused with the cooling essence of spearmint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– 6-8 sprigs of fresh spearmint leaves
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with crushed ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with an additional sprig of spearmint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Greek Yogurt with Spearmint and Berries
This sweet and tangy combination is perfect for a warm day or as a healthy snack any time of the year. The creamy Greek yogurt pairs beautifully with the bright, citrusy flavor of spearmint and the sweetness of mixed berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons fresh spearmint leaves
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– Optional: honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and chopped spearmint leaves.
2. Gently fold in the mixed berries until they are evenly distributed throughout the yogurt mixture.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed by adding honey or maple syrup.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep), 30 minutes (chill)
Spearmint and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this refreshing twist on classic chicken. The tangy combination of spearmint, crumbled feta, and juicy chicken will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped spearmint and crumbled feta.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the mint-feta mixture.
4. Drizzle the outside of each breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional spearmint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spearmint and Basil Green Smoothie
Revitalize your day with this revitalizing spearmint and basil green smoothie! This unique blend combines the cooling properties of spearmint with the bright, herbaceous flavor of basil for a refreshing and rejuvenating drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups spinach
– 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as needed.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None!
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of spearmint and basil to your liking.
– Substitute other herbs like parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
– Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.
Middle Eastern Spearmint Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, a refreshing and flavorful salad, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. This spearmint version adds a bright and zesty twist to the classic recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bulgur
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spearmint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine bulgur, spearmint leaves, scallions, and parsley.
2. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Add garlic, salt, and pepper; stir until well combined.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes of preparation.
Spearmint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
This refreshing ice cream combines the bright flavor of spearmint with the richness of chocolate chips, perfect for a hot summer day. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this unique and delicious dessert at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup spearmint leaves (fresh or dried)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add in vanilla extract and stir to combine.
3. Add in spearmint leaves and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the minty flavor to infuse into the mixture.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spearmint leaves.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. During the last 2 minutes of churning, add in chocolate chips and continue to mix until they are evenly distributed.
8. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-6 hours (including steeping time)
Spearmint and Limeade Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on classic limeade, infused with the cooling essence of spearmint.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh lime juice
– 1 cup freshly brewed spearmint tea, cooled
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together the lime juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the cooled spearmint tea to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Add the water to the pitcher and stir again to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the cooler over ice cubes, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your cooling and invigorating Spearmint and Limeade Cooler!
Roasted Carrots with Spearmint Glaze
Elevate your snack game with this refreshing twist on roasted carrots! Sweet and savory, these carrots are infused with the bright flavor of spearmint.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp freshly chopped spearmint leaves
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss carrot pieces with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and chopped spearmint leaves.
5. Remove carrots from the oven and brush with the spearmint glaze.
6. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spearmint and Avocado Dip
This creamy dip is perfect for hot summer days or as a unique addition to your next gathering. The combination of spearmint and avocado creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, chopped spearmint, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Stir in the Greek yogurt until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is ready in minutes.
Spearmint Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this refreshing and flavorful spearmint infused olive oil. Perfect for adding a hint of freshness to salads, marinades, and more.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for added brightness)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the spearmint leaves with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Combine the spearmint leaves and olive oil in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Allow the mixture to infuse for at least 2 hours, shaking the jar occasionally, before straining out the solids using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve.
4. Discard the solids and transfer the infused olive oil to an airtight container.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 2 hours
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of spearmint leaves to your taste, but be mindful that too much can overpower the delicate flavor of the olive oil.
– This infused olive oil will keep for up to 6 months in a cool, dark place.
Spearmint and Ginger Iced Tea
This revitalizing tea combines the soothing properties of spearmint with the spicy warmth of ginger, making it perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thin
– 4 cups water
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the spearmint leaves and sliced ginger.
2. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and let steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea has reached your desired strength.
4. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual glasses. Discard the solids.
5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including steeping time)
Spearmint and Strawberry Lemonade
This refreshing lemonade combines the sweetness of strawberries with the cooling essence of spearmint, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spearmint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree strawberries and sugar until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
3. In a large pitcher, mix lemon juice and water.
4. Add the strawberry puree and stir to combine.
5. Add chopped spearmint leaves and stir gently.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Spearmint and Garlic Grilled Shrimp
Elevate your grilled shrimp game with the bright flavors of spearmint and garlic! This refreshing twist on a classic is perfect for a summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped spearmint leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and spearmint leaves.
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Summary
Beat the heat with these refreshing spearmint recipes! From cooling infused water to sweet treats like sorbet and ice cream, we’ve got 18 delicious ways to use spearmint this summer. Try adding it to your tea or yogurt for a burst of flavor, or use it in savory dishes like pasta salad and grilled lamb chops. You can even make a mojito cocktail or add it to your smoothie for an extra boost. Whatever your taste, we’ve got a spearmint recipe that’s sure to please.