Ah, summer – the perfect time to refresh your palate with the cooling and revitalizing flavor of spearmint! As the temperatures rise, our taste buds crave something light, zesty, and easy to enjoy. And what better way to do so than with a burst of fresh spearmint? From savory dishes to sweet treats, we’ve got 18 refreshing spearmint recipes that will make your summer cooking playlist.
From classic infusions like Spearmint and Cucumber Infused Water to decadent desserts like Spearmint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re a fan of herbal teas, fruity smoothies, or zesty sauces, we’ve got the perfect recipe to quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings.
So go ahead, get creative with spearmint, and make this summer one to remember!
Spearmint and Cucumber Infused Water
Stay hydrated and invigorated with this refreshing infused water recipe, perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up. The subtle flavors of spearmint and cucumber will quench your thirst and leave you feeling revitalized.
Ingredients:
– 1 liter water
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the water and spearmint leaves. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the cucumber slices to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Chill the infused water in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cucumber flavor to settle.
4. Strain the water into glasses filled with ice, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Fresh Spearmint Pesto Pasta
A refreshing twist on traditional pesto pasta, this recipe combines the bright flavor of fresh spearmint with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light and flavorful springtime dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine spearmint leaves, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Toss cooked pasta with pesto sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spearmint Lemonade with Honey
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy lemonade infused with the cooling flavor of spearmint and a touch of honey. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried spearmint leaves
– 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Add dried spearmint leaves to the pitcher and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another pitcher, discarding the spearmint leaves.
5. Stir in honey until dissolved.
6. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 8-10
Grilled Lamb Chops with Spearmint Chimichurri
Grilled Lamb Chops with Spearmint Chimichurri: A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional lamb chops, this recipe combines the bold flavors of lamb with the bright, citrusy taste of spearmint.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb chops
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine spearmint leaves, parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar. Blend until smooth.
3. Brush lamb chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Serve lamb chops hot with Spearmint Chimichurri spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spearmint and Feta Stuffed Chicken
This refreshing twist on traditional stuffed chicken combines the bright, citrusy flavor of spearmint with the tanginess of feta cheese. Perfect for a light and satisfying main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup fresh spearmint leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 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, feta cheese, and minced garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spearmint-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spearmint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
A refreshing twist on classic ice cream, this spearmint chocolate chip recipe combines the cooling flavor of peppermint with the richness of dark chocolate chips. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup spearmint leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp peppermint extract)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
3. Cover mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove from fridge and add chopped dark chocolate chips and spearmint leaves (or peppermint extract). Stir until chocolate is melted and spearmint is evenly distributed.
5. Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Transfer finished ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours (including chilling time)
Spearmint and Berry Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a refreshing and healthy treat that combines the sweetness of mixed berries, the cooling flavor of spearmint, and a crunchy granola topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Granola and additional toppings of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine frozen berries, spearmint leaves, sliced banana, chia seeds, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add unsweetened almond milk and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or mintiness as needed.
4. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with granola, additional toppings of your choice (such as sliced fruit or nuts), and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Spearmint Tea with Ginger and Lemon
Start your day off right with this refreshing tea that combines the soothing properties of spearmint, the warmth of ginger, and the brightness of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon dried spearmint leaves
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 1/2 lemon, juiced
– 1 cup boiling water
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the dried spearmint leaves and sliced ginger. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has reached your desired strength of minty flavor.
3. Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard the solids.
4. Stir in the lemon juice to taste.
5. If desired, add honey or sugar to sweeten the tea.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your soothing and invigorating Spearmint Tea with Ginger and Lemon!
Spearmint and Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce
This light and zesty sauce is perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing dip for your favorite snacks. With the coolness of yogurt, the sweetness of spearmint, and a hint of tanginess from lemon juice, this tzatziki sauce is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh spearmint leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, spearmint, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the sauce and mix again to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time only)
Spearmint Mojito Cocktail
Add a refreshing twist to the classic mojito with this spearmint infused cocktail. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a light and crisp drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 10-12 sprigs of fresh spearmint leaves
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the spearmint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with an additional sprig of spearmint.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Spearmint and Pineapple Sorbet
This refreshing sorbet is perfect for hot summer days. The combination of sweet pineapple and cooling spearmint creates a unique and delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes with the spearmint leaves. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the mint leaves.
3. Whisk in lemon juice. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes + freezing time
Spearmint and Avocado Salad
This salad combines the creamy richness of avocado with the bright, refreshing flavor of spearmint for a light and revitalizing side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves, chopped
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, chopped spearmint, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served chilled, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Spearmint Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this refreshing and flavorful infused olive oil, perfect for adding a hint of minty goodness to any dish. This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and some patience.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves (or 2 tablespoons dried spearmint)
– Glass jar with lid
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fresh mint leaves gently with cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place the mint leaves in a clean glass jar and pour the olive oil over them, making sure that the leaves are completely covered.
3. Secure the lid tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar every few days to combine the flavors.
4. After 2-4 weeks, strain the infused oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another container. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply use your new spearmint infused olive oil in cooking and baking, or as a finishing touch for soups, salads, and more.
Spearmint and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your roasted potatoes with the brightness of spearmint and pungency of garlic. This simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and salt.
3. Add chopped spearmint leaves and toss until potatoes are evenly coated.
4. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh mint if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spearmint and Coconut Rice Pudding
This refreshing dessert combines the sweetness of coconut with the brightness of spearmint, perfect for warm weather. A creamy and soothing treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spearmint leaves
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the pudding thickens slightly.
3. Stir in chopped spearmint leaves, unsweetened shredded coconut (if using), and vanilla extract.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Spearmint and Watermelon Gazpacho
Beat the summer heat with this unique and revitalizing gazpacho recipe that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the cooling essence of spearmint. This refreshing soup is perfect for a light lunch or as a palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spearmint leaves
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (optional)
– 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree watermelon, spearmint, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and garlic until smooth.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Stir in olive oil and vinegar (if using).
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve cold, garnished with additional spearmint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This gazpacho is a no-cook recipe, perfect for hot summer days.
Spearmint and Dark Chocolate Truffles
These bite-sized treats combine the cooling essence of spearmint with the richness of dark chocolate, creating a unique and delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon spearmint extract
– 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
– Chopped fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the butter and spearmint extract; mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the whipped cream mixture; continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the whipped cream mixture into the melted chocolate until well combined.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Spearmint and Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers
A refreshing twist on traditional grilled shrimp, these skewers combine the brightness of lime juice with the cooling sweetness of spearmint. Perfect for a summer barbecue or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped spearmint leaves
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread 3-4 shrimp onto each skewer.
5. Remove shrimp from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Garnish with additional spearmint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these refreshing spearmint recipes! From cooling infused water to sweet treats like chocolate chip ice cream, there’s something for everyone. Try making a fresh pesto pasta or grilling lamb chops with a zesty chimichurri sauce. For a lighter option, whip up a smoothie bowl or enjoy a fruity sorbet. Even savory dishes get a boost from spearmint, such as tzatziki sauce or roasted potatoes. And don’t forget to try the refreshing tea, mojito cocktail, and gazpacho for a taste of summer in every sip.
Leave a Reply