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"During the summer, fresh herbs are abundant. Whether you grab a bunch at the grocery store or buy your own pot to grow in the windowsill, take advantage of the season! Herbs add loads of healthy flavor to all sorts of food -- not just pasta or veggies. Here are some of my favorite ways to use my favorite herbs this summer:\\n\\n- [#image: /photos/57d8d35a4b76f0f832a0f8bd]||||||Basil: Instead of using regular lettuce for sandwiches or salads, try using a few leaves of basil for a unique pop of Italian-inspired flavor (and a deep green color that makes it look so yummy). To add refreshing flavor to plain water, muddle a few basil leaves and add them along with some lemon or lime slices to ice-cold water to make a super-tasty hydrating beverage.\\n- Oregano: My all-time favorite way to use oregano in the summertime is to combine it with fresh tomatoes to make a delicious [ bruschetta](/fooddiet/blogs/eatlikeme/2012/06/recipe-fresh-goat-cheese-bruschetta), which is the perfect complement to any summer meal and always a crowd-pleaser. I also love to roast pecans or walnuts (place in a single layer on a cookie sheet; cook at 350F about 20 minutes or until fragrant) and add flavor to them by tossing with a small drizzle of olive oil and then combining them in a mixture of freshly chopped oregano and thyme with a little salt and pepper.\\n- Rosemary: Adding chopped rosemary adds a beautiful flavor to roasted veggies, but it is also great for infusing flavor when making sauces or soups. Just add a sprig or two while your sauce simmers and then remove just before serving. You can even use rosemary to [make flavored olive oil](/fooddiet/blogs/eatlikeme/2011/12/3-homemade-gourmet-gifts). Use it on top of popcorn or as a dip for crusty bread!\\n- Cilantro: After cooking plain rice, add some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to jazz up the flavor. To make a homemade chimichurri sauce that is a perfect topping for grilled meats or [ fish](/fooddiet/2012/06/healthy-fish-recipes-slideshow#slide=1), simply combine a bunch of cilantro with a bunch of flat-leaf parsley, a clove of garlic, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup distilled vinegar and a dash of salt and cayenne pepper in a food processor and process until smooth.\\n- Chives: Finely chop chives and add them to eggs at the end of the scrambling process for a fresh and flavorful twist to your typical breakfast. Or try mixing chopped chives with nonfat plain Greek yogurt for a healthy potato topping that rivals sour cream.\\n- Mint: To add a Mediterranean twist to any salad dressing, add a teaspoon or two of chopped fresh mint. You'll be surprised at the flavor punch! I also like using mint to make an easy marinade for fish along with two parts olive oil and one part lemon juice.\\n\\nWhat are your favorite ways to use herbs this summer?Comments? Requests? Tweet me [@sarahjaneRD](http://www.twitter.com/sarahjanerd) or [@SELFmagazine](http://www.twitter.com/SELFmagazine) or find me on [SELF'S Facebook Page](http://www.facebook.com/selfmagazine)!\\n\\nRelated Links:\\n\\n[Recipe: Shrimp and Watermelon Skillet](/fooddiet/2011/08/fruit-for-dinner-slideshow)  \\n[What to Buy at the Farmers' Market Right Now  \\n](/fooddiet/2008/08/healthy-farmers-market-recipes)[Lose Weight With Friends!](/club)\\n\\n--\\n\\nFor daily nutrition tips follow SELF on [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/selfmagazine) and [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/selfmagazine).\\n\\nGet SELF on your [iPad](http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id421088847?mt=8) and [Kindle Fire](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063M1C6U)!"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.self.com/story/summer-herb-recipes>