18 Refreshing Mint Recipes (2024)

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When life gives you mint, what do you make? Here I’ve gathered 18 delicious refreshing mint recipes that will delight you this summer!

Plenty of cold drinks, colorful salads, pesto, sauces, all easy recipes perfect to use up a bunch of fresh and healthy mint leaves.

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One of my favorite things about summer is the bounty of fresh mint that is just outside my doorstep. Those lovely green leaves are so versatile and add instantly more flavor, color and delicious smell to any drink or savory dishes.

I sprinkle mint on everything, I add it to fresh summer salads, to desserts, to smoothies, and I drink mint infused water all the time!

Mint will also add a fantastic twist to summer co*cktails and is perfect packed into a mojitos for the upcoming al fresco parties.

Along with its amazing clean taste, mint provides plenty of health benefits too. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamin A, antibacterial and anti-inflammatoryproperties, and it’s great to soothe upset stomachs.

Not only is mint versatile in the kitchen and good for your health, but this perennial herb is also extremely easy to grow indoors in a pot on the windowsill. That means it’s economical, sustainable, and you don’t even need a garden.

So, if you wonder what to do with a lot of fresh mint, I’m here to help with this roundup of refreshing easy recipes. And if you make mojitos, please give me a shout. ; )

1. Mint pesto

This bright, zestymint pesto is loaded up with delicious fresh flavors.It’s easy to make in the food processor and perfect totossit, scoop it, drizzle it, stir it intosalads, soups, roasted veggies, potatoesand more! It’s alsofreezablein small convenient portions.

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2. Crostini with peas, ricotta and mint

These crispy crostini make a delicious canapé full of fresh lemon and mint flavor and with a lovely texture. The perfectvegetarian appetizer or snack ready in minutes!

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3. Mint syrup

This simple mint syrup requires only 4 ingredients, 10 minutes of prep time, and it’s brilliant for sweetening and adding a lovely mint flavor to your drinks. It’s easy, economical and doesn’t contain artificial flavor, preservatives or food coloring. Why not to serve it with lovely mint ice cubes? : )

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4. Salad with mint

This quick salad with mint is delightful, filling and packed with flavor. The combination of plant-based protein, veggies, fresh mint and the tangy dressing makes a wonderful main course or a side dish, and keeps well for days.

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5. Mojito recipe

This mojito with mint is one of the best way to cool off on a hot summer day. The recipe is super easy, a refreshing combination of herbaceous mint, tart lime, and fizzy soda water. YUM.

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6. Mint Greek yogurt sauce

This easymint yogurt sauceonly requires1 bowland5 minutes of prep time, and it’s sodeliciously fresh, zippy, and versatile.

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7. Pea and mint soup

For this simple, velvety pea soup you need just a handful of ingredients including fresh mint that lends its amazing refreshing flavor pairing so well with the starchy peas.

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8. Mint water

This healthy mint water requires only3 ingredients, no sugar, and it’s a breeze to make. It helps you to stay hydrated all year round and helps your digestion, especially if you add a touch of lemon juice. You can use mint or peppermint which has a slightly stronger flavor.

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8. Mint cashew green sauce

This easy mint green sauce uses a mix of three herbs: mint, parsley and dill.The combination of different fresh herbs results in a complex flavor, vibrant green color and a ton of antioxidants and vitamins! Added bonus? It can be used basically everywhereand tastes delicious.

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9. Tomato salad with mint dressing

This wonderful Indian salad pairs really well with rich, spicy curries. It’s made with slices of juicy tomato, sliced red onions, and a drizzled of lovely mint dressing made with raita, the scrumptious green mint sauce made with yogurt.

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10. Classic mint julep recipe

If you like refreshing co*cktails (WE DO), thismint julepis perfect for you. It’s another simple, totally delicious recipe that uses fresh mint and perfect for cooling off all summer. It’s ready in just 5 minutes!

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11. Mint Chocolate Brownie

These vegan brownies celebrate the perfect mint-chocolate combination! They’re moist on the inside, coveredwith an AMAZING mint glaze and make a scrumptious summer dessert.

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12. Watermelon salad with feta

This lovely, refreshing salad recipe is perfect for hot summer days. With feta cheese, avocado, mint & lime, it’s a delicious mix of savory & sweet.

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13. Fresh Mint Ice Cream

The spearmint lends such a refreshing quality to cool drinks and frozen treats that seems to be just perfect for this ice cream. The end result is light and slightly icy like sorbet, but as sweet and satisfying as gelato. YUM.

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14. Cucumber salad with mint

This can be your go-to salad recipe for summer picnics and BBQs. It is packed with vitamins and flavor, simple to make yet addictively good. And it improves if you make it ahead of time.

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15. Fresh Orange and Mint Tea

This another lovely recipe from one of my fellow blogger, it’s a calming, fragrant orange and mint tea that you can make in not time, and perfect for relaxing in the afternoon or evening. The hint of citrus flavour compliments the mint beautifully!

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16. Lemon cucumber mint ginger water
17. Quinoa salad with mint

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More recipe collections?

Gathering similar recipes all in one place is so handy and gives ideas abouthow to use up specific ingredients! Below there’s a few roundups that you might find helpful:

  • 40 Meatless recipes
  • 34 Recipes with canned tomatoes
  • 15 Cannellini bean recipes
  • 25+ Green lentil recipes
  • 17 Ricotta recipes
  • 13 quick pasta ideas
  • Artichoke recipes
  • 16 delicious recipes with onions
  • Italian appetizers

If you try one of these deliciousmint recipes,let me know! Leave a comment, rate it or tag a photo#theclevermealon Instagram.

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Print Recipe

18 Mint recipes: Mint Water

This refreshing, healthy, low-calorie mint water is one of my fav mint recipes! It requires only3 ingredients, no sugar, and it's a breeze to make.It's perfect when you have guests over or to motivate yourself or your kids to drink more water.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Resting time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Keyword: mint recipes

Servings: 4

Author: Katia

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mint leaves, plus additional leaves for garnish
  • 1 liter cold water, still of sparkling
  • 1 lemon, washed and sliced (optional)

Instructions

  • Remove any damaged or brown mint leaves from the sprigs and wash them well.

  • Put them into a carafe and fill up with the cold water. Stir, make sure the leaves are submerged in water.

  • Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge to rest for 1 hour.

  • Serve cold, garnished with fresh mint leaves and ice if you like.

Notes

Storage:keep the mint water in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap so that it doesn’t absorb other odors in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days.

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18 Refreshing Mint Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What to do with lots of fresh mint? ›

There are so many ways you can use it to freshen up your cooking.
  1. 1Feta and mint dip. ...
  2. 2Creamy lime ice blocks with Mojito ice. ...
  3. 3Cucumber and mint raita. ...
  4. 4Mint and dukkah labne. ...
  5. 5Apple, spinach and mint juice. ...
  6. 6Orange mint iced tea. ...
  7. 7Peas with mint & garlic butter. ...
  8. 8White chocolate mojito cheesecakes.

What is good combinations with mint? ›

Mint can also temper heat-inducing chili in spicy Thai noodles or salsa. Citrusy and slightly sweet coriander is offset with refreshing mint in roasted chicken or rice pilaf. Additionally, licorice-like fennel, tart apple and herbal mint combine well for salads and slaws.

Can you have too much fresh mint? ›

When consumed in large amounts, mint may cause adverse effects. Peppermint oil on the skin can cause irritation and rashes. It should not be applied to the face. More research is needed on the long-term effects of regularly consuming mint, so it's best to consume it in moderation.

Can you freeze fresh mint? ›

Mint (Mentha spp.) can be saved for later use by drying or freezing, though it is best to use the dried leaves within a year and the frozen leaves within 6 months for the best flavor. Begin by rinsing and gently patting your herbs dry.

Is it better to freeze or dry fresh mint? ›

Freezing mint leaves is the better option if you are looking to preserve the herb's aroma. To freshen up your summer drinks and co*cktails, try chopping up your mint leaves and freezing them in ice cubes. If instead you are looking for whole leaves to garnish your food, dried mint is the way to go.

What are 4 uses for mint? ›

Health Benefits of Mint Leaves Are:
  • Treat Indigestion.
  • Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
  • Improve Respiratory Complaints.
  • Oral Care.
  • Improve Brain Power.
  • Boosts Immunity.
  • Beats Stress & Depression.
  • Help in Breastfeeding Pain.
Mar 20, 2024

What does mint do when you drink it? ›

May boost the immune system

Peppermint oil contains compounds which are said to have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, all helpful to aid the immune system. Mint might also help to fight infections of the upper respiratory tract and help relieve a stuffy nose.

What fruit works with mint? ›

Apricot, avocado, beetroot, blackberry, canary melon, cauliflower, celeriac, coconut, cranberry, fava bean, fig, garlic, grape, grapefruit, green bean, honeydew, kiwi, lettuce, lime, lychee, mango, mulberry, nectarine, orange, papaya, parsnip, plum, pomegranate, rambutan, raspberry, rhubarb, rockmelon, strawberry, ...

When should you not eat mint? ›

Who Should Say No to Mint? Little Tummies: Infants might find mint too strong, so caution is advised when considering its use in babies and young children. GERD Grievances: As mentioned earlier, individuals with GERD should be mindful of their mint intake to avoid aggravating symptoms.

What are the downsides of mint? ›

Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. When applied to the skin: Peppermint oil is likely safe. When given as an enema (rectally): Peppermint oil is likely safe. When inhaled: Peppermint oil is possibly safe when used as part of aromatherapy.

Can mint leaves reduce belly fat? ›

If you are looking to lose belly fat then mint leaves are going to be a great kitchen ingredient. Mint acts in two ways,firstly mint cuts down the fat content by removing the excess bile juice from your gall bladder. This function is extremely important as mint facilitates the processing and storage of fat in the body.

Can you freeze fresh mint without water? ›

Rinse mint and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Spread the mint on a baking sheet or a plate and put in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove the mint from the freezer and place in a freezer bag or an airtight container. Store in the freezer.

Do you wash mint leaves before freezing? ›

How to Freeze Whole Mint Leaves in Water
  1. Gently rinse mint.
  2. Remove mint leaves from stem and place as many as you'd like in each ice cube tray.
  3. Fill ice cube tray with water until the leaves are just covered. Freeze until cubes are solid {~2-3 hours}.
  4. Remove from tray and store in a freezer-safe container.
Apr 20, 2021

Can you eat mint leaves raw? ›

Mint leaves are a tender herb with gentle stems. It is best to add them raw or at the end of the cooking process. This helps them maintain their delicate flavor and texture.

What to do with mint stems? ›

Mint stems infuse well with just about anything. I typically infuse mine with Vodka or Dry/White Vermouth, but Gin, Tequila, Cachaca, and aged spirits also work well. (Note that a Sous Vide will make life a lot easier, but if you don't have one you can use a pot of water on a stove with a thermometer attached to it).

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