The best summer spices and herbs by dish type

The best summer spices and herbs sorted by dish type

🍗 For grilled meat (chicken, pork, beef, lamb)

• Rosemary – ideal for lamb, chicken, baked potatoes

• Thyme – great for chicken and pork

• Smoked paprika (pimentón) – for BBQ flavor

• Garlic (powdered or fresh) – the basis for almost all marinades

• Oregano – especially for Mediterranean-style pork and chicken

• Cayenne pepper / chili – for a little heat

• Cumin – for an oriental or Mexican touch

• Pepper + lemon zest – for freshness and flavor

🐟 For fish and seafood

• Dill – classic with salmon, trout, shrimp

• Parsley – universal, fresh

• Mint – for refreshment, e.g. in cold fish salads

• Citrus zest (lemon, lime) – adds freshness to fish and shellfish

• Thyme – especially for baked white fish

• Garlic + olive oil – classic with seafood

• Peperoncino (dried chili) – for spaghetti with seafood or shellfish

🥗 For salads and cold dishes

• Basil – especially with tomatoes, mozzarella

• Mint – refreshes fruit, cucumber or bulgur salads

• Parsley (flat-leaf) – in tabbouleh salad or potato salad

• Oregano (fresh or dried) – in Greek and tomato salads

• Citrus zest + juice – for dressings and refreshment

• Chives – mild onion note, great in yogurt dressings

🍝 For pasta (warm or cold)

• Basil – in pesto, with tomato sauce, in cold salads

• Oregano – with tomatoes, olives, cheese

• Garlic + olive oil – for simple sauces (aglio e olio)

• Thyme – with roasted vegetables

• Rosemary – more for “meaty” versions (e.g. pasta with ragu)

• Smoked paprika – for pasta with chicken or tofu

🥒 For vegetables (grilled, baked, stewed)

• Thyme – for zucchini, eggplant, peppers

• Rosemary – for potatoes, sweet potatoes

• Basil – fresh on tomatoes or roasted vegetables

• Mint – for zucchini, peas or cucumbers

• Garlic – everywhere, even in olive oil as a base

• Cumin – for roasted carrots, cauliflower or chickpeas

🍧 For summer desserts and drinks

• Mint – in lemonades, sorbets, cocktails, with strawberries

• Basil – in strawberry salads or with lime (try it!)

• Lemon/lime zest – for cakes, ice cream, fruit salads

• Rosemary or lavender – in syrups for toppings, drinks (use sparingly)