My Favorite Recipes Featuring Antioxidant-Rich Herbs
BySarah Axtell, ND •May 22, 2025
Fresh herbs are more than a garnish and a flavor enhancer. They are among the highest antioxidant-rich foods right at your fingertips.
Even small amounts of fresh herbs can provide a significant boost to your antioxidant intake.
For the best health-giving benefits, the trick is regular consumption. Consistency is key!
These recipes are some of my favorites:
Lemon and Rosemary Marinade
- Juice of 2 large lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper
Combine all ingredients in a glass baking dish. Marinate chicken for at least 1 to 2 hours in the mixture before grilling.
Green Goddess Dressing
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (found in the bulk section at health food stores)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp tahini
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp tamari (ie. gluten-free soy sauce), Bragg’s liquid aminos or coconut aminos
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp dried tarragon
- 1-2 garlic cloves (omit if you follow a Low Fodmap Diet)
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend on high until smooth.
Detox Pesto
- 1 bunch dandelion leaves (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup cilantro
- 1 cup basil
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt to taste
Put the walnuts and garlic in food processor and process until its a paste. Add the dandelion greens, cilantro, and basil. Pulse until finely chopped. Add olive oil, lemon and nutritional yeast and pulse until well combined. Taste and season with salt.
Dill Avocado Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 avocado
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup macadamia nuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.
Kale, Walnut & Pumpkin Seed Pesto
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup kale, chopped and stems removed
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/3 cup olive oil (add more if it seems dry)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt
Put the walnuts, pumpkin seeds and garlic in food processor and process until its a paste. Add the kale, spinach and basil. Pulse until finely chopped. Add olive oil, lemon and nutritional yeast and pulse until well combined. Taste and season with salt.
Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.