15 Lemon Balm Recipes: Food, Drinks, and More

Lemon balm, a fragrant herb from the mint family, has a delicate lemon flavor that can transform various dishes. Its versatility makes it suitable for both savory and sweet recipes, and it’s often used in teas, marinades, and desserts. Lemon balm is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits, such as calming effects, antioxidant properties, and digestive support. In this article, we’ll explore 15 delightful lemon balm recipes, each with detailed steps and nutritional insights.

1. Lemon Balm Tea

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
• 4 cups boiling water
• Honey or sugar to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Rinse the lemon balm leaves thoroughly.
2. Place the leaves in a teapot or large bowl.
3. Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into cups.
5. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired and garnish with lemon slices.

Nutritional Benefits

Lemon balm tea is known for its calming effects and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also a good source of antioxidants.

2. Lemon Balm Pesto

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Combine lemon balm, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor.
2. Blend until the ingredients are finely chopped.
3. Gradually add olive oil and blend until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Benefits

This pesto is packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Lemon balm adds a unique twist, enhancing the digestive benefits of the dish.

3. Lemon Balm and Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp honey

Preparation Steps

1. Combine strawberries, Greek yogurt, lemon balm leaves, almond milk, and honey in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

Nutritional Benefits

This smoothie is a refreshing way to start your day, providing probiotics from the yogurt, antioxidants from the strawberries, and calming properties from the lemon balm.

4. Lemon Balm Chicken Marinade

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 chicken breasts

Preparation Steps

1. In a bowl, mix lemon balm, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Grill or bake the chicken until fully cooked.

Nutritional Benefits

Lemon balm adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to the chicken, making it not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

5. Lemon Balm and Honey Scones

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in milk, honey, and lemon balm leaves until just combined.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
6. Pat into a circle and cut into wedges.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.

Nutritional Benefits

These scones offer a delightful balance of sweetness and herbal notes, with the lemon balm providing digestive benefits and a calming effect.

6. Lemon Balm and Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg, beaten

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gently fold in blueberries and lemon balm leaves.
4. In another bowl, combine milk, oil, and egg.
5. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits

These muffins are a tasty way to enjoy the health benefits of blueberries and lemon balm, providing antioxidants and digestive support.

7. Lemon Balm Sorbet

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• Juice of 4 lemons

Preparation Steps

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add lemon balm leaves. Let steep for 15 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture into a bowl and stir in lemon juice.
4. Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Nutritional Benefits

This sorbet is a refreshing dessert that’s low in calories and packed with the calming and digestive benefits of lemon balm.

8. Lemon Balm Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon balm leaves, olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Serve over a fresh salad or as a marinade for vegetables.

Nutritional Benefits

This vinaigrette adds a flavorful twist to salads while providing the antioxidant and digestive benefits of lemon balm.

9. Lemon Balm Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• 4 egg yolks

Preparation Steps

1. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add lemon balm leaves and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks.
4. Gradually add the milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened.
6. Strain into a bowl and chill.
7. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Nutritional Benefits

This ice cream offers a creamy and refreshing treat with the added benefits of lemon balm’s calming and digestive properties.

10. Lemon Balm Infused Oil

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup olive oil

Preparation Steps

1. Wash and dry lemon balm leaves.
2. Place leaves in a sterilized glass jar.
3. Pour olive oil over the leaves, ensuring they are completely covered.
4. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
5. Strain the oil into a clean bottle.

Nutritional Benefits

Lemon balm-infused oil can be used in cooking or as a topical application, providing antioxidants and promoting relaxation.

11. Lemon Balm Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 cups water

Preparation Steps

1. Combine lemon balm leaves, lemon juice, and sugar in a large pitcher.
2. Add water and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Let it sit for an hour before straining out the leaves.
4. Serve over ice.

Nutritional Benefits

This lemonade is a refreshing drink that combines the benefits of lemon balm with vitamin C from the lemon juice.

12. Lemon Balm and Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. In a bowl, combine cucumber slices and lemon balm leaves.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is light and refreshing, offering hydration from the cucumber and digestive benefits from the lemon balm.

13. Lemon Balm Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. In a large pot, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon balm leaves and season with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is comforting and nutritious, with the lemon balm providing additional calming and digestive benefits.

14. Lemon Balm Fish Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 lb white fish fillets
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cabbage, salsa, avocado

Preparation Steps

1. Marinate fish fillets in lemon balm, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
2. Grill or bake the fish until cooked through.
3. Assemble tacos with fish and desired toppings.

Nutritional Benefits

These tacos are light and healthy, with the fish providing lean protein and the lemon balm adding a refreshing flavor.

15. Lemon Balm Infused Water

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 gallon water

Preparation Steps

1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon balm leaves, lemon slices, and cucumber slices.
2. Add water and let infuse in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
3. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Benefits

Lemon balm-infused water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated while enjoying the herb’s calming and digestive benefits.

FAQs

1. What is lemon balm, and what are its benefits?

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb from the mint family, known for its lemony scent. It offers various health benefits, including stress reduction, digestive support, and antioxidant properties.

2. Can I use dried lemon balm instead of fresh?

Yes, dried lemon balm can be used, but fresh leaves often provide a more vibrant flavor.

3. How do I store fresh lemon balm?

Store fresh lemon balm in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, or place the stems in a glass of water like fresh flowers.

4. Can I grow lemon balm at home?

Yes, lemon balm is easy to grow at home in a garden or a pot. It prefers well-drained soil and partial sunlight.

5. Are there any side effects of consuming lemon balm?

Lemon balm is generally safe for most people, but in large amounts, it may cause dizziness or nausea. Always consume in moderation.

6. How can I dry lemon balm?

Dry lemon balm by hanging bundles upside down in a cool, dark place or using a dehydrator.

7. Can lemon balm be used in savory dishes?

Yes, lemon balm’s lemony flavor works well in savory dishes like marinades, soups, and salads.

8. What are some other uses of lemon balm?

Lemon balm can be used in teas, tinctures, and topical applications for its calming effects and skin benefits.

9. How do I make lemon balm tea?

Steep fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then strain and enjoy.

10. Can lemon balm be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze lemon balm leaves by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing, then transferring them to a freezer bag.

11. What can I pair lemon balm with?

Lemon balm pairs well with fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, and other herbs like basil and mint.

12. Is lemon balm suitable for children?

Lemon balm is generally safe for children in moderate amounts, especially as a tea or in culinary dishes.

13. How do I infuse oil with lemon balm?

Combine fresh lemon balm leaves and olive oil in a jar, let it sit for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain the oil.

14. What is the shelf life of lemon balm-infused products?

Lemon balm-infused products, like oils or vinegars, can last several months if stored in a cool, dark place.

15. Can I use lemon balm in baking?

Yes, lemon balm can add a fresh, citrusy flavor to baked goods like scones, muffins, and cookies.