14 Refreshing Mint Recipes You Don't Want To Miss Out On

Of all the types of herbs that you could cook with or use to garnish your plate, you'd be hard-pressed to find one more bright and refreshing than mint. Most of us are familiar with mint's flavor almost exclusively in the context of toothpaste or candy canes, but when you strip back any artificial ingredients and focus on the green herb itself, you'll find that it really does add an invigorating flavor profile to even the dullest of dishes.

Now, we're not suggesting that you swap out cilantro for mint in homemade pico de gallo, or top off your plate of spaghetti with a sprig of mint, but rather incorporate it in food and drink recipes that could use a pop of brightness. For example, there are plenty of cocktails that showcase mint quite nicely — from juleps to mojitos — so why not filter some of those recipes into your repertoire? And if you want to get really creative, you can start including mint in places less expected, including fruit salads, milkshakes, and lamb skewers. Long gone are the days of shoving this herb to the sidelines, as our best mint recipes prove that mint deserves a place beyond your toothpaste flavoring — it belongs in your regular recipe rotation, too.

Of all the types of jelly out there, from strawberry to blackberry to classic grape, there's a good chance that mint isn't the first flavor that comes to mind ... or possibly even the last. Whereas most types of jelly lean on the heavily sweet, fruity side, mint jelly doesn't have any fruity flavor to it (other than some lemon juice), though it is plenty sweet.

You could use this jelly in the same way you'd use a fruit one, be it for topping a slice of toast or using it in thumbprint cookies, but mint jelly is actually best suited for savory contexts. So, if you're a big fan of lamb and cook it often, you can't beat pairing it with some of this mint jelly. You could also use this jelly as a glaze, which opens up the minty window of opportunity to just about any protein, including chicken or even pork chops.

Recipe: Classic Mint Jelly

If there's one type of meat that pairs with mint better than the rest, it would absolutely be lamb. The rich, slightly gamey flavor of lamb is ultimately a blank slate when it comes to flavor, and there's something about the coolness of mint that harmonizes with this delectable protein quite beautifully. Of course, the cut of lamb is important to consider, as mint might not pair so well with ground lamb ... but leg of lamb, cut into chunks and transformed into skewers — well, that's a whole different story.

These spiced honey mint lamb skewers manage to pack quite a few flavors into one dish, and despite the lengthy ingredient list, they're easy to make — we're talking busy-weeknight easy. Most of the ingredients go into the marinade, including mint, lemon juice, honey, garlic, cumin, and chili flakes. You'll also make a creamy tzatziki sauce (which also features mint) to pair with your grilled lamb skewers, resulting in a dish that is incredibly indulgent yet remarkably simple at the same time.

Recipe: Spiced Honey Mint Lamb Skewers

Cod is a very neutral, mild fish that can take on seasonings as simple as salt and pepper or as complex as ginger and mint. While mint may seem like an unusual herb choice for fish, it works well in this recipe because it's combined with other big flavors like fresh ginger, cilantro, and cumin. If you avoid cod for fear of it being bland, this recipe proves that mild-flavored seafood can become something spectacular with the right herbs.

A big perk to this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it as ideal for busy weeknights as it is for a more refined dinner. You'll start by making an herby marinade, then you'll coat the fish with it and let it soak in for at least five minutes — if you aren't in a rush, then you can let those flavors meld for a bit longer. Finally, the oven handles most of the heavy lifting as it bakes the cod to tender, flaky perfection. Pair your flavorful fish with a simple bed of rice or roasted vegetables to round out the colorful and healthy meal.

Recipe: Baked Ginger and Mint Cod

Whether you're looking for the perfect holiday appetizer or you just happen to be a big fan of finger food, these cranberry mint crostini with Brie are the perfect sweet-savory treat. Sweet and tart flavors from the cranberries, rich goodness from the Brie, and an unexpected but very welcome coolness from the mint — what more could you ask for in an appetizer?

Unlike many cranberry recipes that put the tart fruit to use by way of sauce, this recipe switches things up with a cranberry salsa. You'll blend fresh cranberries, jalapeños, red onion, and mint together to make the base of the salsa, and additions like lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and sugar help balance the flavors into something equal parts sweet, spicy, and tangy. Paired with a crusty bread and creamy Brie, these crostini add a flair of elegance to a tried and true appetizer without being unapproachable or too elevated. 

Recipe: Cranberry and Mint Crostini with Brie

If you're a pesto pro then you already know that basil is typically the star herb of the sauce, providing that earthy flavor and vibrant green hue. Believe it or not, you actually can make pesto with other herbs, and this mint pesto recipe also incorporates another unusual ingredient — almonds — for a refreshing take on pesto that looks and tastes as good as the basil-infused stuff.

As the name of the recipe suggests, this pesto also comes together in just five minutes, and there's absolutely no cooking required. All you need to do is toss all of the ingredients into a food processor and hit blend, then give your creation a taste and adjust seasonings if needed. You can use your almond mint pesto in a similar way that you'd use basil pesto: as a pasta sauce, on pizza, or as a sandwich spread. 

Recipe: 5-Minute Almond Mint Pesto

There are all sorts of barks out there, from classic chocolate to toffee to banana split chocolate, though when the holidays roll around there's only one type of bark that we have in mind: peppermint. Indeed, there are fewer treats more quintessentially holiday-themed than peppermint bark — and while you could buy a batch from the store, it really is quite easy to make your own right at home.

While some types of peppermint bark may feature only white chocolate or only semi-sweet chocolate, this recipe puts both types to good use, making for a balanced treat that isn't too sweet or too bitter. You'll start by melting the semi-sweet chocolate and layering it on a baking sheet, then follow that up with a layer of white chocolate (just make sure that the semi-sweet layer is adequately chilled and hardened). 

Of course, it wouldn't be peppermint bark without the peppermint candy, and crushed candy canes help ensure that your treats look and taste plenty festive. As if the crushed candy canes on top weren't enough, you'll also infuse candy cane dust into the white chocolate layer, ensuring that your peppermint bark tastes as minty as could be.

Recipe: Peppermint Bark

Those who frequent McDonald's might be familiar with the chain's iconic Shamrock Shake — love it or hate it, the bright green treat ultimately maintains a steady stream of loyal enthusiasts. Of course, as any Shamrock Shake lover knows, this ice cream confection is a seasonal item, so for most of the year, the item is unavailable. There's no reason to panic, however, because you can easily make the minty concoction right at home, and it will look every bit as vibrant as the one you'd get from McDonald's.

The key to getting the shake's iconic flavor is mint extract, a potent addition that packs a mighty minty punch in just a few drops. Somewhat surprisingly, however, the key to the milkshake's green hue isn't mint ice cream, but instead pistachio ice cream. This recipe even gives you an option to booze things up with tequila, which is definitely a homemade-specific perk that you won't find at the drive-thru.

Recipe: Homemade Shamrock Shake