Firm ripe tomatoes are combined with cool cucumbers and crisp lettuce leaves tossed in low fat basil flavoured vinaigrette. Tomatoes provide vitamin A and fibre while lettuce and cucumbers contribute fibre as well as vitamin C and iron.

Here is a refreshing salad, with a mind-blowing lemony flavour! Packed with vitamin C, calcium and fibre, the Lemony Yoghurt Vegetable and Fruit Salad is extremely healthy, nourishing and tasty. It overflows with the goodness of apples, lettuce and celery, and is served in a creamy and tangy basil-flavoured dressing that is enhanced with grated apple, which gives it a fabulous texture and flavour too. If you love this salad, you can have it daily with your meals! Try other diabetic friendly salads like Cherry Tomato and Fenugreek Salad and Orange Tabbouleh .

Ravioli - a pillow shaped pasta, popular in several Italian regions - is usually made with a stuffing of spinach and cheese. Alfredo's was a popular restaurant in Rome, where the chef's fresh pasta was served with a cheese and cream sauce. This sauce from Alfredo's served over pasta has become known as Alfredo sauce. This recipe of ravioli uses refreshing green garlic and basil flavoured pasta dough filled with tomatoes, tossed with Alfredo sauce. You can also serve this ravioli tossed in butter and topped with parmesan cheese. To prevent ravioli from losing its shape and filling, do not overcook it. Drain the tomatoes completely before stuffing them to prevent the ravioli from getting soggy.

Simple classic pasta made with fusilli and cottage cheese tossed along with garden fresh parsley and basil enhances the essence of each and every ingredient used. You can replace the fusilli with penne, conchiglie or any other short pasta. This recipe is a good choice for an easy lunch menu. Fresh herbs have a magical and concentrated flavour and bring a dazzling green effect on the pasta.

Bruschettas are of Italian origin and are traditionally prepared by grilling a toast over a wood fire in order to infuse the smoky taste. I have however, used a charcoal barbeque for making these you can also use the electric one if you like or even an oven will do just as well. You can also try other bruschettas like Pesto and Roasted Red Capsicum Bruschetta or Pear and Brie Bruschetta .

A touch of the Mediterranean on your barbeque. Basil and garlic complement tomatoes beautifully to create this simple but stunning dish. Select firm and ripe tomatoes for best results.

An aromatic rice preparation steamed in a banana leaf. This is a perfect meal to go with all the great starters that you make on your barbeque.

instant pizza sauce recipe | easy pizza sauce | quick pizza sauce gravy | with 29 amazing images. instant pizza sauce a quick pizza sauce that can be made instantly in just 15 minutes. Learn how to make instant pizza sauce recipe | easy pizza sauce | quick pizza sauce gravy | I always make this easy version pizza sauce to store. This is just putting together and mixing it and your pizza sauce is ready. How easy is that? This is our go-to easy homemade pizza sauce recipe. Using fresh ingredients improves the sauce’s taste and flavor, making it easily beat any store-bought sauce hands down. quick pizza sauce gravy can stored in the frezzer for 3 months. All you have to do is just thaw and put it together to make delicious home made pizzas or pasta. Tips to make instant pizza sauce: 1. Ensure you use nice red tomatoes for the best results. 2. Instead of sweet chili sauce you can add little sugar to balance the flavour. 3. Make sure to deseed the tomato to avoid the unpleasant mouthfeel. Enjoy instant pizza sauce recipe | easy pizza sauce | quick pizza sauce gravy | with detailed step by step photos.

Fried ladies finger and brinjal placed on spaghetti, topped with basil flavoured curd and pesto sauce.

A colourful rice preparation with a refreshing flavour, the Thai Green Rice has strong hints of lemon grass and mint. Since it does not involve boiling vegetables, it can be tossed up quite soon – you just need to spare enough time for the rice to cook, and voila a delectable meal is ready on the table!

Dhokla, the ever-popular Gujarati snack, gets an Italian makeover in this recipe. A quick-fix dhokla batter made with semolina, is perked up traditional Italian pesto paste, which is a blend of basil, walnuts and garlic perked up with lemon juice and olive oil. Upon steaming, the dhokla acquires an exotic taste and texture. Do not temper the Pesto Dhokla as it will work against the Italian touch.

Unable to decide which of your favourite melons to enjoy today? Why not bring them both together into a refreshing glassful? The Mixed Melon and Basil Drink is a thoroughly rejuvenating drink that combines the soothing taste of melons with the sharp herby aroma and taste of basil and the tanginess of lemon juice. Since you need to serve the drink immediately after blending, keep all the ingredients chilled so that the drink will also be cool. Try other melon recipes like the Melon Smoothie or Melon Refresher .

The rustic, earthy flavour and texture of black beans is a great match for the succulence of crumbled feta. Pool in other exciting ingredients like pungent onions and olives, tangy tomatoes and herby basil, and you get a vibrant salad that is worthy of your attention. A tongue-tickling dressing of mustard and herbs adds to the peppy flavour of this salad, delivering a really power-packed punch that will shake awake your taste buds. Serve the Black Beans, Feta, Basil and Tomato Salad immediately after tossing to enjoy the crisp texture and sharp flavours. Try your hand at other interesting bean salads like Three Bean Salad , Black Eyed Bean Salad or Haricot Bean Salad with Zucchini and Bellpeppers .

Conveniently quick and easy but unbelievably tasty, this sandwich is something you can conjure up on any busy day, for breakfast or as an evening snack. A hearty loaf of bagel plays host to luscious cream cheese, tangy tomato and peppy basil giving rise to a refreshing sandwich that everybody will love. You can use any type of bagel, like whole-wheat, multi-grain, etc., to make this Cream Cheese, Tomato and Basil Bagel Sandwich. You will love the juicy mouth-feel and herby taste of this easy-to-make sandwich! Also try your hand at making Mayo Veggie Curd Sandwich or Bagels