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Lemon balm, with its fresh citrus aroma and subtle minty flavor, is a versatile herb that can transform your kitchen creations. Whether you’re looking to brew soothing teas, create zesty desserts, or infuse savory dishes with a touch of brightness, lemon balm is a perfect choice.
Packed with a host of health benefits and a unique flavor profile, it’s time to explore the best ways to use this herb. Here are 10 amazing lemon balm recipes that you’ll want to try today!

10 Best Lemon Balm Recipes
1. Lemon Balm Tea

Why it’s perfect:
This calming and aromatic tea is a great way to enjoy the natural flavor and health benefits of lemon balm. It’s soothing, refreshing, and ideal for unwinding after a long day or starting your morning with a gentle boost. The mild citrus-mint flavor makes it a simple yet delightful herbal drink.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 10 minutes
- Servings: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2-3 fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 tsp dried lemon balm)
- Honey or lemon (optional, for sweetness or extra citrus flavor)
Recipe Steps:
- Place lemon balm leaves in a tea infuser or directly in a cup.
- Pour boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the leaves or infuser.
- Sweeten with honey or add a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
2. Lemon Balm Pesto

Why it’s perfect:
This unique twist on classic pesto combines the bright, citrusy notes of lemon balm with the richness of olive oil, garlic, and nuts. It’s a versatile sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled vegetables, or even as a spread for sandwiches. Lemon balm adds a fresh, zesty flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Combine lemon balm, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Lemon Balm Lemonade

This refreshing lemonade takes the classic summer drink to a whole new level with the addition of lemon balm.
The herb’s gentle citrus-mint flavor enhances the lemonade’s tanginess, creating a perfectly balanced, thirst-quenching beverage. It’s a must-try for hot days or family gatherings.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, loosely packed
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- Ice
Recipe Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, sugar, and lemon balm leaves. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then let cool.
- Strain the lemon balm syrup into a pitcher, discarding the leaves.
- Add lemon juice and the remaining 3 cups of water. Stir well.
- Serve over ice and garnish with fresh lemon balm leaves or lemon slices.
4. Lemon Balm Ice Cream

Why it’s perfect:
This creamy and refreshing dessert combines the subtle citrus-mint flavor of lemon balm with the richness of homemade ice cream.
It’s a unique and delightful way to enjoy this versatile herb, perfect for summer days or as a light finish to any meal. The herb infuses the cream base with a delicate flavor, making each bite a cool, aromatic treat.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 30 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Recipe Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, and lemon balm leaves. Heat over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture, discard the leaves, and return to the saucepan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale. Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring, until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in vanilla extract, then cool completely.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze until firm before serving.
5. Lemon Balm Salad Dressing

Why it’s perfect:
This vibrant and zesty dressing adds a fresh twist to any salad. The lemon balm’s mild citrus notes pair beautifully with olive oil and a touch of sweetness, creating a balanced flavor that complements leafy greens, grilled vegetables, or even roasted chicken.
It’s quick, easy, and a great way to incorporate fresh lemon balm into everyday meals.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic.
- Add chopped lemon balm leaves and whisk or shake until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle over salads or use as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables.
6. Lemon Balm Infused Water

Why it’s perfect:
This simple yet elegant infused water is a fantastic way to stay hydrated while enjoying the subtle flavors of lemon balm. The herb’s refreshing citrus-mint aroma makes plain water feel like a spa-like indulgence.
It’s a healthy, sugar-free alternative to flavored drinks and perfect for hot days or post-workout refreshments.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 5 minutes (plus infusion time)
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 handful of fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1 sliced lemon
- 1 sliced cucumber (optional)
- 4 cups water
- Ice
Recipe Steps:
- In a pitcher, combine lemon balm leaves, sliced lemon, and cucumber (if using).
- Add water and stir gently to mix.
- Let infuse in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours for the best flavor.
- Serve over ice and garnish with additional lemon balm leaves, if desired.
7. Lemon Balm Jelly

Why it’s perfect:
This sweet and tangy jelly captures the essence of lemon balm in a jar. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, using as a glaze for meats, or as a unique addition to a charcuterie board.
The combination of lemon balm and citrus creates a flavorful and versatile condiment that’s a true pantry staple.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
- Servings: 4 cups
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh lemon balm leaves
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 box fruit pectin
- 4 cups sugar.
Recipe Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine lemon balm leaves and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and discard leaves.
- Return the liquid to the saucepan and add lemon juice and pectin. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in sugar and boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and pour into sterilized jars. Let cool completely before sealing.
8. Lemon Balm Sorbet

Why it’s perfect:
This light and refreshing sorbet is a perfect palate cleanser or a guilt-free dessert option.
Lemon balm adds a mild citrusy and herbal twist, elevating the sorbet’s flavor beyond the usual lemon-based recipes. It’s a great way to showcase lemon balm’s unique taste while keeping things simple and cooling on a warm day.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Recipe Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon balm leaves. Heat until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Strain and discard the leaves.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
9. Lemon Balm Chicken Marinade

Why it’s perfect:
This marinade infuses chicken with a bright, herbal flavor that highlights lemon balm’s citrusy notes. It’s versatile enough for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.
The herb’s freshness keeps the dish light and aromatic, perfect for a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir in chopped lemon balm and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the marinade over chicken and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking.
10. Lemon Balm Infused Olive Oil

Why it’s perfect:
This infused olive oil is a versatile and flavorful addition to your kitchen. Drizzle it over salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a simple yet elevated dish.
The lemon balm imparts a subtle citrus-herbal aroma that enhances the oil’s natural richness, making it a gourmet staple for everyday use.
Recipe Metadata:
- Time to Make: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
Recipe Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine olive oil and lemon balm leaves.
- Heat over low heat for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the oil doesn’t boil.
- Remove from heat and let the oil cool completely.
- Strain out the leaves and transfer the infused oil to a sterilized bottle.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month.