Zesty Basil Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this Zesty Basil Vinaigrette, a vibrant dressing that combines the aromatic freshness of basil, the richness of extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of sweetness from honey. This delightful dressing not only enhances the flavors of fresh vegetables but also makes for a delicious marinade for grilled chicken or fish. Perfect for summer picnics or a quick weeknight dinner, this vinaigrette is easy to prepare and can be stored in your fridge for up to two weeks to keep your meals zesty and fresh.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Basil
1 cup (chopped)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 cup (none)
Water
3 tablespoons (none)
Honey
2 teaspoons (none)
Lemon Juice
3 1/2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Sea Salt
to taste (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the chopped fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, water, honey, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
2
Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
3
Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
4
Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Stir or shake well before serving, and enjoy over your favorite salads or as a marinade.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Basil Vinaigrette?
Zesty Basil Vinaigrette is a vibrant salad dressing made with fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, water, honey, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper.
How much fresh basil do I need?
You will need 1 cup of fresh basil, which should be chopped before blending.
What kind of oil is best for this dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its richness and flavor.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the purpose of adding water to the vinaigrette?
Water is used to help thin the dressing to the desired consistency without adding extra fat or acidity.
How much honey should I use?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of honey to add a hint of sweetness.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe uses 1 clove of garlic, which should be minced.
How do I prepare the vinaigrette?
Combine all main ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
Should I season the dressing?
Yes, you should season with sea salt and black pepper to taste after blending.
How long should I refrigerate the dressing before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How should I store the leftover vinaigrette?
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the vinaigrette stay fresh?
The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
What should I do before serving stored dressing?
Stir or shake the container well before serving as the ingredients may separate.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Yes, it makes a delicious marinade for grilled chicken or fish.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that requires only basic blending.
Is this dressing healthy?
The recipe uses fresh herbs, healthy fats from olive oil, and natural sweeteners, making it a healthy homemade option.
Can I use this for summer picnics?
Absolutely, its fresh and zesty flavor is perfect for summer meals and picnics.
What if the mixture is stuck to the sides of the blender?
You should scrape down the sides of the blender as necessary while blending to ensure a smooth consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this vinaigrette is naturally gluten-free.
Is this vinaigrette vegan?
This specific recipe contains honey; to make it vegan, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies sea salt for the best flavor profile.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, the ingredients used are naturally cholesterol-free.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
Can I use this on a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is quick to prepare and perfect for a fast weeknight meal.
Is the basil preparation important?
Yes, chopping the fresh basil helps it blend more evenly into the oil and liquid.
What can I serve this with besides salad?
It works well with grilled vegetables, as a dip for crusty bread, or over grilled chicken and fish.
Does it have a strong garlic taste?
With only one clove for 8 servings, the garlic provides a subtle aromatic hint rather than an overpowering taste.