Description
Lemon Basil Dressing is a creamy, tangy vinaigrette that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. This versatile dressing brings together the flavors of fresh basil, lemon, and olive oil, creating a vibrant, delicious addition to salads, vegetables, and grilled proteins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for a zesty punch)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for creaminess and tang)
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness; optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for added depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
Instructions
- Prepare the basil: Wash the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Combine the ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Blend until smooth: Pulse or blend until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add creaminess: Add the coconut milk or Greek yogurt and blend again until smooth.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or honey as desired. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with water or more lemon juice.
- Serve or store: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.
Notes
- Use quality fresh basil: Fresh basil provides vibrant flavor that dried basil cannot replicate.
- Adjust the acidity: Taste and adjust the lemon and vinegar to achieve the perfect balance of tangy flavor.
- Blend well: Make sure the dressing is blended until smooth to achieve the creamy texture.
- Add spice: If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg