Description of this recipe:
This vibrant and refreshing Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a healthy and delicious way to elevate your salads, grilled vegetables, or even fish and chicken. It’s incredibly easy to make with fresh, wholesome ingredients and bursting with bright, zesty flavors. This vinaigrette is a delightful departure from heavy, store-bought dressings, offering a light and flavorful alternative that will leave you feeling good. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it a staple in your kitchen for a variety of culinary creations. Forget about those bland, bottled dressings – this homemade vinaigrette will transform your meals into gourmet experiences.
Why you will love this recipe:
You’ll fall in love with this Lemon Basil Vinaigrette for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple and quick to make, requiring just a few minutes and minimal effort. The fresh, clean flavors of lemon and basil create a symphony of taste that perfectly complements a wide range of dishes. Unlike many store-bought dressings loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives, this vinaigrette is made with only the finest, natural ingredients, ensuring a healthy and wholesome choice. It’s also incredibly adaptable – you can easily adjust the sweetness, acidity, and herb intensity to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. It’s a guilt-free way to add a burst of flavor to your meals, making healthy eating both enjoyable and sustainable.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient process. Having everything prepped and ready to go allows you to focus on the blending and emulsification steps, ensuring the vinaigrette turns out perfectly. Make sure your basil leaves are fresh and vibrant, your lemon is juicy, and your garlic clove is finely minced.
Step 2: Add Ingredients: Place the lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic clove into a blender or food processor. For best results, use a high-speed blender or a food processor with a sharp blade. This will help ensure that the basil is finely chopped and the garlic is thoroughly incorporated into the mixture.
Step 3: Blend: Blend the mixture until the basil is finely chopped and the mixture is smooth and vibrant. This may take a minute or two, depending on the power of your blender or food processor. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should have a beautiful, bright green color from the fresh basil.
Step 4: Emulsify: With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until fully emulsified. This is a crucial step in creating a creamy and stable vinaigrette. Drizzling the oil slowly allows it to properly bind with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and homogenous emulsion. The mixture will thicken and become more opaque as the oil is incorporated.
Step 5: Season: Taste the vinaigrette and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and gradually add more until you achieve the desired flavor. Remember that the acidity of the lemon juice and the pungency of the garlic will influence the overall flavor profile, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Step 6: Adjust Sweetness (optional): If you prefer a slightly sweeter vinaigrette, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Blend briefly to incorporate. Taste and adjust the amount of sweetener as needed to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
Step 7: Serve or Store: Use the vinaigrette immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. If refrigerated, the vinaigrette may solidify slightly. Allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes and shake well before using. The vinaigrette will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Salads: Toss it with your favorite mixed greens, vegetables, and protein for a light and refreshing salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle it over grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers for a burst of flavor.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: Use it as a marinade or finishing sauce for grilled chicken or fish.
- Pasta Salad: Add it to pasta salad for a bright and zesty twist.
- Grain Bowls: Drizzle it over grain bowls with quinoa, brown rice, or farro.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for crusty bread or raw vegetables.
- Caprese Salad: Drizzle over a Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil) for a fresh twist.
- Avocado Toast: Top avocado toast with a drizzle for added flavor.
- Marinade: Use as a marinade for tofu or tempeh before grilling or baking.
- Soup Garnish: Drizzle over chilled soups like gazpacho or cucumber soup for a refreshing touch.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice, basil, and garlic to suit your personal preferences.
- For a smoother vinaigrette, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can whisk the ingredients together by hand. Just be sure to finely chop the basil and garlic.
- Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: <1g
- Sodium: 50mg
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Conclusion:
This Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful and versatile recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Its fresh, bright flavors and simple preparation make it a perfect addition to salads, grilled vegetables, and a wide variety of other dishes. Say goodbye to boring, store-bought dressings and embrace the vibrant taste of homemade goodness. With its healthy ingredients and customizable flavor profile, this vinaigrette is a guilt-free way to elevate your meals and nourish your body. So, grab your blender, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this flavor-packed vinaigrette. You won’t be disappointed!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
A: While fresh basil provides the best flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried basil, and keep in mind that the flavor will be more concentrated. It’s best to rehydrate the dried basil in a bit of warm water or lemon juice before adding it to the blender. Fresh basil truly makes the vinaigrette sing, so try to use it if possible!
Q2: How long does this vinaigrette last in the refrigerator?
A: This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette will last for up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The olive oil may solidify slightly when chilled, so allow the vinaigrette to come to room temperature for a few minutes and shake well before using.
Q3: Can I make this vinaigrette without a blender or food processor?
A: Yes, you can make this vinaigrette without a blender or food processor. Simply whisk the ingredients together by hand in a bowl. Be sure to finely chop the basil and garlic before adding them to the bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is emulsified. The texture may not be as smooth as when using a blender or food processor, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q4: Can I use a different type of oil instead of extra-virgin olive oil?
A: While extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits, you can use other types of oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or light olive oil. Keep in mind that the flavor of the vinaigrette will be affected by the type of oil you use. Avoid using oils with strong flavors, such as coconut oil, as they may overpower the other ingredients.
Q5: Can I add other herbs to this vinaigrette?
A: Absolutely! This vinaigrette is very versatile, and you can easily add other herbs to customize the flavor. Consider adding fresh mint, parsley, chives, or oregano. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend. Just be sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Start with a small amount of each herb and adjust to taste.
