Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
A fresh, tangy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled vegetables, or as a flavorful marinade. This easy-to-make dressing combines bright lemon juice, aromatic basil, sharp parmesan, and a hint of garlic, emulsified smoothly with extra virgin olive oil for a vibrant, zesty finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced into ribbons
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine aromatics: Place the sliced fresh basil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice into a blender. This establishes the flavorful base of the vinaigrette.
- Pulse to mix: Pulse the ingredients a few times to start breaking down the basil and mixing all the flavors evenly before adding the oil.
- Emulsify with olive oil: With the blender motor running, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the vinaigrette, creating a smooth and consistent texture that blends all ingredients harmoniously.
- Final blend: Continue blending until the vinaigrette is smooth and well combined. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best bright and aromatic flavor; dried basil will not provide the same freshness.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice or mustard to balance the acidity and tanginess to your liking.
- This vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; stir or shake well before using as separation may occur.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/lemon-basil-vinaigrette-recipe/