4.8 from 18 votes
BEST Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
I love this versatile vinaigrette in all sorts of salads, baked chicken, or even fish. It is so easy to make, and tastes sort of like basil pesto in a vinaigrette -- so zesty and fresh! And if you quickly blanch the basil before whizzing it up in a food processor, you'll help it keep its vibrant green color! This recipe makes 3/4 to 1 cup of basil vinaigrette.
Prep Time
6 mins
Total Time
6 mins
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Calories: 623 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
American-Mediterranean Fusion
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, (about 1 1/8 ounces)
- 1 medium shallot, roughly chopped
- 1 large garlic clove
- juice of 1 lime, about 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Fill a medium bowl with ice cubes and water and set it next to the stove.
- Fill a small saucepan about three-fourths full of water. Bring the water to boil over medium-high heat. Add the basil and cook for 10 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the basil to the bowl of ice water and let cool for 5 minutes. Using the slotted spoon, remove the basil from the ice water, wrap the wilted basil in a paper towel, and squeeze to wring out as much water as possible.
- Place the blanched basil, the shallot, garlic, lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes in the bowl of a small food processor fitted with the multipurpose blade. Blend until well combined and smooth. Season to taste with salt and refrigerate in a tightly closed mason jar for up to 4 days.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This recipe is from The Mediterranean Dish Cookbook: 120 Bold and Healthy Recipes You'll Make on Repeat!
- To keep your dressing bright green, blanch the basil beforehand (see instructions in the post).
- How to use basil salad dressing: In salads, like couscous salad; over grilled fish or baked chicken; or as a finishing touch over bruschetta or fried tomatoes.
- Storage tips: Basil vinaigrette will keep in a tightly closed Mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a little shake before you use it.
- Visit our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils, organic spices, and more.
Nutrition Information
Calories
62.3kcal
(3%)
Carbohydrates
0.4g
(0%)
Protein
0.2g
(0%)
Fat
6.8g
(10%)
Saturated Fat
0.9g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.7g
Monounsaturated Fat
4.9g
Sodium
1.6mg
(0%)
Potassium
16.8mg
(0%)
Fiber
0.1g
(0%)
Sugar
0.1g
(0%)
Vitamin A
176.9IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
0.7mg
(1%)
Calcium
6.6mg
(1%)
Iron
0.2mg
(1%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16tablespoons
Amount Per Serving
Calories 623
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 62.3kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.4g | 0% |
| Protein | 0.2g | 0% |
| Fat | 6.8g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7g | 4% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4.9g | 25% |
| Sodium | 1.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 16.8mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 176.9IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 6.6mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.