Pesto Salad Dressing (Vinaigrette, Creamy Versions!)
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5.0
237 reviews
Excellent
Pesto Salad Dressing (Vinaigrette, Creamy Versions!)
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This simple basil pesto salad dressing can be made as a vinaigrette or as a creamy version! Super simple to make, and can brighten any dish - whether it's a salad or pasta!
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Ingredients
Basil Pesto
- 1.5 cups basil packed
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts toasted
- 2 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup parmesan vegetarian, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup olive oil extra virgin
Pesto Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup lemon juice see notes for substitutions
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing
- 1.5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Instructions
Basil Pesto
- If you're using storebought or pre-made basil pesto, skip this step! If you're making pesto from scratch, add 1.5 cups of tightly packed basil leaves, 3 tablespoons of pine nuts (preferably toasted), 2 cloves of garlic, ⅓ cup of vegetarian Parmesan or Grana Padano and salt to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until combined. Then, add ½ cup of olive oil slowly through the chute of the food processor until the pesto emulsifies.
Pesto Vinaigrette
- To make the simple, healthy pesto vinaigrette, simply add ¼ cup of lemon juice, another ¼ cup of olive oil either to a mason jar along with the pesto (~1 cup), or directly to the food processor container that you made fresh pesto in. Add some freshly ground black pepper and combine well.
Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing
- If you want to make a creamier version of the dressing, in addition to above step, add 1.5 tablespoons of mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier finish) along with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and combine well.
Notes
- Choice of pesto - I use traditional basil pesto here, but you can use pesto made with other herbs or greens, sundried tomato pesto or even a broccoli pesto!
- Pesto is traditionally made with parmesan cheese, so if you want a vegan version, make sure to pick up vegan pesto!
- Choice of "vinegar" - I use lemon juice since it's the simplest vinegar, but you can also use apple cider vinegar in this recipe.
- For more tips on how to make fresh basil pesto, check out Pesto alla Genovese
- You can also use other herbs (like parsley or mint) to make this vinaigrette, and swap the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds too.
Nutrition Information
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Calories
185kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
2g
(1%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
19g
(29%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
13g
Cholesterol
3mg
(1%)
Sodium
213mg
(9%)
Potassium
51mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
272IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
60mg
(6%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 185 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 185kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 213mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 51mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 272IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
237 reviews
Excellent
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