Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that can elevate any dish. This vinaigrette is not only quick to prepare but also bursts with flavor, making it a wonderful addition to salads, grain bowls, and grilled vegetables. The combination of bright lemon juice and fragrant basil creates a refreshing dressing that embodies the vibrant essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Let’s dive into making this simple yet delicious dressing!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette is a must-try for numerous reasons. First, it takes just 5 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Second, it’s made with wholesome ingredients, ensuring you’re not compromising on health. Third, this dressing is versatile; you can use it as a Healthy Lemon Basil Sauce for marinades or as a Vegan Lemon Basil Salad Dressing. Additionally, it’s low-calorie, making it a perfect fit for anyone watching their intake. Finally, it enhances the flavor of any dish, whether it’s a simple salad or a fancy grilled vegetable platter.
Ingredients for Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Gather these items:
- 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
How to Make Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Place lemon juice, basil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey (if using) into a blender or food processor.
- Step 2: Blend until the basil is finely chopped and the mixture is smooth and vibrant.
- Step 3: With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully emulsified.
- Step 4: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Step 5: Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Keep these in mind:
- Great for salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a light marinade.
- For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
- Make sure your olive oil is of high quality for the best flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette shines when used in a variety of dishes. Try drizzling it over a fresh salad of mixed greens for a Refreshing Lemon Basil Dressing for Salads. It’s also perfect as a Lemon Basil Dressing for Grilled Vegetables, enhancing the natural sweetness of the veggies. Additionally, consider using it in a pasta salad to add a zesty twist!
How to Store and Reheat Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
For optimal freshness, store your Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week. Remember to shake or whisk it again before using, as the ingredients may separate over time. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to have a quick, healthy dressing on hand at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
What’s the secret to perfect Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette?
The secret lies in using fresh ingredients, especially the basil and lemon juice. They provide a bright and flavorful experience that dried herbs just can’t match. Plus, balancing the acidity of the lemon juice with the richness of the olive oil is key to achieving the perfect vinaigrette.
Can I make Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette ahead of time?
Absolutely! This vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when used later.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette?
One common mistake is over-blending, which can lead to a warm dressing. Blend just until the ingredients are combined. Additionally, always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as necessary.
Variations of Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You might try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or mix in some finely chopped shallots for added depth. For a twist, use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus note. All variations are suitable for a Vegan Lemon Basil Salad Dressing.
For more information on the health benefits of olive oil, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of basil, visit this NCBI study.
For tips on meal prepping, you can refer to this Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics resource.
PrintHealthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette: 5-Minute Recipe
Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette – Fresh, Light, and Flavor-Packed
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
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
Instructions
- Place lemon juice, basil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey (if using) into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until the basil is finely chopped and the mixture is smooth and vibrant.
- With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully emulsified.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Notes
- Great for salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a light marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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