Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette combines fresh basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, and extra-virgin olive oil for a bright, herbaceous salad dressing with balanced acidity. Ready in 5 minutes, this homemade lemon basil salad dressing is delicious on green salads, grilled vegetables, chicken, fish, and grain salads.
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- 1 small garlic clove finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon honey optional for a touch of sweetness
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the basil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Stir in the sea salt, and add honey, if using, to balance the acidity.
- Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or honey as desired.
- Storage Tip: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
- This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with spring vegetables, soft cheeses, grilled veggies, and delicate greens.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and color.
- Zest the lemon before juicing so you can easily collect the fine zest.
- Mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly throughout the dressing.
- Add the olive oil gradually to create a smoother emulsion.
- Taste before serving and adjust the lemon, salt, or honey to balance the flavors.
- Drizzle it over Tomato Burrata Salad, or use it to brighten Grilled Chicken, Oven Baked Pork Ribs, fish, and fresh mozzarella. It’s also delicious tossed with Pasta Salad and Pesto Pasta, or spooned over grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
