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To make a zesty lemon basil vinaigrette, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 large lemons) - 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan) - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 clove garlic, finely minced - Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste These ingredients blend to form a fresh and lively dressing that brightens any dish. The lemon juice gives a tangy kick, while the basil adds a sweet, herbaceous note. If you have specific dietary needs, you can easily adjust this recipe. Here are some easy swaps: - Use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan option. - Substitute Dijon mustard with a gluten-free mustard if needed. - For a nut-free version, ensure your olive oil is processed in a nut-free facility. These substitutions keep the vinaigrette tasty while fitting your diet. Choosing the right olive oil is key for this recipe. I recommend a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Look for one that is cold-pressed and has a fruity or peppery flavor. This oil will enhance the taste of your vinaigrette. Brands like California Olive Ranch or Lucini offer great options. Remember, good oil makes a big difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on this ingredient! You can find the full recipe above to create this vibrant dressing. Start by washing the lemons well. Cut the lemons in half and use a juicer or your hands to squeeze out the juice. Aim for about 1/4 cup of fresh juice, which usually comes from two large lemons. Make sure to strain out any seeds. Fresh lemon juice gives your vinaigrette a bright flavor. Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients together. Blend them until they are smooth and well combined. This will create a tasty base for your vinaigrette. While you whisk the mixture, slowly pour in the olive oil. This step is key. Drizzling it in slowly helps to emulsify the vinaigrette. This means it will become creamy and well-blended. Once the olive oil is fully mixed in, add the finely chopped basil leaves. Stir gently to mix. Taste your vinaigrette and season it with sea salt and pepper as you like. For the best flavor, put it in an airtight container. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to blend. Now, you can enjoy your fresh and flavorful lemon basil vinaigrette over salads or as a marinade. For the full recipe, check out the details above. When you make the vinaigrette, taste it as you go. If the vinaigrette is too tart, add more honey. If you prefer it sweeter, adjust to your liking. You can also play with salt and pepper. The balance will make a big difference. Store your vinaigrette in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. It will last about a week in the fridge. You might notice the oil and lemon separate. Just shake it well before using it again. This simple step ensures you enjoy the best flavor every time. Feel free to get creative! While basil is great, try adding fresh parsley or cilantro. These herbs can change the taste and add a new twist. You can even mix in some mint for a refreshing kick. Fresh herbs make the vinaigrette lively and fun. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! {{image_4}} To make this vinaigrette vegan, simply swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup adds sweetness without any animal products. You can also skip the honey entirely if you prefer a tangier taste. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This makes it great for everyone, including those on a plant-based diet. While basil shines in this recipe, feel free to mix in other herbs. Fresh parsley or cilantro can add unique flavors. For a spicy kick, consider adding some fresh mint or dill. Each herb lends its taste, making the vinaigrette new and exciting. You can even create a blend of your favorites. You can enhance the vinaigrette by adding other citrus juices. Try using lime or orange juice along with lemon. Each citrus fruit brings its brightness and taste. A splash of grapefruit juice can also give it an intriguing twist. Just remember to keep the lemon as a base for that classic zing. For the full recipe, check below for more details on how to make your Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette. To keep your Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work great. Make sure the lid seals tightly. Store it in your fridge right after you make it. This keeps the flavors vibrant and the ingredients safe. Homemade vinaigrette lasts about one week in the fridge. The lemon juice and herbs can lose flavor after a few days. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before using. If it looks or smells strange, it’s best to toss it. You can freeze your vinaigrette for later use. Pour it into ice cube trays for easy portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to use, just thaw a few cubes in the fridge or at room temperature. This way, you’ll always have a zesty dressing on hand. For the full recipe, check the section above. You can store homemade vinaigrette in the fridge for about one week. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors will develop over time, making it taste even better. Just give it a good shake before using it again. Yes, you can use dried basil if fresh is not available. Start with one tablespoon of dried basil for every two tablespoons of fresh. Dried herbs are stronger in flavor, so adjust to your taste. However, fresh basil gives a bright, lively flavor that really shines. Lemon basil vinaigrette works well with many dishes. It’s perfect on salads, especially mixed greens or pasta salads. Try drizzling it on grilled vegetables or chicken for a fresh twist. You can also use it as a dip for bread or veggies. For a full recipe, check the section above. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty lemon basil vinaigrette. We covered the key ingredients you need, plus some fun substitutions. Next, I walked you through easy steps to prepare the dressing and shared tips to boost its flavor. We also looked at cool variations and how to store your vinaigrette for best results. Remember, this dressing enhances many dishes. You can enjoy fresh flavors at every meal with just a few simple steps.

Healthy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Elevate your salads with this Zesty Lemon Basil Vinaigrette! Ready in just 10 minutes, this refreshing dressing combines the brightness of lemon juice, the sweetness of honey, and fragrant basil for a vibrant flavor boost. Perfect for drizzling over garden salads or using as a marinade for grilled dishes. Click through to discover the full recipe and transform your meals into delightful culinary experiences!
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Ingredients
  

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately from 2 large lemons)

1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon honey (substitute with maple syrup for a vegan alternative)

2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a hint of tanginess

1 clove garlic, finely minced for aroma

Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by squeezing the juice from the lemons until you have 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, ensuring to strain out any seeds.

    In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended.

      While continuing to whisk the mixture, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual integration will help emulsify the vinaigrette, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.

        Once the olive oil is entirely incorporated and the mixture has emulsified, gently fold in the finely chopped basil leaves, allowing them to infuse their aromatic flavor into the vinaigrette.

          Taste your vinaigrette and season it with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper according to your preferences. Don't hesitate to adjust the seasoning for a balance that suits your palate.

            For the best flavor, transfer the vinaigrette to an airtight container and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Serve the zesty vinaigrette over your favorite salads, or use it as a vibrant marinade for grilled vegetables or chicken for a delicious and refreshing twist.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: Approximately 1 cup

                  - Presentation Tips: Drizzle the vinaigrette over a colorful garden salad or a Caprese salad, and sprinkle some extra fresh basil on top for a pleasing visual presentation.