Homemade Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
This Homemade Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a fresh, vibrant dressing made with basil, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 5 minutes, it's perfect for green salads, pasta salads, grilled vegetables, chicken, seafood, and grain bowls. The dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herb flavor.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Microplane or zester
- Rubber Spatula
- Glass jar with lid
- Small serving bowl or pitcher
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves.
- Zest the lemon and squeeze the fresh lemon juice.
- Add the basil, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend for 45-60 seconds until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy.
- Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- If the dressing is thicker than desired, blend in 1-2 tablespoons of water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Pour into a glass jar or serving pitcher.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
- Sodium: 185 mg
Potassium: 65 mg - Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 2 g
