Simple Lemon basil dressing
This Simple Lemon Basil Dressing adds a fresh, tangy touch to just about anything. It’s lightly sweet, full of lemony brightness, and has just enough basil and garlic to keep things interesting. I like to make a batch when I’ve got fresh herbs to use up. It’s great on salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a quick marinade.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 1–2 lemons
- 1 tbs lemon zest
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbs Dijon mustard
- 1 tbs honey or maple syrup fr vegan
- 2 tbs fresh basil finely chopped (or more to taste)
- 1 small clove garlic minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the chopped basil and mix well.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
- Use immediately, or chill for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Drizzle over your favorite salad, grain bowl, grilled veggies—or use as a zippy marinade!
Notes
- Storage: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use.
- Flavour Tip: Letting the vinaigrette chill for a bit gives the garlic and basil time to bloom. Worth it if you’ve got a few extra minutes.
- Make it Creamy: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayo for a thicker, creamier dressing.
- Other Add-Ins: A pinch of chili flakes or a little grated Parmesan can add extra depth depending on how you’re using it.