FRESH BASIL PESTO DRESSING
Fresh Basil Pesto Dressing is a flavourful and aromatic dressing that brings the classic taste of pesto into a smooth and pourable form. Made with fragrant fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan and olive oil, this dressing delivers a bold and savoury profile. The touch of lemon juice brightens the flavours, making it a versatile addition to salads, pasta, grilled vegetables and even sandwiches. It offers the rich and herbaceous depth of traditional pesto but in a lighter consistency, which is ideal for drizzling. Whether used as a dressing, a marinade or a dip, this simple yet elegant recipe adds a burst of freshness to any meal. With only a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, it’s an easy way to bring Mediterranean-inspired flavours to your table in minutes.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Salad Dressing
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Spring, Summer, Picnic, Family Reunion, Potluck, Italian-Inspired Dinners
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Fat, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Salad Dressing
INGREDIENTS
The following are the ingredients we need to prepare this basil pesto dressing.
- 5g fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ garlic clove
- ½ tbsp grated Parmesan
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 85
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat:5g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber:2g
- Sugars:2g
- Protein: 5g
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Ingredients: Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or moisture. Grate the Parmesan and mince the garlic.
- Blend The Base Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl or mini food processor, add the basil leaves, garlic and lemon juice. Blend or mash with a fork until the basil is finely broken down.
- Add The Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan and mix well to incorporate the cheese evenly.
- Incorporate The Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth and well-blended texture.
- Season To Taste: Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting as needed. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Adjust Consistency If Needed: If the dressing is too thick, add a few drops of water or extra olive oil to loosen it.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dressing to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving to enhance the flavours.
- Serve And Enjoy: Drizzle over fresh salads, use as a dip or toss with pasta for a light and refreshing flavour.
PREP TIME
- 5 minutes
COOKING TIME
- No cooking required
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for you when making this basil pesto dressing.
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh, vibrant basil leaves provide the best flavour. Avoid using wilted or dry leaves.
- Finely Mince The Garlic: To avoid overpowering chunks, mince the garlic as finely as possible or use a garlic press.
- Grate Parmesan Finely: Finely grated Parmesan blends better and creates a smoother consistency.
- Whisk Well: Olive oil and lemon juice can separate, so whisking thoroughly ensures proper emulsification.
- Adjust Acidity: If you prefer a tangier dressing, add an extra few drops of lemon juice.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dressing to sit for a few minutes enhances its flavour and helps the ingredients meld together.
VARIATIONS
- Creamy Basil Pesto Dressing: Blend in 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt for a thicker, creamier texture. This version works well as a dip or sandwich spread.
- Nutty Pesto Dressing: Stir in ½ tsp finely chopped pine nuts or almonds for added texture and depth of flavour. Let it sit for 10 minutes to infuse.
- Spicy Pesto Dressing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat that enhances the basil and garlic flavours. Adjust spice level as desired.
- Dairy-Free Pesto Dressing: Omit the Parmesan and add a pinch of nutritional yeast for a plant-based alternative with a cheesy taste.
- Herb-Infused Dressing: Mix in finely chopped parsley or oregano for an extra herbal boost that complements pasta and grilled vegetables.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before using, as separation may occur.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze it in small portions and re-blend it before use.
- Serving Tip: If the dressing thickens in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir well before serving.