FRESH BASIL PESTO DRESSING

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.