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Creamy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette (Best Easy 5-Minute Recipe)

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This creamy, bright, and herbaceous vinaigrette comes together in just 5 minutes with simple, whole-food ingredients. It’s the perfect dressing for salads, a dip for veggies, or a sauce for grain bowls, and it stays emulsified in the fridge for days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% preferred)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove (use half if large)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves. Roll them loosely and give them a rough chop. Juice the lemon and peel the garlic clove.
  2. Add the roughly chopped basil, fresh lemon juice, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic clove, and honey (or maple syrup) to a blender or food processor.
  3. Blend on low speed, gradually increasing to high, for about 30 to 45 seconds, until completely smooth and pale green. If too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
  4. Stop and taste the dressing. Add a good pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then blend briefly to combine. Adjust seasoning, lemon, or sweetness as needed.
  5. Pour into an airtight jar or bottle. If serving immediately, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to meld flavors. If storing, refrigerate.

Notes

Don’t over-blend the basil, or it can heat up and turn brown. If using a regular blender, add liquids first, then yogurt, then basil on top to help pull leaves into blades. Let cold dressing sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for a pourable consistency. Salt is key to balancing flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon basil vinaigrette, easy salad dressing, 5-minute recipe, healthy dressing, Greek yogurt dressing, basil vinaigrette, lemon dressing, homemade dressing, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-lemon-basil-vinaigrette-best-easy-5-minute-recipe/