Ah, basil vinaigrette! The unsung hero of summer salads and the answer to those limp lettuce woes.
Picture this: a sun-drenched afternoon, cicadas singing their relentless tune, and a salad so fresh it’s almost singing back.
This basil vinaigrette—fresh, zesty, and unapologetically green—brings that vision to life. Trust me, once you drizzle this over your greens, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its herbaceous kick.
Steps
- Gather all the required ingredients, including a small shallot, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt.
- Roughly chop the shallot and remove the stems from the basil leaves. Place these, along with the garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt, into a high-powered blender.
- Blend the mixture on high speed for about 60 seconds until it becomes very smooth.
- Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the basil vinaigrette immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Optionally, you can add other herbs like cilantro or chives for additional flavor. To freeze, portion into ice cube trays and store until ready to use.
Ingredients
- 1 small shallot, roughly chopped (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed and stems removed (approximately 4 ounces)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, with additional salt to taste
FAQ
- What ingredients are used in basil vinaigrette?
- The basil vinaigrette is crafted using fresh basil leaves, a small shallot, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt. A dash of black pepper can be added if desired.
- What is the standard ratio for making vinaigrette?
- The classic vinaigrette formula is two parts oil to one part vinegar, along with additional ingredients like shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper. This particular recipe uses slightly less vinegar, but you can adjust it based on your taste preference.
- How long can basil vinaigrette be stored?
- Once prepared, basil vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Can I customize the basil vinaigrette with other herbs?
- Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by mixing in other herbs such as cilantro, chives, or parsley for a unique twist.
- Is it possible to freeze basil vinaigrette?
- Yes, the vinaigrette freezes well. Simply portion it into an ice cube tray, freeze, and use individual cubes as needed by allowing them to reach room temperature before serving.
Tips
- When selecting a shallot, opt for a small one as a larger size might overpower the vinaigrette’s flavor. If only large shallots are available, use about 1-2 tablespoons of chopped shallot.
- Choose a high-quality olive oil suitable for salads to ensure the best taste for your vinaigrette. Oils with strong flavors can alter the intended flavor profile of the dressing.
- Always taste the vinaigrette and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference before serving. Seasoning is key to achieving the perfect balance.
- Experiment with additional herbs like cilantro or chives to add a unique twist to the vinaigrette. Mixing different herbs can enhance the overall flavor and versatility of the dressing.
Equipment
- High-powered blender
- Airtight container for storage
