Elevate your salads and dishes with a burst of flavor by making your own Garlic and Basil Vinaigrette! This zesty Italian dressing is not only incredibly easy to whip up in just 5 minutes, but it also transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. With the perfect balance of fresh basil, robust garlic, and tangy red wine vinegar, this vinaigrette is a must-have in your kitchen arsenal. Ready to impress your taste buds and those of your guests? Dive into this simple yet delightful recipe and discover how to create a dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your mise en place by finely mincing the garlic cloves and chopping the fresh basil leaves.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together to create a fragrant base for the vinaigrette.
- Slowly pour the red wine vinegar into the bowl while continuously whisking to help emulsify the ingredients and create a smooth consistency.
- Gradually stream in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to ensure the vinaigrette is well combined and forms a stable emulsion.
- Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, whisking to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more vinegar for tanginess or oil for smoothness.
- Transfer the vinaigrette to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid for storage.
- Refrigerate the vinaigrette for up to 5 days. Before each use, shake the container vigorously to re-emulsify the dressing.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare your ingredients in advance. Mince the garlic and chop the basil before you start mixing, so everything is ready to go.
- Whisk Vigorously: When combining the olive oil and vinegar, whisk vigorously to achieve a stable emulsion. This will help your vinaigrette stay mixed longer.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your vinaigrette as you season it. Adjust the salt, pepper, and vinegar to find the perfect balance that suits your palate.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a unique twist on this classic vinaigrette.
- Storage Tips: Store your vinaigrette in a clean glass jar with a tight lid. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, but always shake it well before using to re-emulsify.
- Serving Suggestions: This vinaigrette is not just for salads! Drizzle it over grilled vegetables, use it as a marinade for chicken or fish, or even toss it with pasta for a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
