Fresh basil is literally one of my favorite parts about summer. From pesto, to caprese salads, tossing it in stirfries, and making this Citrus Basil Vinaigrette, it adds incredible freshness and flavor to every recipe it touches.
I have only two salad dressings I make at home (and to be honest, I LIVE for them both)- a basic lemon and olive oil dressing I use year round, and this Citrus Basil Vinaigrette that steals the show in the summer months. It has the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and butteriness to jazz up even the simplest of salads. But why stop at just salads?! It would be perfect to drizzle over roasted veggies, on protein, or maybe even dip some crusty bread in to.
Not only is basil one of my favorite herbs to cook with, it is also a good source of magnesium, which helps increase blood flow throughout the body, aids in relaxation, and is a digestive aid! As with most other green things, basil also serves as an antioxidant in the body, helping to protect your cells from free radicals- especially important in the summer from all of the sun’s energy!
So in the words of Rihanna, *pour it up pour it up* (or I guess we’re really pouring it ON)… either way get this Citrus Basil Vinaigrette in your life ASAP, you will never look back!
Citrus Basil Vinaigrette
One of my top two favorite salad dressings of ALL TIME! Your salad game will never be the same after experiencing this Citrus Basil Vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice - typically 1.5 large oranges
- 2T good balsamic vinegar - the more aged (the thicker) the better!
- 2-3T fresh basil - I measure this as a packed/heaping portion, go wild 😉
- 1T raw honey - can sub maple syrup or Vitafiber syrup
- 1T dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- black pepper - to taste
Instructions
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or a food processor and blend until smooth and emulsified. Adjust sweetness, tartness, and salt to taste. I store in the refrigerator, but it will thicken in there over time (as the oil hardens) so zap in the microwave or allow to sit a room temperature a bit before serving directly from the fridge!