Creamy Garden Basil Dressing
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing Recipe from Italy - Vegan
Introduction
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing is a delicious and versatile dressing that can be used on salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables. Made with fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of veganaise, this dressing is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
History
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing is a modern twist on traditional basil dressings, which have been enjoyed for centuries in Mediterranean cuisine. The addition of veganaise gives this dressing a creamy texture and a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh basil and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fresh basil, loosely packed
- 1.5 tbsp of chopped shallot
- 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
- 0.75 tsp of salt
- 0.25 tsp of black pepper
- 2 tbsp of veganaise
- 6 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
How to prepare
- Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until they become smooth.
Variations
- Add a clove of garlic for extra flavor.
- Use lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for the veganaise for a lighter dressing.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use fresh basil for the best flavor. You can grow your own basil at home or find it at your local farmer's market.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Garden Basil Dressing on a mixed green salad, drizzle it over grilled vegetables, or use it as a dip for fresh bread.
Cooking Techniques
Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have veganaise, you can use mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Creamy Garden Basil Dressing in a small pitcher or drizzle it over your salad in a decorative pattern.
Pairing Recommendations
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh caprese salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Creamy Garden Basil Dressing contains approximately 140 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Creamy Garden Basil Dressing contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Creamy Garden Basil Dressing contains approximately 14 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Creamy Garden Basil Dressing contains approximately 0 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and iron.
Alergens
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing contains soy and tree nuts.
Summary
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing is a flavorful and creamy dressing that is low in carbohydrates and a good source of healthy fats. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your meals.
Summary
Creamy Garden Basil Dressing is a delicious and versatile dressing that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you use it on salads, sandwiches, or as a dip, this dressing is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Creamy Garden Basil Dressing. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window, casting a golden glow on the countertop. I had just finished harvesting a fresh batch of basil from my garden, and as I started to gather the rest of the ingredients for dinner, I stumbled upon a worn, yellowed piece of paper tucked away in the back of my recipe box.
As I unfolded the paper, a rush of memories flooded back to me. I remembered the day my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, had given me this recipe many years ago. She had invited me over for lunch one afternoon, and as we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping tea and chatting about life, she brought out a delicious salad drizzled with the most incredible dressing I had ever tasted.
Mrs. Jenkins smiled as she watched me take my first bite, knowing she had just shared with me a culinary secret that would soon become a staple in my own kitchen. "It's just a simple recipe, dear," she had said, passing me a copy of the handwritten instructions. "But it's all about using the freshest ingredients and a little bit of love."
And so, with Mrs. Jenkins' guidance, I set out to recreate the Creamy Garden Basil Dressing in my own home. Over the years, I made small adjustments here and there, tweaking the recipe to suit my taste preferences and experimenting with different variations of herbs and spices. But the core of the recipe remained the same - fresh basil, creamy yogurt, tangy lemon, and a touch of sweetness from honey.
As I read over the recipe once again, I could practically smell the fragrant basil and feel the creamy texture of the dressing on my tongue. It was a recipe that had stood the test of time, bringing joy and flavor to countless meals shared with family and friends.
I gathered the ingredients from my pantry and fridge, taking care to select the best quality produce and dairy. I washed and dried the basil leaves, their peppery aroma filling the kitchen with a sense of freshness and vitality. I squeezed the juice from a plump lemon, the citrusy scent mingling with the herbal notes of the basil.
In a small bowl, I combined the yogurt, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and a pinch of salt, whisking them together until smooth and creamy. I added the chopped basil, stirring gently to incorporate the fragrant herb into the dressing. The vibrant green color of the basil contrasted beautifully with the creamy white yogurt, creating a visually stunning and appetizing mixture.
I dipped a spoon into the dressing and brought it to my lips, savoring the tangy, herbaceous flavor that burst forth in my mouth. The creamy texture coated my tongue, leaving behind a lingering sweetness and a hint of garlic. It was perfection in a bowl, a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.
With a satisfied smile, I poured the Creamy Garden Basil Dressing into a glass jar, ready to be drizzled over a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy croutons. I knew that with each bite, I would be transported back to that sunny afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, sharing a meal and a secret recipe with a dear friend.
And so, as I sat down to enjoy my dinner, I raised my glass jar of dressing in a silent toast to Mrs. Jenkins, the guardian of this culinary treasure. I thanked her for her generosity and wisdom, for passing down a recipe that had brought me so much joy and satisfaction over the years.
As I finished my meal, I made a mental note to share the recipe with my own grandchildren, to pass on the tradition of making Creamy Garden Basil Dressing with love and care. For in the act of cooking and sharing food with others, we create lasting memories and connections that transcend time and distance.
And so, dear reader, I urge you to seek out your own culinary treasures, to learn from those who have gone before you and to savor the flavors of the past. For in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal, we forge bonds that will last a lifetime. Let the Creamy Garden Basil Dressing be a reminder of the power of a good recipe, passed down through generations, enriching our lives and nourishing our souls. Bon appétit!
Categories
| Balsamic Vinegar Recipes | Basil Recipes | Italian Recipes | Olive Oil Recipes | Salad Dressing Recipes | Shallot Recipes | Vegan Recipes |