Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
a. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
b. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is emulsified.
c. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir to combine.
d. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5 minutes
5. Temperature: Room temperature
Serving size: 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Sugar: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or white wine vinegar.
- Extra-virgin olive oil can be substituted with any neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with any fresh herb like parsley, cilantro, or thyme.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Dijon mustard can be substituted with any other type of mustard.
Variations:
- Add minced garlic for a garlic-lemon basil vinaigrette.
- Add chopped shallots for a shallot-lemon basil vinaigrette.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy lemon basil vinaigrette.
Tips and tricks:
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Whisk the vinaigrette vigorously to emulsify the oil and vinegar.
- Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking by adding more honey or lemon juice.
Storage instructions:
- Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Shake well before using.
Reheating instructions: None
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the vinaigrette in a small pitcher or jar for easy pouring.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over a salad or grilled vegetables.
Garnishes: None
Pairings:
- Use the vinaigrette as a dressing for a mixed green salad.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over grilled chicken or fish.
- Use the vinaigrette as a marinade for vegetables or tofu.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
- Quinoa salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the vinaigrette separates, whisk it vigorously to emulsify it again.
Food safety advice:
- Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
- Discard any leftover vinaigrette that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history: The combination of lemon and basil is a classic flavor pairing in Italian cuisine.
Flavor profiles: The lemon basil vinaigrette is tangy, slightly sweet, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions: Serve the vinaigrette with a mixed green salad or use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables.
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