Description
This easy basil salad dressing is a fresh, vibrant, and zesty blend of basil, lemon, balsamic vinegar, and peanuts. Ready in minutes using a blender or food processor, it is perfect for drizzling on salads, dipping, or spreading. The dressing offers a bright herbal flavor with a hint of sweetness and a subtle kick from optional red chili flakes, making it a versatile addition to your meals.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup peanuts
- Juice of ½ small lemon
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- Red chili flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Place all the ingredients—basil leaves, water, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, peanuts, lemon juice, brown sugar, and optional red chili flakes—into a blender or food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process the mixture until it becomes smooth and well combined. If the texture is too thick or not blending evenly, add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, balancing sweetness, acidity, or spice.
- Store and Refrigerate: Transfer the blended dressing into an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep fresh and allow flavors to meld before use.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the brightest and most flavorful dressing—avoid wilted or old leaves.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness, acidity, and seasoning to your preference before storing.
- Use a high-speed blender or food processor for the smoothest texture; if using a lower-powered machine, soaking peanuts overnight in cold water helps soften them.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, substitute with store-bought basil pesto to create a ‘cheat’ version of this dressing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
