Best 2 Fresh Basil Vinaigrette Recipes

Fresh basil vinaigrette is a versatile and flavorful dressing that can be used on salads, pasta, grilled vegetables, and more. It is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients, and the bright, herbaceous flavor of basil adds a refreshing touch to any dish. Whether you are looking for a light and healthy dressing for your next salad or a flavorful marinade for your grilled chicken, fresh basil vinaigrette is a great option. In this article, we will share the best recipe for fresh basil vinaigrette, along with tips for choosing the best basil and storing the dressing for later use.

Let's cook with our recipes!

TORTELLINI SALAD WITH FRESH BASIL AND TOMATOES IN VINAIGRETTE

Tortellini Salad With Fresh Basil and Tomatoes in Vinaigrette image

I took an idea from Michael Chiarello on the Food Network, and tweaked it according to a favorite vinaigrette recipe of mine. This is a delightful main-dish salad on a hot summer night. Grill up some foccacia, brushed with a good olive oil like Frantoia or Ravida, and serve it in pie-shaped wedges alongside. Good eats!

Provided by Maumeeprof

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 12-14 1/2 cup servings, 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (good quality)
2 -3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup extra virgin olive oil (basic, not the good stuff)
16 ounces dried cheese tortellini
1 -2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (the good stuff)
2 (16 ounce) containers cherry tomatoes or 2 (16 ounce) containers campari tomatoes, quartered
8 -10 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
6 -8 scallions, sliced
1/3 cup fresh basil, torn

Steps:

For the Vinaigrette: Whir first five ingredients in blender until smooth. Drizzle thin stream of olive oil in until all is emulsified. Set aside.
Boil tortellini according to directions, drain, rinse in cold water to stop the cooking. Spread cooked pasta out on a jelly roll pan, drizzle with the good olive oil and sprinkle with pepper; stir up to coat tortellini with oil. This prevents the pasta from going glue-y when added to the rest of the salad ingredients. Set aside, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to a couple hours.
In a very large bowl, place quartered tomatoes, feta cheese crumbles, scallions, and pour about half the vinaigrette over, tossing gently. Refrigerate the tomato mixture until 2-3 hours before serving.
About 2-3 hours before serving, toss the oiled tortellini with the tomato mixture, add a bit more dressing, if you think it needs it. Refrigerate. Just before serving, toss the fresh basil with the tortellini-tomato mixture. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355.9, Fat 26.3, SaturatedFat 7, Cholesterol 33.7, Sodium 416.9, Carbohydrate 22.4, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 3.4, Protein 8.9

FRESH BASIL VINAIGRETTE

FRESH BASIL VINAIGRETTE image

Categories Salad Herb

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3/4 cups olive oil
2 cups chopped fresh basil
1 shallot, peeled
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Steps:

Heat 1/4 cup oil with 1 cup basil in medium saucepan over medium heat until basil turns bright green and small bubbles appear, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off heat and steep 5 minutes. Process shallot, garlic, vinegar, water, salt, pepper, and mustard in blender until garlic and shallot are finely chopped, about 15 seconds. With blender running, slowly add remaining oil and steeped basil oil and continue to process until dressing is smooth and emulsified, about 15 seconds. Pack remaining basil into blender and process until dressing is smooth, about 15 seconds.

Tips:

Use the best quality ingredients you can find. Fresh basil, good olive oil, and flavorful vinegar will make a big difference in the taste of your vinaigrette.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. You can add garlic, shallots, Dijon mustard, honey, or even fruit to your vinaigrette to create a unique and delicious dressing.

Taste your vinaigrette before you use it. Make sure it is well-balanced and has the right amount of acidity and sweetness. You can adjust the flavor by adding more vinegar, oil, or salt and pepper.

Use your vinaigrette immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use. Vinaigrette will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Fresh basil vinaigrette is a versatile and flavorful dressing that can be used on salads, grilled vegetables, and even pasta. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a delicious and healthy dressing, give fresh basil vinaigrette a try!