Basil Vinaigrette Salad Dressing or Marinade

Overview:

This delightful Basil Vinaigrette serves not only as a zesty dressing for your fresh salad greens but also doubles as a mouthwatering marinade, particularly perfect for infusing flavor into salmon fillets. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick whirl in the food processor or blender, you can whip up this versatile dressing in no time. Infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and tarragon, it adds a burst of freshness to any dish it accompanies. Whether you’re preparing a light salad or marinating your favorite protein, this Basil Vinaigrette is sure to elevate your culinary creations with its Southwestern U.S. flair.

Key Information:

Cuisine: Southwestern U.S.
Keywords: Mexican, Vegan, Kosher, < 30 Mins, Small Appliance, Easy
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 1 cup plus

Ingredients:

1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 garlic clove
1 sprig fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon olive oil
2-4 teaspoons chili paste (adjust to taste)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 1076.1
Fat: 108.5g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 33.3mg
Carbohydrates: 20.4g
Fiber: 0.9g
Sugar: 12.8g
Protein: 2.7g

Instructions:

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients – red wine vinegar, fresh basil leaves, garlic clove, fresh tarragon, olive oil, and chili paste.
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Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the red wine vinegar, fresh basil leaves, garlic clove, fresh tarragon, and chili paste.
Emulsify: With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth and creamy dressing.
Chill: Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar or airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to use. For optimal flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to overnight.

Serving Suggestions:

Salad Dressing: Drizzle this Basil Vinaigrette generously over your favorite salad greens for a burst of fresh flavor. It pairs beautifully with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado.
Marinade: Use this vinaigrette as a marinade for fresh salmon fillets. Simply coat the salmon with the vinaigrette and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before grilling or baking. The flavors will infuse beautifully into the fish, creating a mouthwatering dish.

Tips:

Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice preference. You can start with a small amount and add more if you prefer a spicier vinaigrette.
Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh basil, garlic, and tarragon. The freshness of these ingredients will elevate the taste of the vinaigrette.
Make Ahead: This vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Enjoy!

This Basil Vinaigrette Salad Dressing or Marinade is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire, adding a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors to your salads and seafood dishes alike. Whip up a batch today and elevate your meals with a touch of Southwestern U.S. flair! 🥗✨