I am excited to share my Healthy Salad Dressing that shines with fresh basil, garlic, and red wine vinegar harmonizing with extra virgin olive oil. A hint of honey with a pinch of salt and pepper brings simple brilliance that intrigues anyone who loves a taste of natural freshness.

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I’m really excited to share my take on the best healthy salad dressing recipe that i think anyone can enjoy. This basil vinaigrette is something i whipped up after countless experiments and its perfect for jazzing up your homemade salads or turning a basic meal into something special.

I start with 1 cup fresh basil leaves, add in 1/4 cup red wine vinegar and mix in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, flavorful blend. Then i toss in 1 garlic clove minced and a teaspoon of honey which really brings all the flavors together, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

I’ve found that a splash of this dressing can make any salad pop while still keeping things healthy. This recipe stands out among healthy dressing recipes and is my go-to choice when i need a quick, homemade salad dressing thats both tasty and nutritious.

Enjoy and experiment with your salad creations!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First off, the fresh basil gives it such a bright and natural flavor that makes every bite feel like a little taste of summer. I feel like it instantly livens up any salad I toss together.

Another thing I like is how easy it is to tweak. I can add a bit more honey or olive oil if I think it’s too tangy, which lets me make it exactly the way I like it. It makes the whole cooking process feel really flexible and forgiving.

Also, the mix of red wine vinegar, garlic, and a touch of honey creates this perfect balance of flavor that isn’t overpowering. The seasoning with salt and black pepper just seals the deal and makes it feel like a home-made dressing that anyone can enjoy.

Finally, I appreciate that it only takes a few ingredients and a couple of minutes to throw together. It’s a quick, healthy option that still packs in a lot of taste and personality.

Ingredients

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Fresh basil leaves add vibrant, aromatic antioxidants and a healthy natural flavor boost.
Red wine vinegar introduces a tangy kick, balancing sweetness and brightening every bite.
Extra virgin olive oil provides heart healthy fats and smooth, rich flavor in every drizzle.
A minced garlic clove offers bold taste and natural immune boosting properties, it do wonders.
Honey lends gentle sweetness, balancing acidity while providing a touch of natural sugar.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance flavors with a simple, essential seasoning mix.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon honey (you can use maple syrup if you prefer)

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Rinse your fresh basil leaves and pat them dry, then toss them into a blender.

2. Add 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, the minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon honey into the blender with the basil.

3. Begin blending on low speed and slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil as you blend.

4. Keep blending until the mixture becomes smooth but it can be a little chunky if that’s what you like.

5. Pause the blender and taste your dressing then add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.

6. Blend a couple more seconds to mix the salt and pepper thoroughly with the rest of the ingredients.

7. If you feel the flavour is too tangy, add a bit more olive oil or a touch more honey to balance it out.

8. Let your dressing sit for about ten minutes so all the flavours can get to know each other.

9. Stir the dressing again before you serve it to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

10. Drizzle it over your salad and enjoy your healthy basil vinaigrette!

Equipment Needed

1. Blender – you’ll need this to mix all your ingredients together smooth or a bit chunky, whichever you prefer.
2. Measuring cups – these are essential for getting the right amounts of red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
3. Measuring spoons – you’ll use these to measure out the teaspoon of honey and to add salt and pepper.
4. Knife – for mincing your garlic clove.
5. Cutting board – a good surface to chop your garlic and to handle any fresh herbs.
6. Spatula or spoon – to stir your dressing after it sits, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.

FAQ

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

A: It's best using fresh basil since dried basil doesn't really give the same flavor, but if necessary, only use a fraction of the amount specified.

Q: How long can I keep the dressing in the fridge?

A: You can typically store this dressing in an airtight container for up to a week, just give it a good shake before using.

Q: Is it okay to substitute apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar?

A: Sure, you can swap in apple cider vinegar if thats what you have on hand. It gives a slightly different taste but works just fine.

Q: Can I replace honey with maple syrup?

A: Yes, you can easily use maple syrup instead and your dressing will still come out sweet and delicious.

Best Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes Substitutions and Variations

Instead of basil, you can try using fresh mint or arugula for a different, yet tasty twist.
If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work just fine.
Extra virgin olive oil can be swapped out for avocado oil or grape seed oil if you’re looking for another option.
No garlic? A pinch of garlic powder or even some roasted garlic mashed up can give you that flavor kick.
If you want to avoid honey, maple syrup or a little agave nectar will do the trick.

Pro Tips

1. Try blending on a low speed at the beginning and then slowly increasing the speed; it helps to really emulsify the dressing without overprocessing the basil so you’ll get that nice chunky texture you want.

2. Taste as you go and dont be afraid to adjust the vinegar and honey. Some batches might need just a little extra pinch of salt or a tad more honey if its way too tangy.

3. Let the dressing sit for at least 10 minutes after blending. This rest period really lets all the flavors mix together and makes the overall taste a lot smoother.

4. If you have time, chill your olive oil slightly before using it; it can really help bring out a fresher basil flavor and gives the dressing an extra lively kick.