Best and Bright Basil and Garlic Vinaigrette

This is a delicious recipe for a basil and garlic vinaigrette. It is especially yummy over a spinach salad with fresh strawberries (it’s also great drizzled over fresh strawberries without any salad). Goes wonderfully with romaine lettuce or any herby mix salad as well. Try it on crusty bread, such as sourdough, as well — YUM!

Ingredients
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1 clove fresh garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (or Parmesan) cheese
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground if possible)

Combine the chopped basil, chopped garlic, balsamic vinegar, cheese, and sugar in a bowl. Blend until mix resembles a thin paste. Slowly add the olive oil into the mix, blending well with each addition. Add salt and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Whisk (or shake well if stored in bottle or cruet) before serving. Enjoy!

Let us know what you think — we’d love to add your review and suggestions to the recipe!

For information on growing, harvesting, preserving, and other recipes and ideas for basil, see: Basil – “King of Herbs” herb profile.



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