Basil Parmesan Marinade
A vibrant basil Parmesan marinade with fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy vinegar, perfect for grilled vegetables and meats, adding a flavorful, textured finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, add basil leaves, olive oil, white wine vinegar, chopped garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Pulse in short bursts until just combined, leaving some texture.
- Use to marinate vegetables or meats before grilling.
- Enjoy with grilled tomatoes and onions for a flavorful meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade. If fresh basil is not available, you can use 1/3 of the amount of dried basil as a substitute. This marinade works well with various Mediterranean recipes, enhancing your grilled vegetables or meats beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This basil Parmesan marinade is excellent for marinating chicken, shrimp, or vegetables before grilling. Serve the marinated items alongside grilled tomatoes and onions for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Tina'S Pasta Salad for a delightful summer dish or alongside Cracked Wheat Bread for a hearty side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If the oil separates, simply stir or shake before use. To use it again, no reheating is necessary; just pour it directly over your grilled items for added flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Parmesan Marinade contains roughly 407 calories, with 4g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried basil, but use only about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly, but it will still create a tasty marinade.
How long should I marinate the vegetables or meats?
For best results, marinate your vegetables or meats for at least 30 minutes, but you can let them soak for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. Avoid marinating too long, especially with delicate ingredients like fish.
What are some good sides to serve with this marinade?
This marinade complements a range of dishes; try it with grilled corn on the cob or a Fresh Spinach And Basil Salad for a refreshing side. It also goes well with roasted potatoes or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the marinated items.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).