Basil Salad Dressing, Maui Style
A vibrant Maui-style basil salad dressing with fresh citrus, herbs, and tropical sweetness, perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or seafood dishes demanding a bright, tropical flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2/3 cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice or a mixture of orange and grapefruit ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. papaya or pineapple preserves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Macadamia nut honey
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. coarse ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 10 large fresh basil leaves or 1 to 2 tsp. dry basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth.
- Pour into a clear glass jar.
- Refrigerate up to 10 days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother dressing, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before blending. If you're out of Macadamia nut honey, try using regular honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. To enhance the herb flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of fresh thyme or dill. Adjust the acidity by varying the amount of grapefruit juice based on your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant dressing is perfect for drizzling over a refreshing Green Garden Salad or as a zesty marinade for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with summer dishes, and a side of crusty bread makes for a delightful meal. For a unique twist, try it on roasted vegetables to elevate their flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store the dressing in a clear glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 10 days. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time. Avoid freezing, as the texture may be compromised when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Salad Dressing, Maui Style contains roughly 2521 calories, with 10g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 253g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1649mg per serving (72% 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 other citrus juices in this dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the grapefruit juice with lemon or lime juice for a different flavor profile. A mix of orange and lemon also works well, adding a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. Just keep in mind that the overall taste will change slightly, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
How can I make this dressing vegan?
To make a vegan version of this dressing, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a nutritional yeast alternative for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it easy to adapt this recipe for a vegan diet.
What dishes pair well with this dressing?
This Basil Salad Dressing complements a variety of dishes, especially salads, seafood, and grilled meats. It also enhances the flavor of pasta salads and is a great addition to sandwiches. For a delightful meal, serve it alongside a plate of Swedish Pancakes(Plattar Och Pannkakor) for a unique flavor combination.
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).