Purple Basil Vinaigrette
A vibrant purple basil vinaigrette with fresh basil, shallot, Parmesan, and a touch of sweetness, perfect for salads, drizzling over vegetables, or as a flavorful marinade.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a screw-top jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, snipped purple basil, chopped shallot, grated Parmesan cheese, and sugar.
- Cover the jar and shake well to blend all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Shake well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the vinaigrette. If you don't have purple basil, regular basil can be used, but it will alter the color. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference; honey can also be a natural substitute. This vinaigrette is versatile and can be drizzled over grilled vegetables or used in dishes like Mandarin Orange And Artichoke Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Purple Basil Vinaigrette pairs beautifully with salads featuring fresh greens, grilled chicken, or seafood. It also enhances dishes like Radiatori With Avocado(Or Pasta With Avocado) and can elevate simple vegetable sides. Drizzle over roasted vegetables or use it as a marinade for your favorite proteins for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vinaigrette in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar for up to 3 days. Before using, give it a good shake to redistribute the ingredients, as they may separate over time. Avoid freezing, as the texture may be adversely affected.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Purple Basil Vinaigrette contains roughly 346 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 710mg per serving (31% 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 make this vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Purple Basil Vinaigrette a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and remember to shake it well before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don't have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor profile, but it will still provide the necessary acidity.
How can I make this vinaigrette vegan?
To make this vinaigrette vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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).