This Meyer Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a refreshing, crisp and a clean tasting vinaigrette that is sure to tantalize your taste buds! Don’t let yourself get bored of the same old dressings. The vibrancy of the Meyer lemon blends seamlessly with the herbaceousness of the basil. I often enjoy this vinaigrette with an arugula salad topped with Asiago cheese. Serve it with some crusty bread and a class of Prosseco and you’ll have yourself a wonderful meal!
Meyer Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe:
Approx. 2 1/2 Cups
- 1 3/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 or 1/2 Cup Fresh Squeezed Meyer Lemon Juice
- 1/4 Cup White Wine Vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt – or to taste
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Basil – minced
- 1 Tablespoon Shallot – minced
- 1 Clove Garlic – minced
Instructions:
In a food processor or blender, measure and add the lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar and salt, puree, then pour into a container. Add the basil, shallots and garlic, then shake well.
Health benefits:
Fresh Basil has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The herb contains exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A and is rich in zeaxanthin an anti-oxidant that helps protect age-related macular disease. Basil has a good amount of Iron and also helps to detoxify the liver. It contains phytochemicals that may lower cortisol, a hormone secreted when you’re stressed that causes weight gain, so add some fresh basil to your water or tea.
Lemons are one of the most alkaline foods, which is great for restoring a balanced pH to the body. They contain 22 anti-cancer compounds; one is flavonol glycosides, which stop cell division in cancer cells. They are super rich in vitamin C and flavonoids making it a great antioxidant, which helps to relieve asthma and it helps treat high blood pressure as well. They stimulate the liver making it a great liver detoxifier as well as cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system. Lemons help with bowel regularity from the pectin fiber. The citric acid in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, kidney stones and calcium deposits. Lemon peel is highly potent in phytonutrient tangeretin, which has been shown to help with brain-related issues like Parkinson’s. The sugar absorption is slowed down so this is helpful for the reduction of low blood sugar and Type 2 Diabetes. They have powerful antibacterial properties and are great for a sore throat and fight off infections like colds and flu. Lemon dissolves uric acid is helpful in reducing joints and knees pain by reducing inflammation.
