This lemon basil salad dressing combines simple ingredients including fresh basil and lemon with peanuts (subs included!) for a budget-friendly vegan basil pesto salad dressing! Substitute expensive pine nuts and dairy for a delicious all-vegan version that requires just 4 ingredients, 5 minutes (or less), and a blender/food processor!
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly take on a creamy basil pesto salad dressing, you’ve found it. By substituting expensive pine nuts for a low-budget alternative, this pesto-inspired basil salad dressing packs in heaps of flavor but at a far lower cost. In fact, this basil pesto salad dressing is primarily made up of pantry ingredients (also like this avocado green goddess dressing and simple lemon dressing), for an addictive dressing that is ready in minutes. If you're anything like us, you’ll want to pour it over everything!
Whereas classic basil pesto combines basil, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon, and garlic, this basil vinaigrette uses peanuts. It may sound odd, but for anyone on a budget – this is an ingredient swap to get behind! So don't knock it till you've tried it! (of course, if you have some pine nuts knocking about a kitchen cupboard somewhere, then feel free to use them! We’ve also included subs for those with peanut allergies).
The combination of fresh basil, bright lemon, and rich/creamy nuttiness makes for a creamy basil vinaigrette/dressing that any pesto lover will appreciate. Plus, it’s also surprisingly versatile – keep reading for several variations! Drizzle it over salads, in wraps, over potatoes, and more!
Looking for more ways to use up your basil crop? Why not try this creamy zucchini basil soup, lemon basil tofu, tomato basil pasta, or Thai? Also, help keep your basil fresher for longer by learning how to store it properly!
Prepare this basil pesto dressing with just 4 ingredients plus salt, pepper, and water!
This basil salad dressing recipe couldn’t be simpler if it tried. In fact, the entire recipe takes just one step!
Make sure to taste the lemon basil dressing after blending and adjusting any ingredients to personal taste.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions!
Unsurprisingly, this basil salad dressing is perfect for serving over all sorts of salads, particularly those with Italian and Mediterranean flavors that pair well with pesto, including:
For example, Caprese salad, herby orzo salad, pearl couscous salad, pita Panzanella salad, or even vegan calabacitas, etc.
However, you can also use the lemon basil salad dressing as:
Let us know in the comments what your favorite way to enjoy this basil pesto salad dressing is!
Store the prepared peanut basil salad dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for between 3-4 days, giving it a shake between uses.
Though we haven’t tried, you may also be able to freeze this dressing. To do so, transfer it to an ice-cube tray, cover it with plastic wrap (to avoid discoloration), and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for between 2-3 months. You can then thaw (in the fridge on in 10-second spurts in a microwave) as much as you need each time.
The basil pesto dressing may discolor slightly but should still taste fine.
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
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