Lemon, Basil and Olive Oil Vinaigrette
This is a recipe I created that was inspired by Uno's Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette. I love their Walnut Crusted Goat Cheese salad, but I'm not a fan of sweet, fruity salad dressings so I chose the Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette over the Blueberry Pomegranate Vinaigrette. Since their recipes are closely guarded secrets (I tried to pry it out of them, I really did), I had to create my own version of it. I'm glad I did because this is absolutely delicious. I don't use anything else now!
Ingredients:
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 fresh lemon, juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or an equal amount of basil paste, which I actually prefer)
1 - 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (or 1 tsp jarred chopped garlic)
1/2 tsp salt
1 - 2 tsp grated Italian seasoning (I use McCormick's Italian Seasoning Grinder)
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix everything together and pour into a pretty decanter (I use a mason jar). Shake to blend ingredients before serving.
You can add or subtract ingredients or amounts according to your own taste. I prefer more olive oil and less lemon juice, as well as lots of basil paste. I've also made this with lime juice and cilantro in place of lemon juice and basil and it was yummy.
My favorite quick salad is spring mix with dried cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. When I have more time (and energy), I make my own healthier version of Uno's Walnut Crusted Goat Cheese salad. The great thing about salads is you can put just about anything in or on one to make it as filling as you want.
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