Naturally vegan and gluten-free and so versatile. I love it in this Ribbon Zucchini Salad. This basil sauce has a dressing like consistency so is easy to pour, drizzle and toss into your favourite recipes! It is also vegan, vegetarian, nut free and dairy free making it suitable for many diets! It’s full of bright herb-y, with subtle garlic flavour that compliments pastas, salads, vegetables and more. Every spring I buy a potted basil plant and use it throughout the whole summer so I’m always on the lookout for different recipes to use it in! This Pesto Potato Salad is always on the menu in the summer as is this White Bean Panzanella. I recently prepared a salad that was dressed in a basil sauce- the recipe was inspired by a salad I tried in Harrods. I ended up making too much so used it in all kinds of recipes over the next 2-3 days!
Basil sauce vs Basil Pesto vs Basil Pistou
This basil sauce has similarities to a basil pesto or basil pistou but they have key differences. Italian pesto sauce has added pine nuts and parmesan cheese. It has a chunky texture as it is traditionally made in a pestle and mortar. The classic pistou recipe is a French basil sauce without any cheese or pine nuts. It has a chunky texture as it is also made in a pestle and mortar. It is a great option for those who want the flavors of a pesto without any dairy or nuts. Basil sauce is made without nuts or cheese and is blended until smooth.
Basil Sauce Ingredients
Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post As the sauce is made from so few ingredients, it is important to use fresh ingredients as much as possible. This helps give the most bright flavor to the recipe Fresh basil Garlic – fresh cloves garlic are best. I’ve only used one small clove as I didn’t want the taste of raw garlic to be overpowering but you can add more if you wish. Extra virgin olive oil – use the best olive oil rather than standard olve oil for cooking Lemon juice – fresh lemon or lime juice Salt and black pepper to taste Optional: Sweetener such as maple syrup or agave or sugar – a touch of sweet really brings out all of the flavour. I use it in my recipe but you can skip it if you wish.
How to make Basil Sauce Instructions
Blend together all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Adjust any seasoning and serve on the same day.
How to use
Basil sauce is so versatile and goes with so many different dishes. Spread into sandwiches with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and salad leaves. Toss into pasta salads – I used leftovers in this Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Stir into spaghetti sauce to make a tomato basil sauce Drizzle over pizzas like these Air Fryer French Bread Pizza, or over grilled veggies. Mix it in with soft butter and spread over bread slices to make a basil garlic bread If you are not vegetarian, this sauce also goes with meats like chicken and steak and sea food like salmon and shrimp.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight jar or airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. Note that the vibrant green colour may darken overnight. You can spoon the sauce into an ice cube tray and use as required.
Other easy sauce recipes
Creamy cilantro sauce Yogurt Garlic Sauce 12 Samosa Sauces Tamarind Sauce Indian Mint sauce Bread Dipping Oil – with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil Parsley Pesto – pesto made with fresh parsley and walnuts Saffron Cream Sauce – perfect with pasta As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations! Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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