With spring in full swing, the palate tends to turn towards green. Fresh leaves abound in the green markets in New York City, waiting to be topped with chopped tomatoes, sprinkled with walnuts, adorned with marinated anchovies. They need fresh dressing like spring flowers beg the sky for water.
Making fresh salad dressing requires such minimal effort. You can store it for several days or even a week in your refrigerator and you’ll save yourself the excess salt and sometimes sugar lurking in store bought dressings. This lovely dressing from Jamie Oliver can brighten any salad with the summery taste of basil, sharp balsamic and toasted pine nuts. 
Basil, Balsamic Vinegar and Pine Nut Dressing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant salad dressing combines fresh chopped basil, sharp balsamic vinegar, and toasted pine nuts to create a delightful, summery flavor that enhances any salad.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 good handful of chopped fresh basil
- 1 good handful of pine nuts, toasted and chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Carefully toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch them closely as they can burn easily. Remove from heat and let cool, then chop coarsely.
- In a jar or bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
- Add the chopped fresh basil and the toasted pine nuts to the mixture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Seal the jar and shake well, or whisk the ingredients together in the bowl until well combined.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or stir before serving.
Notes
Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or stir before using as the ingredients may separate over time. Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor, but be careful as they can burn quickly. This dressing pairs well with fresh greens, tomatoes, and even marinated anchovies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
