A creamy, citrusy herb dressing without the mayo
There’s something magical about summer produce — the way it bursts with life, color, and flavor. Whether you’re strolling through a farmers’ market or harvesting from your own backyard garden, the season invites us to slow down, savor, and nourish.
That’s exactly the spirit behind this Sunshine Basil Balsamic Dressing — a creamy, no-mayo dressing packed with fresh lemon, sweet balsamic vinegar, fragrant basil, and just a whisper of garlic. It’s light, vibrant, and made with real, wholesome ingredients that fuel your body and delight your taste buds.
🌱 From My Garden to Yours:
This dressing was inspired by a handful of fresh-picked basil from my summer garden — paired with a juicy lemon and a craving for something light but luscious. It’s sunshine in a jar.
🍋 Why You’ll Love This:
This dressing is a beautiful balance of tangy and herbaceous — lemon and balsamic play off one another to brighten any dish, while fresh basil brings that garden-fresh feel. Garlic and Dijon mustard add just enough depth, and the olive oil gives it a velvety finish that coats greens perfectly without weighing them down.
It’s:
✔️ Mayo-free
✔️ Naturally dairy-free
✔️ Quick to make
✔️ Gut- and hormone-friendly
✔️ Perfect for summer meals and meal prep
✨ Real Ingredients, Real Flavor:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey (if you prefer a touch of sweetness)
🥄 How to Make It:
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, chopped basil, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
- Add the salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a creamy, emulsified dressing.
- Taste and, if desired, stir in a bit of honey to mellow out the acidity.
That’s it! This dressing comes together in minutes and stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.
💡 Coach’s Tip:
Pour this dressing into mini mason jars for grab-and-go lunches all week long. It thickens slightly in the fridge — just give it a shake before using!
🥗 Make It a Meal:
Not sure how to use it? Try these quick combos:
- 🥗 Toss over arugula, blueberries, and goat cheese
- 🍗 Drizzle on grilled chicken with roasted summer veggies
- 🌯 Add to a lettuce wrap with leftover steak and sautéed peppers
- 🥬 Mix into a quinoa bowl with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs
- 🫑 Use as a dip for raw veggies or drizzle on roasted beets
💡 Hosting a summer get-together?
Pour this into a cute glass bottle with a handwritten tag. It’s a thoughtful, gut-friendly hostess gift — and way better than another candle.
🔁 Flavor Swap Fun:
Don’t have basil on hand? No problem. This recipe is flexible and fun to play with:
- Swap basil for parsley, cilantro, or even mint
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tropical twist
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat
🎉 You can even blend it for a creamier texture if desired!
🌱 Functional Food in Every Drop:
As a Functional Medicine Health Coach, I’m always thinking of food as medicine — and this dressing is no exception:
- Lemon supports liver detox pathways and digestion
- Basil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
- Olive oil helps with hormone production and fat-soluble vitamin absorption
- Garlic supports immune health and gut balance
Simple ingredients. Powerful benefits.
💬 Let’s Get Real:
Struggling to find dressings that don’t have seed oils, added sugars, or preservatives? You’re not alone. That’s why I love sharing simple recipes that help you ditch the store-bought junk and embrace real food again.
Your food should nourish, not sabotage your health goals.
📌 Ready to Take Your Health to the Next Level?
If you’re tired of guessing your way through gut issues, hormone imbalances, or weight struggles, I’ve got your back. My coaching programs are designed to help you uncover the root cause and create real, sustainable change.
👉 Check out my services and learn how we can work together to build your health from the inside out.
🌞 What’s Your Favorite Summer Salad Combo?
👇 Comment below or tag me when you try this dressing — I’d love to see your creations and share them with the community!
📖 Scripture Inspiration:
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” – Psalm 34:8
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