Best Creamy Basil Salad Dressing Recipes

PICANTE JíCAMA AND ROASTED CARROT SALAD WITH CREAMY BASIL DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Spread carrots on sheet, then very lightly spray carrots. Roast until tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool.
• In dry skillet over moderate heat, toast pine nuts, stirring constantly, until fragrant and light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Immediately transfer to plate and let cool.
• In small bowl, toss jicama with lemon or lime juice, chile powder, and cayenne, if using.
• To serve, divide mixed baby greens among 4 salad plates and top each with 4 carrots. Mound 1/3 cup jicama atop each portion. Sprinkle each salad with 2 tablespoons pine nuts and garnish each plate with 2 endive, radicchio, or red-leaf lettuce leaves; 2 orange slices; and 2 fig halves, if using. Drizzle 1 tablespoon basil dressing over each salad and serve immediately.

SUCCOTASH SALAD WITH CREAMY BASIL DRESSING

Steps:

• Bring large saucepan of salted water to boil. Add lima beans and cook 2 minutes. Add green beans and cook until all beans are just tender, about 4 minutes longer. Drain. Rinse beans under cold water; drain well. Transfer to large bowl. Add kidney beans, corn, and onion.
• Puree 3/4 cup basil, yogurt, mayonnaise, and vinegar in blender. Add dressing to bean mixture; toss to blend well. Season salad with salt and pepper.
• Spoon salad onto platter. Surround with tomato slices. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup basil over salad and serve.

BLT SALAD WITH CREAMY BASIL DRESSING

Steps:

• Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together basil, yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Set aside.
• In a skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes or until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
• Meanwhile, cut baguette diagonally into 12 slices. Broil on a baking sheet, turning once, for about 1 minute or until golden. Rub both sides with cut sides of garlic. Arrange in serving basket.
• Cut tomatoes into 1/2 inch thick wedges. Peel, pit and cut avocado into 1/2 inch cubes.
• In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, onion and half of the dressing; arrange on large plates. Top with tomatoes and avocado; spoon remaining dressing over top. Sprinkle with bacon. Serve with garlic toasts.

BASIL, SNAP PEA AND RICE SALAD WITH CREAMY YOGURT DRESSING

Steps:

• Blanch sugar snaps in boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain, refresh under cold running water, drain and pat dry. Place in a bowl and toss with the olive oil, the salt and pepper.
• Place the rice in a bowl and toss in the basil, lime juice, 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
• Place the cucumbers in a bowl and toss with the lemon juice, salt and mint.
• Place the salad greens in a large bowl and toss with the basil. Whisk together the yogurt, milk, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the scallions and place in a small bowl. Pass the dishes separately, letting guests build their own salads.

CREAMY BASIL SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
• Gourmet Magazine's notes:
• • Use dressing on mixed greens or sliced tomatoes or for chicken salad.
• • Dressing keeps, covered and chilled, 1 day.

CREAMY BASIL SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Place the garlic, parsley, vinegar, mustard and egg in a small food processor (Bullet-type). Blend well.
• Add the oil. Process until thick and smooth.
• Add the basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Process briefly until blended. Taste. Adjust seasonings if necessary.