Creamy Basil Dressing

Name: Creamy Basil Dressing (Food Processor)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 clove garlic; 1 lemon, for zest and juice; 3 tbsp white wine vinegar; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed; 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

A vibrant creamy basil dressing blending fresh basil, Greek yogurt, and mayo in a food processor. This tangy, herbaceous dressing works for any salad and refrigerates well for up to a week.

🌍American 🏷️Salad dressing 🏷️Basil dressing 🏷️Creamy dressing 🏷️Green goddess Homemade dressing

🏷️

🏷️Parmesan

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cookingwithshereenonTikTok

Total

10 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cookingwithshereen

-0:00

cookingwithshereenonTikTok

Ingredients

1 clove garlic
1 lemon, for zest and juice
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
3/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1
Using a microplane, grate the garlic clove directly into the bowl of a food processor.
2
Zest the lemon into the food processor, then squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
3
Add the white wine vinegar and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to mellow the garlic flavor.
4
Add the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to the food processor.
5
Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
6
Secure the lid and blend the mixture. While the processor is running, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
7
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8
Pour the finished dressing into a bottle or airtight container for storage.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pack the basil leaves loosely into the measuring cup without pressing down to avoid bruising before blending.
Add lemon zest to the dressing for bright citrus notes that complement the fresh basil.
Pulse the food processor in short bursts when blending basil to avoid over-processing, which darkens the color and develops bitter flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning after all ingredients combine; the cheese adds saltiness, so add kosher salt gradually.

Substitutions

White wine vinegar → lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (use 2 tbsp for milder flavor)
Fresh basil → fresh mint or parsley (note: flavor will shift; use 3/4 cup packed leaves)
Parmigiano Reggiano → Pecorino Romano or Asiago (note: will be slightly sharper)
Plain Greek yogurt → sour cream (note: reduce mayo to 1/2 cup; dressing will be tangier)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight glass or plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Whisk or shake before each use if separation occurs.

Equipment

Food processor

Common Questions

Can I make this dressing without a food processor?

Yes. Finely mince the basil and garlic by hand, then whisk with lemon juice and vinegar before folding in mayo, yogurt, cheese, and olive oil until combined.