Zesty Lemon Basil Coleslaw Dressing

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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Get ready to elevate your coleslaw game with this Zesty Lemon Basil Coleslaw Dressing! It’s vibrant, refreshing, and adds a delightful twist to the classic creamy slaw, making it perfect for summer picnics or as a bright side dish any time of year.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Basil Coleslaw Dressing

Mayonnaise is the creamy base that holds everything together, providing that classic coleslaw texture. Use a good quality mayo for the best results. Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the richness of the mayo. Make sure to squeeze it fresh for the best flavor.

Honey brings a touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon. Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth and a bit of zing, which complements the other flavors beautifully.

Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, introduce a fragrant, herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the lemon. Lemon zest enhances the citrusy punch, adding an extra layer of flavor. Salt and black pepper round everything out, enhancing all the other ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother texture, you can blend the ingredients using a food processor.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Adjust the honey to your liking if you prefer more or less sweetness.
  • Use a microplane to zest the lemon for a finer texture without the bitter pith.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is a fantastic match for classic coleslaw, but don’t stop there. Try it drizzled over grilled veggies, tossed with pasta salad, or as a refreshing dip for crudités. It's also a brilliant topping for fish tacos or grilled chicken sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing in advance?
Absolutely! It can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just make sure to store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but use about 1 teaspoon as it's more concentrated than fresh.
Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Dijon offers a nice complexity that’s hard to beat.

Zesty Lemon Basil Coleslaw Dressing Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl — this is where all the magic happens. First, combine the mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk them together until they're well blended; you should see a smooth, creamy mixture.

Next, add in the honey and Dijon mustard. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and well combined. This step ensures the sweetness and tanginess are evenly distributed.

Now, it’s time for the fragrant basil and lemon zest. Stir them in thoroughly, allowing their fresh aromas to infuse the dressing. At this point, you'll start getting hints of that delicious, herbal citrus smell.

Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust as necessary; you want the flavors to be balanced but still vibrant. Once mixed, cover the bowl with some cling film and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, giving the ingredients time to meld together into a harmonious dressing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing flavors that wake up your taste buds.
  • Quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet notes.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
2. Add honey and Dijon mustard, whisking until smooth and well combined.
3. Stir in the finely chopped basil leaves and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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