Brighten up your salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled proteins with this Mediterranean Diet Pesto Vinaigrette—a vibrant and healthy twist on classic pesto. Made with fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, rich Parmesan cheese, and a zesty blend of red wine vinegar and lemon juice, this dressing balances bold, herbaceous flavors with a tangy finish. The extra virgin olive oil not only adds a luscious texture but also helps maintain this recipe's heart-healthy profile, perfectly suited for a Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle. Ready in just 10 minutes, this easy, no-cook vinaigrette is a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire, offering a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors to elevate any dish.
Place the basil leaves in a food processor. Pulse a few times to break down the leaves.
Add the pine nuts to the food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely ground.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and peeled garlic clove, then pulse again until combined.
While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified.
Add the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor, then pulse a few more times to combine thoroughly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind the vinaigrette should be a balanced mix of tangy and savory.
Transfer the pesto vinaigrette to a jar or serving bottle. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir or shake well before each use.
Calories |
2425 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 247.8 g | 318% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.8 g | 244% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 2993 mg | 130% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 56.2 g | 112% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1385 mg | 107% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 762 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.