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Simple Spoonfuls

June 8, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Zippy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Sauces & Dips

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Looking for an easy five minute sauce to meal prep at the beginning of the week? This lemon basil vinaigrette has got your back! Not only can it dress up a salad like it’s headed to the Oscars, this sauce can make a filet of salmon or simple chicken breast shine. The lemon juice and zest make this herbaceous vinaigrette extra zippy!

lemon basil vinaigrette in a bowl

Meal prepping this basil vinaigrette

When it comes to meal prep, I try to make one or two sauces/marinades/vinaigrettes at the start of the week that can do doubly duty in different recipes. When it comes to buying sauces at the store, it can be a huge time saver when you’re in a crunch. BUT if you want to save money and control the ingredients in your diet (ie. no weird preservatives and things you can’t pronounce), it’s always best to make your own. Luckily, it couldn’t be any easier too!

When it comes to this sauce, its just a matter of adding all your ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulsing away. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful, vibrant dressing that will keep for 4-6 days in the fridge.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a smooth and silky sauce, a blender will typically give you the best results (assuming you have a good blender!). With a chunkier sauce, like a pesto, a food processor is often your best bet.

lemon basil vinaigrette in a bowl

putting your vinaigrette to use

The versatility of this sauce it what makes it one of my top 5 go-to vinaigrettes. Here are some of my favorites ways to use it!

  • As a sauce for grain bowls and buddha bowls
  • Drizzled over salmon, chicken and shrimp
  • Served alongside these tasty mediterranean quinoa patties
  • Tossed with a watermelon and cucumber salad like this beauty
  • Caprese-style, drizzled over sliced tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella
  • Mixed with zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes and goat cheese

The sky is the limit! Have fun, experiment, and let me know your favorite dish to serve with this delicious vinaigrette!

lemon basil vinaigrette in a bowl

Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Katie Clack
This vibrant and zippy lemon basil vinaigrette is super versatile and can be used as a salad dressing or drizzled on top of chicken or seafood.
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Prep Time 5 mins
Course Sauce
Servings 1 cup

Equipment

  • food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup fresh basil
  • 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 whole garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Combine the fresh basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt and pepper into food processor or blender. Pulse thoroughly to combine.
  • With the blender running, drizzle in the 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil until completely incorporated.

Notes

*This dressing will keep in the fridge for 4-6 days.  You’ll notice the green color start to dull as it oxidizes so it’s best to store in an airtight container.
*You can also add 2tbsp of minced shallot for some extra zing.
Keyword basil, herb, vinaigrette, dressing, sauce, salad dressing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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#ad I wanted to share my entry for the #beginwith #ad  I wanted to share my entry for the #beginwithjuice contest to create a recipe that uses 100% fruit juice. I’m SO proud of how yummy this cast iron blood orange chicken turned out! 🍊🍗

The blood orange juice,  chicken stock and caramelized red onions reduce down to a luxurious sauce that is delicious served over a bed of fluffy couscous.

This chicken is the perfect date night or entertaining recipe thanks to the gorgeous pink blood oranges. 🍊

Drop me a comment if you’d like the full recipe so you too can wow your family and friends! 💫

#castironskillet #chickenrecipes #chickenrecipe #chickenfordinner #orangechicken #bloodorange #bloodoranges #citrus #easydinner #easydinners #mediterraneandiet #healthyrecipeshare #foodphotography #mealprepmonday #greenolives #simplespoonfuls #whatimadetoday #whatiatefordinner #whatiatetoday #whatsfordinnertonight
I’m thinking about making this luscious red pepp I’m thinking about making this luscious red pepper pesto pasta for dinner tonight! The sauce is a spin on romesco in the most delicious way. 🍝

The feta, tomato and kalamata olives take it to the next level! But the best part is that the sauce is so versatile for other uses like as the base of a pizza, as a spread inside a wrap or burger bun, or drizzled over a roasted chicken breast. 🍕🍔🍗And it only takes five minutes to blitz it up in a food processor! 💪

What are y’all whipping up for dinner tonight?

#romesco #pestopasta #pestosauce #roastedredpeppers #roastedredpepper #pastasalad #pastaporn #pastalovers #pastalove #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneanlife #mealprepideas #mealpreps #mealpreprecipes #mealprepinspo #foodblogging #healthyrecipeshare #easyrecipes #simplerecipes #simplespoonfuls #frommykitchen #frommykitchentoyours #whatiatetoday #whaticooked #pastarecipes #pastaofinstagram #carbsarelife #carbsoncarbs
You know that lonely bag of Costco cauliflower ric You know that lonely bag of Costco cauliflower rice sitting in your freezer?  Look how beautifully it transforms with a super easy cooking method my personal chef friend @skusnic taught me!  There’s no defrosting, no squeezing out excess water, no babysitting on the stovetop.  Instead, you let the broiler do the work for you! 

The high heat dries out the riced cauliflower so it gets toasty instead of soggy.  Once it’s at your desired level of golden brown, pull it out and dress it up with whatever flavors you have on hand.

I like to make mine into a keto-friendly, gluten-free rice pilaf with toasty pinenuts, garlic and parsley, finished with a shower of Parmesan. Yummm!  Video to come soon!

#cauliflowerrice #cauliflowerrecipes #cauliflower #freezermeals #mealprepideas #mealprepping #mealpreppin #mealprepinspo #mealprepsundays #mealpreps #mealprepmondays #sidedish #sidedishes #easyrecipe #easyrecipesathome #simplespoonfuls #healthysides #healthyrecipes #healthyrecipesforfamilies #ricepilaf #ketorecipe #easyketorecipes #ketomeal #ketoadapted #foodblogger #foodphotographyandstyling #vegetarianmeals #vegetarianketo #vegetariandinner #vegetarianismo
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this dish with you! I was inspired by my friend Elena from @mamamiamangia__  and her beautiful Italian creations! 🇮🇹 

I’m not exactly sure what to name this recipe but it’s basically garlicky shrimp with white beans, sundried tomatoes and arugula. 🍤🍅🥬The flavor is amplified with lots of bright lemon zest and herby parsley. 🍋 A generous pinch of red pepper flakes brings just the right amount of heat without being spicy.  Best of all it’s gluten free and low carb.  It was so good we ate the leftovers tossed with linguine for dinner! Follow along in my stories to see it all come together!

I know I say this about all my recipes but you really should save this bad boy!  Not only does it taste like a million bucks, it looks like it too, and luckily its incredibly simple to make!

Mediterranean Shrimp and White Bean Arugula Salad

Half pound peeled and deveined shrimp (defrosted frozen is fine)
1/3 cup sundried toms, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp parsley, chopped 
Half can cannelini beans
 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
Pinch of Red pepper flakes
Sea salt and black pepper
2 tbsp Olive oil
Arugula

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a non stick sauté pan over medium heat.  Add peeled and deveined shrimp and sprinkle lightly with sea salt and black pepper. Add the four cloves of minced garlic. After about 1-2 minutes flip the shrimp once they’ve turned pink on the bottom.  Then add the beans, sundried tomatoes, lemon zest and juice and red pepper flakes. Cook 1-2 more minutes until shrimp is fully cooked and then remove from the heat.  Add the fresh parsley and toss well. In a big bowl, lightly dress fresh arugula with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and pepper.  Spoon shrimp mixture over the top and garnish with extra lemon! 

#mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipes #italianrecipes #italianrecipe #healthyrecipes #healthyrecipe #saladporn #saladinspo #saladsofinstagram #pescatarianrecipes #pescatarianlife #seafoodrecipes #simplespoonfuls #shrimprecipes #italiansalad #eatwithyoureyes #sundriedtomatoes #eatpretty #frommykitchen #healthydinners #healthydinnerideas #easydinnerideas #easydinner #whatiatefordinner
Happy New Year everyone! 🥂I love seeing my top Happy New Year everyone! 🥂I love seeing my top 9 because to me it represents taking the first steps towards making my dreams come true.  I’m so proud of myself for putting my work out there despite the fact that I’m not at the level I want to be yet and I’m constantly fighting off the perfectionist little voice in my head.  Anyone else hear that voice?🙉

I love seeing the rainbow of color injected into my creations and it just makes me so.damn.happy. 🌈  I can’t wait to make 2021 MY year and to stop dreaming and start DOING! 💪🤘 I know it’s going to be a great year for you too!

I’m so thankful for each and everyone of you and I’m excited to show up for you every day! ❤️

Xoxo
Katie

#topnine2020 #topnine #topposts #foodblogger #foodbloggers #eattherainbow🌈 #eattherainbow #eatwithyoureyes #feastonthis #foodphotographyandstyling #foodphotography📷 #myrecipes #eatrealfood #jerf #simplespoonfuls #healthyrecipes #mealprepideas #buddhabowls
*Honey Coconut Chia Pudding with Blood Orange and *Honey Coconut Chia Pudding with Blood Orange and Pomegranate*

I was today years old when I discovered my love of chia pudding! 🙌 I’ve given it a few chances over the years but could never get the consistency just right and I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about.  But I’m a sucker for a meal prep breakfast and was determined to figure this one out. 

Thankfully a fellow personal chef and longtime friend of mine @skusnic let me in on the secret of her ratios.  I still managed to botch her recipe because I can’t be bothered to follow a recipe to save my life (this is why I’m not a baker!) but it turned out fantastic nonetheless. 

I love how the bright winter citrus and tart pom seeds cut through the richness of the coconut. 🍊🥥And the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to make you want to devour the whole batch! 🍯

🛑Make sure you hit the SAVE 👆🏻 button on this one!  I can’t wait to see how you customize it with your favorite flavors!

*Honey Coconut Chia Pudding with Blood Orange and Pomegranate*
2/3 can of coconut milk 
1/2 cup of milk of your choice (I used skim bc it’s what I had)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup chia seeds
1.5 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Pomegranate arils
Blood orange segments
Hemp hearts or flax seeds 

Combine coconut milk, milk, vanilla and chia seeds and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least six hours or over night.  Stir in honey and top with pomegranate seeds and orange segments. Top with hemp hearts or flax seeds (optional)

#chiapudding #chiaseedsbenefits #hemphearts #mealprepideas #breakfastmeal #mealpreps #mealprepsundays #makeaheadmeals #breakfasttime #vegetarianbreakfast #vegetarianrecipes #veganbreakfast #veganbreakfastideas #bloodoranges #bloodorange #pomegranateseeds #pomegranates #pomwonderful #hempheals #veganpudding #whatiateforbreakfast #whatiatetoday #mealprepinspo #mealpreping #mealprepmonday #mealprepmondays #breakfastinspo #getinmybelly😋 #eatwithyoureyes
Wishing you all the merriest Christmas! I’m so Wishing you all the merriest Christmas!  I’m so thankful for each and every one of you, especially this year.  During a time when we can’t be close to our loved ones, it makes me appreciate the connections I’ve made on here that much more!❤️❤️❤️ Love and joy to you all! 

Xoxo,
Katie
I don’t know about y’all but in our family, Ch I don’t know about y’all but in our family, Christmas breakfast is just as important as Christmas dinner!  Traditionally I make a strata because I can prep it all the night before and just pop it into the oven in the morning!  That way, I can enjoy our Christmas morning stress-free without fussing in the kitchen.

I’ve been making this bagels and lox strata for years and the flavor is out of this world!  Safe to say, it’s a family tradition.  I love using everything bagels for the extra flavor they bring to the table. Plus, you can’t go wrong with the flavors of smoked salmon, capers, and cream cheese. 

I throw a little spinach in the mix to amp up the green color and finish it off with fresh dill or chives for some extra herby goodness.  I think Chrissy Teigen has a similar recipe but this is my spin on things.

Everything Bagels and Lox Breakfast Strata
3 day old bagels cut into 3/4” cubes
5 eggs
1 3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 tsp dijon mustard
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 small shallot, minced
2 tbsp capers
6 oz smoked salmon or lox
2 cups spinach, torn
4 oz cream cheese
EBTB seasoning
Fresh dill

Combine the eggs, milk, parmesan, dijon, salt, pepper, shallot and dijon and mix until smooth.  Grease a medium sized casserole dish, scatter the bagel pieces around the dish and pour the egg mixture over the top.  Scatter the spinach pieces, lox, and capers and gently stir into the bagel and egg mix. Top with dollops of cream cheese and additional everything but the bagel seasoning.

Cover and place in the fridge for at least two hours, or ideally overnight. 
Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, like a cake, and not with raw eggs.

Top with the fresh dill and serve!

#strata #breakfastofchamps #christmasbreakfast #christmasmorning #makeaheadmeals #everythingbagel #ebtb #everythingbagelseasoning #easybreakfast #whatiateforbreakfast #whatsforbrunch #brunchgoals #brunchideas #brunching #christmasbrunch #christmasmeal #christmasrecipes #holidaybrunch #holidaymeals #holidayrecipes #holidayrecipe #foodblogger #mealpreps #mealprepideas #breakfastgoals #simplespoonfuls #foodstylingandphotography
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