Author Adapted by Pam - For the Love of Cooking / Original by The Mediterranean Dish
Equipment
Small Saucepan
Blender, Immersion Blender, or Food Processor
Ingredients
2cupsfresh basil leaves, packed
½cupgood olive oil
2tbspwhite balsamic vinegar
2tbspfresh lime juice
1smallshallot, diced
1largegarlic clove, minced
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
Place a bowl filled with ice cubes & cold water next to the stove.
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the basil leaves and blanch for 5-10 seconds then remove the leaves with a slotted spoon and place them directly into the prepared ice water.
Remove the basil leaves from the ice water and place them on some paper towels. Roll up and squeeze out the excess water.
Combine the blanched basil leaves, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, lime juice, shallot, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper, to taste in a high-powered blender and blend for 60 seconds until very smooth. Side Note: You can also use an immersion blender or food processor.
Drizzle on top of your salad or protein of choice and serve immediately. Enjoy.