You must try these 5 basil-infused vegan sauces
What's the story
Basil, the king of herbs, is a staple in kitchens around the world. Its fragrant leaves are key in many culinary creations and a secret ingredient in many vegan sauces.
These sauces, ranging from classic pesto to innovative dressings, transform meals with their vibrant flavors.
Basil's adaptability makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of vegan recipes.
Pesto
Classic basil pesto with a twist
Classic pesto is made with pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. It's a flavorful sauce that can easily be made vegan - just swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese!
This version keeps the creamy texture and nutty taste you love, but it's 100% plant-based.
It's great for mixing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or even as a dip for fresh veggies.
Vinaigrette
Refreshing basil vinaigrette
A zesty basil vinaigrette is the secret to taking any salad from basic to brilliant.
Just blend fresh basil leaves with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and a bit of maple syrup for sweetness.
This dressing is a masterclass in balancing acidity and sweetness, and it adds a refreshing herbaceous twist to salads.
Plus, it's delicious drizzled over roasted veggies or used as a marinade for tofu before baking.
Avocado sauce
Creamy basil avocado sauce
If you want a creamier sauce without the dairy, try blending ripe avocados with basil for a rich and smooth alternative.
It's delicious with zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta. And, you can add lemon juice, garlic, and salt to taste for extra flavor.
Not only is this sauce tasty, but it also provides healthy fats from the avocado.
Tomato sauce
Spicy basil tomato sauce
Add a fiery touch to your culinary creations by whipping up a spicy basil tomato sauce.
Simply saute onions and garlic until translucent, then stir in crushed tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Season with red pepper flakes to your liking for that spicy kick.
Simmer until thickened for a fragrant sauce perfect for pizza bases or paired with grilled veggies.
Dessert drizzle
Sweet basil dessert drizzle
Basil doesn't have to be confined to savory dishes; it can also be a secret ingredient in sweet recipes.
Make a special dessert drizzle by boiling fresh basil leaves in water and sugar until it reduces to a syrup.
Strain out the leaves and let it cool. Then, drizzle it over fruit salads or vegan ice cream for a refreshing and sophisticated twist on desserts.