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A small bowl of creamy basil sauce with a spoon in it, surrounded by basil leaves.

Creamy Basil + Shallot Sauce (Small Batch)

Sara
An easy, flavorful basil sauce made with shallots, mayonnaise. garlic, and a little lemon juice! This is a small batch basil sauce recipe that makes about 1/2 cup.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 tbsp.
Calories 87 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1/2 cup packed Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped Shallot
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 clove Garlic smashed
  • 2 tbsp. finely grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Create the Creamy Basil Base. In a blender or mini food processor, combine 1/2 cup packed Fresh Basil Leaves, 1/3 cup roughly chopped Shallot, 1/4 cup Mayonnaise, and 1 clove Garlic (smashed). Secure the lid and pulse to combine the ingredients together for about a minute, or until pretty well blended.
    A food processor bowl full of ingredients to make a creamy basil sauce.
  • Add More Flavor. Scrape down the sides of the blender/food processor if necessary. Add 2 tbsp. finely grated Parmesan Cheese, 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice, and a little pinch of Salt. Secure the lid again, and blend for another minute or two until everything is really well combined. (I kept mine a little chunky, but if you’re using a great blender, you can make this sauce pretty smooth!)
    A food processor bowl full of creamy basil sauce.
  • Final Touches. Taste and add more lemon juice, parmesan, salt, or whatever else you’re feeling! Cover and chill the sauce for about 15-30 minutes if you have time, but if not, it’s so good right away!
    A food processor bowl full of creamy basil sauce.

Notes

You can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, but the flavor will change and it won't be as rich! You can also use half mayonnaise / half Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Feel free to add other fresh herbs (like dill, thyme, oregano, etc.) if you like!

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp.Calories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 105mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 113IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword basil dressing, basil sauce, basil shallot sauce, fresh basil sauce
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