Herb and Lemon Dressing
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Servings: 10 servings
Total Time: 10 minutes
This herb dressing is SO, so good. So good that while making this recipe I stopped and made myself a salad before writing this up. Drizzle on salads, vegetables, and sides.
Tell me if this sounds familiar. Every spring you plant a couple of herb plants and then… forget them. I do this EVERY year. Or rather, I use them occasionally and by the end of summer they’re huge bushes and I feel like I never tapped their potential.
Well, never again. This dressing is full of green goodness, plus lemon, garlic and olive oil (which IMO is a power trio.)
Herbs, like all plants, make certain chemicals to fend off predators and protect themselves from the sun. These various chemicals are referred to as phytochemicals and essential oils and they have amazing effects for us as well.
Not only is basil delicious, it also contains numerous antioxidant-rich essential oils and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation and fight disease. Studies have found these amazing compounds help fight cancer, reduce free radical damage, (which cause both disease and aging) and boost the immune system.
Parsley has been used in folk medicine for all sorts of things - from hypertension to cardiac disease to urinary disease to diabetes. The active ingredients in parsley, which include phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, essential oils like myristicin and apiol, and various nutrients like vitamins K, C and A, give it a potent punch which helps it act as a diuretic and reduce inflammation.
Did you know tarragon is called the “king of herbs” in France? And the French know their seasoning! This herb is usually tossed in stews, sauces, fish, chicken dishes and omelets to add a distinct pop of flavor and color. It can also improve digestion, fight SIBO (the overgrowth of certain bacteria in the intestines), and reduce bloating.
Thyme is a very commonly used herb, not just in dishes the world over. It is such a potent antibacterial that it is also added to mouthwash, toothpaste and hand sanitizer. It has numerous phytochemicals which make it a strong antioxidant, allowing it to help fight diseases like cancer and free radical damage. Thyme also helps sore throats, reduces cholesterol and can even boost your mood. If you're worried about cholesterol or your cardiovascular health, try to reduce your salt intake and add more flavor with herbs like thyme.
See why we need more herbs in our lives? These tiny little leaves have amazing health benefits, which is why you have to blend up the recipe below!
Instructions:
Remove leaves from stems of herbs. You do not need to use these exact measurements of each herb. I really like using this leaf remover to speed up the job.
Add leaves, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic clove to a blender or food processor. Blend until leaves are well chopped.
Add to salads, vegetables and sides - whatever needs a little fat and flavor - and enjoy!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup basil leaves
1/2 cup parsley
1 tablespoon tarragon
1 tablespoon thyme
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice (about the juice of one lemon)
1 garlic clove
salt and pepper, to taste
