If you’re after an easy weeknight dinner upgrade or just want to add a burst of healthy comfort food to your meals, Very Incredible Basil Sauce is your new kitchen secret. Bright, herbaceous, and silky smooth, this sauce transforms everything from sandwiches to grilled veggies with its fresh basil goodness. It’s quick to make, totally customizable, and perfect for anyone following a protein meal plan or looking for budget-friendly recipes that don’t compromise on flavor.
This sauce is exactly what you want when life is busy but your taste buds demand something fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re prepping meal planning chicken or looking for the best vegan meal prep ideas, this basil sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it one of the best meals to prep ahead and enjoy all week long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You can whip this sauce up in less than 10 minutes, making it a perfect addition to your quick family meals routine.
It’s loaded with fresh basil and garlic, delivering a punch of flavor that makes high protein meals and healthy boxed meals sing.
Versatile enough for so many uses—you can drizzle it over grilled chicken, toss it with pasta, or spread it on a sandwich.
Adjustable heat and texture let you customize it to fit a keto meal plan or vegan low calorie meal plan with ease.
Stores well in the fridge or freezer, so it’s a fabulous meal prep microwave lunch or low calorie premade meal delivery option.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Unlike your average basil sauce, this recipe balances bright acidity with the rich, creamy texture of olive oil and optional Parmesan.
It’s incredibly fresh but also has depth from garlic and a subtle tang from lemon juice or red wine vinegar.
The option to add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts brings a lovely texture and nuttiness without overwhelming the herbaceous notes.
You can easily make it dairy-free or vegan, so it’s friendly for any healthy eating for two or protein eating plan lifestyle.
Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves, rinsed and dried
- Garlic cloves, peeled
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan version)
- Pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Water (to thin as needed)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Start by rinsing and drying your fresh basil leaves carefully—wet leaves can dilute the sauce.
In your blender or food processor, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), and optional Parmesan or nuts.
Pulse until everything starts coming together, scraping down the sides to ensure even blending.
Slowly add water or extra oil as needed to reach your ideal sauce consistency—smooth but not watery.
Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. Adjust acidity with more lemon or vinegar if needed.
Use immediately or transfer to a jar, seal tightly, and chill to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Tips for Best Results
Always use fresh, vibrant basil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Don’t overload your blender—processing in batches can help maintain texture.
If you want a creamier sauce, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream, perfect for a high protein high calorie meal boost.
Toast your pine nuts or walnuts lightly before adding to bring out their flavor.
Store with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and keep the green vibrant longer.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap lemon juice for lime or orange zest for a citrusy twist that pairs well with high protein keto meal plan menus.
Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a dairy-free best vegan meal prep version.
Use sunflower seeds instead of nuts if you need a nut-free alternative.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chili for a spicy kick.
Blend in avocado or silken tofu for an ultra-creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Drizzle over grilled chicken or fish for a fresh, low calorie chicken meal prep option.
- Toss with cooked pasta or spiralized veggies for an easy high protein microwave meal.
- Use as a spread on sandwiches or wraps to add a zesty punch.
- Serve as a dip for fresh veggies or crispy bread.
- Mix into roasted potatoes or drizzle over grilled asparagus for vibrant sides.
Perfect for meals for 2 delivered or as part of healthy meal plans for two.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
Pair Very Incredible Basil Sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon and mint.
Serve alongside light salads, roasted veggies, or grains like quinoa and couscous for a balanced high macro meal.
For a heartier meal, add a side of grilled chicken or fish to complete your protein meal plan.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store your basil sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
No reheating needed—serve chilled or at room temperature to preserve that fresh flavor.
If the sauce thickens, stir in a splash of water or olive oil before serving.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This sauce freezes beautifully! Portion into ice cube trays and freeze for easy ready made protein meals later.
Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Perfect for meal prep microwave lunches or to add a quick flavor boost to any dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using dried basil—fresh is key for vibrant color and flavor.
Don’t skip drying the basil leaves well or your sauce may become watery.
Be cautious with garlic quantity—it can easily overpower.
Don’t blend too long; you want a smooth sauce but with some texture to keep it interesting.
Avoid adding too much lemon juice at once; it’s easier to add more than to fix an overly acidic sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is essential for this sauce’s bright flavor and texture.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes, simply omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
What oil works best?
Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor and health benefits.
How long does the sauce keep?
It keeps for about 5 days refrigerated in a sealed container.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Blend in batches if your blender is small.
What dishes go well with this sauce?
Use on pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dip.
Is this the same as pesto?
It’s similar but more flexible—often lighter and can be dairy-free or nut-free.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Airtight container for storage
Very Incredible Basil Sauce is a game-changing addition to your kitchen and a simple way to brighten easy high protein high calorie meals or light snacks alike. Keep a jar handy to add fresh, zesty flavor to your best meal prep healthy lineup or elevate any dish with just a spoonful.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Very Incredible Basil Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the fresh basil leaves.
- In a blender or food processor, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), and optional Parmesan and nuts.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add water or extra oil a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and blend briefly to combine.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.