If you’re tired of store-bought salad dressings filled with preservatives and artificial flavors, then this Delicious Basil Vinaigrette Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, garlic, tangy vinegar, and smooth olive oil, this vinaigrette is not just a dressing — it’s a multi-use sauce that transforms everything it touches.
Whether you’re topping a leafy green salad, using it as a sauce for grilled chicken, or drizzling it over roasted vegetables, this vinaigrette brings restaurant-quality taste to your table — in just 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Basil Vinaigrette
✅ Fresh & Homemade – No preservatives or additives.
✅ Quick to Make – Ready in under 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
✅ Versatile Use – Perfect for salads, meats, veggies, grain bowls & more.
✅ Diet-Friendly – Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free & paleo-friendly.
✅ Advanced Flavor Profile – Balanced with savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes.
Homemade dressings like this aren’t just healthy—they’re customizable, more affordable, and give you full control over what goes into your meals. Plus, this one delivers rich flavor with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (helps emulsify)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for extra tang)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
These ingredients come together to create a smooth, rich, and herbaceous dressing that enhances just about any savory dish.
Flavor Profile
- 🌿 Herbaceous: Thanks to fresh basil
- 🧄 Savory: Enhanced by garlic and Dijon
- 🍋 Tangy: From the vinegar and lemon juice
- 🍯 Slightly Sweet: Balanced by optional honey or maple syrup
This combination gives the dressing complexity and character, perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Basil
Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent water from diluting the dressing.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients
Add all ingredients (basil, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, sweetener) into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Season and Adjust
Taste the vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too thick, thin with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice.
Step 4: Store or Serve
Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
| Use This Vinaigrette For | Ingredients to Add |
|---|---|
| Caprese Salad | Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella |
| Grilled Chicken Marinade | Lemon juice, chili flakes |
| Pasta Salad Dressing | Cooked pasta, olives, cucumbers |
| Dipping Sauce | Mix with Greek yogurt or mayo |
| Roasted Veggies | Drizzle post-roast for extra freshness |
| Quinoa Grain Bowl | Avocado, roasted chickpeas, feta |
| Wraps or Sandwiches | Add to grilled vegetables or deli meats |
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
Chef’s Tips & Tricks
🧑🍳 Use fresh basil only. Dried basil won’t give the same flavor punch.
🧑🍳 Blend until creamy. Emulsification makes the dressing smooth and pourable.
🧑🍳 Taste as you go. Adjust acidity or sweetness based on your preference.
🧑🍳 Use a neutral vinegar if you want basil to shine brighter.
🧑🍳 Double the recipe. This dressing keeps well and goes quickly!
How to Use Basil Vinaigrette
✅ On Salads: Toss with fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta.
✅ As a Marinade: For chicken, tofu, shrimp, or vegetables.
✅ As a Grain Bowl Drizzle: Perfect on quinoa, couscous, or rice bowls.
✅ On Roasted Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower love it.
✅ In Sandwiches & Wraps: Drizzle over fillings for extra freshness.
✅ With Pasta: Toss with warm noodles and cherry tomatoes for a quick basil pasta.
✅ On Pizza or Flatbread: Use as a drizzle for fresh herb flavor post-bake.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in small portions (like ice cube trays) for up to 1 month.
- Before Use: Shake or stir well; separate layers are normal.
Tip: Add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the jar to preserve freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using dried basil – It doesn’t have the same flavor.
❌ Too much vinegar – Overpowers the basil. Start small, and adjust later.
❌ Not blending long enough – You’ll get separation instead of emulsification.
❌ Using old olive oil – Always use fresh, high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
❌ Skipping the mustard – It’s crucial for helping emulsify the dressing.
FAQs – Basil Vinaigrette
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes, use maple syrup or omit the sweetener altogether.
Q: Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
A: You can swap or combine both for a fresh twist.
Q: What kind of basil is best?
A: Sweet basil works best, but Genovese basil is also excellent.
Q: Is this keto/paleo-friendly?
A: Absolutely, just skip the sweetener.
Q: Can I use an immersion blender?
A: Yes! An immersion blender works great for making smaller portions.
Q: How can I thicken the dressing?
A: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamier texture.
Final Thoughts
This homemade basil vinaigrette is the dressing you’ll come back to over and over. It’s fresh, healthy, quick to make, and full of bold flavors. Best of all, it works with almost everything—salads, proteins, grains, and veggies. Unlike store-bought options, this vinaigrette is made with real ingredients, tailored to your taste, and keeps your meals light, clean, and vibrant.
Take 5 minutes today, make a batch, and bring the fresh flavor of basil to your table—naturally and deliciously.
