There’s something magical about the combination of lemon and basil—it’s light, fragrant, and elevates any dish it touches. This Delicious Lemon Basil Dressing blends fresh basil with zesty lemon juice and creamy elements to create a vibrant, tangy, and smooth dressing perfect for salads, grilled meats, grain bowls, pasta, and more.
If you’re looking for a healthy, homemade alternative to sugary store-bought dressings, this recipe brings you flavor, freshness, and flexibility—all in under 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Basil Dressing
✅ Fresh & Flavorful – Bursting with citrusy tang and garden-fresh basil.
✅ Creamy Texture – Thanks to coconut milk or Greek yogurt.
✅ Multi-Purpose – Ideal as dressing, dip, marinade, or drizzle.
✅ Clean Ingredients – No preservatives, gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
✅ Customizable – Adjust creaminess, sweetness, and tang to taste.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and garden herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (tightly packed)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for creaminess and tang)
- 2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional for extra acidity)
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Enhancements
- 1 tsp lemon zest (adds brightness)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast (for umami)
- 1/4 avocado (for extra creaminess and healthy fats)
- 1 tbsp tahini (for a nutty depth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Basil
Wash and pat dry the basil leaves. Remove any tough stems. Ensure the basil is completely dry to prevent water from thinning the dressing.
Step 2: Blend Base Ingredients
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the basil, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, and honey or maple syrup.
Step 3: Add Creaminess
Add your choice of coconut milk, Greek yogurt, or other creamy base. Blend until the mixture is velvety smooth and emulsified.
Step 4: Season and Adjust
Taste and adjust. Add salt and pepper to balance the flavor if it’s too thick, thin with a tablespoon of cold water or lemon juice. If it is too tangy, add a dash more honey.
Step 5: Store
Transfer to a clean glass jar or bottle. Refrigerate for up to 7 days. Shake well before using, as ingredients may separate.
Flavor Profile
- 🍋 Bright & Citrusy – From fresh lemon juice and optional zest
- 🌿 Herbaceous & Aromatic – Basil offers a fresh, garden-like quality
- 🧄 Savory & Tangy – Thanks to garlic and Dijon mustard
- 🥥 Creamy & Smooth – From coconut milk, yogurt, or avocado
- 🍯 Mildly Sweet – Optional honey/maple balances the acidity
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 Tbsp Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Protein | 0.6 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 65 mg |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
Best Uses for Lemon Basil Dressing 🍽️
| Dish Type | How to Use |
| Fresh Salads | Carrots, potatoes, and asparagus post-bake |
| Grilled Chicken | Use as a marinade or drizzle post-grill |
| Grain Bowls | Quinoa, farro, brown rice + veggies |
| Roasted Veggies | Carrots, potatoes, asparagus post-bake |
| Dip for Crudités | Serve chilled with cucumber, carrots |
| Fish or Shrimp | Perfect lemony-herb finish for seafood |
| Pasta Dishes | Thin and toss with pasta for a herb sauce |
| Sandwiches & Wraps | Use as a flavorful spread |
How to Store & Preserve
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed glass jar for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in silicone ice cube trays. Transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 30 days.
- Oil Layer Tip: Add a thin olive oil layer on top before sealing to extend shelf life.
To Reuse:
Shake well before serving. If it’s too thick from refrigeration, thin it with a bit of water, lemon juice, or olive oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping the mustard: This helps the dressing stay emulsified and creamy.
❌ Overusing lemon or vinegar: Balance acidity with a touch of sweetener.
❌ Using dried basil: Always opt for fresh basil for a vibrant taste.
❌ Under-blending: Fully blend until smooth to avoid a grainy texture.
❌ Adding all liquid at once: Blend in stages for best consistency.
Expert Tips
🧑🍳 Use Meyer lemons for a floral, mellow citrus flavor.
🧑🍳 Add a handful of spinach or parsley to stretch the basil.
🧑🍳 Make a vegan version with maple syrup and coconut milk.
🧑🍳 Include lemon zest for extra punch and fragrance.
🧑🍳 Try as a pizza drizzle or spoon over roasted sweet potatoes.
🧑🍳 Pair with grilled halloumi or roasted cauliflower for a Mediterranean twist.
FAQs – Lemon Basil Dressing
Q: Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?
A: Yes, lime adds a bolder citrus twist and pairs well with seafood.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Store in the fridge and shake before use. It lasts 5–7 days.
Q: Is this dressing vegan and gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use maple syrup and coconut milk, it’s both vegan and gluten-free.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Blend in soft tofu or soaked cashews for added protein and thickness.
Q: How do I make it thicker?
A: Use avocado, tahini, or reduce the lemon juice.
Q: Can I turn it into a dipping sauce?
A: Yes, reduce the liquids slightly to make a thicker, dip-style version.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Basil Dressing is a zesty, creamy, and herb-forward condiment that brings brightness to any plate. With clean, wholesome ingredients, it’s more than just a salad dressing—it’s a drizzle, dip, and marinade all in one.
From tossing with crisp greens to spooning over grilled shrimp or roasted potatoes, this versatile recipe will quickly become your go-to homemade dressing. Customize it, freeze it, gift it—there are endless ways to use and love it.
So ditch the store-bought bottles and enjoy the unmatched flavor of homemade lemon basil dressing, crafted fresh in your kitchen.
