This homemade basil vinaigrette is a delicious salad dressing that's also perfect as a sauce for bowl recipes, pasta salad, roasted veg, or even drizzled over meat or fish! Use up all that fresh basil with a salad dressing that's ready in five minutes.
Okay, how many times have you had basil go bad too quickly?? Ugh, me too-more times than I can count. It helps that I finally got a basil plant so it stays fresh, but I still need to harvest and use it. So long story short, I'm always looking for new ways to use up fresh basil en masse! While homemade pesto is a staple, I do like to change things up once in a while, and this basil vinaigrette is my favorite way lately. It makes a small batch, so the dressing actually gets used up within a week. And it can be used for anything from a simple leafy green side salad to a heartier grain or pasta salad. Let's make it together!
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The Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves - Because this recipe makes a smaller batch, you'll use about a cup of packed basil leaves. But, if you want to use more basil or just want a larger amount vinaigrette, feel free to double the recipe (simply click '2x' on the recipe card below to make calculating easy).
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard - Just a small amount helps emulsify vinaigrette and add flavor.
Substitution and Variation Ideas
- Lemon basil vinaigrette - Make a lemon basil version of this vinaigrette by adding in the fresh juice of one lemon and ½ teaspoon lemon zest. Taste test, and if desired add a touch more maple syrup or natural cane sugar to balance it out.
- Lime basil vinaigrette - Similar to the above, add in the juicy of one juicy lime and ½ teaspoon lime zest. I use this version in my roasted beet and avocado salad with farro, and it is one of my all-time favorite salads! You could also use lemon or the base version in the recipe card below.
- Vinegar - You could also use cider vinegar or even rice vinegar for something more mellow.
- Maple syrup - Feel free to use natural cane sugar, honey, or agave as alternatives to maple syrup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a blender.
Step 2: Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust salt and/or maple syrup if desired.
When you're done making this vinaigrette, you'll definitely want to try cherry vinaigrette or lemon vinaigrette!
Pro Tip
Don't be afraid to taste and adjust! Whether it needs more salt or a little more sweetness to balance that vinegary bite... don't be afraid to make this the perfect basil vinaigrette recipe for you.
Basil Vinaigrette FAQs
I recommend storing this vinaigrette or any others in an airtight glass container or mason jar for up to a week. I used a small Weck jar for this batch! Being a smaller batch, I love that it's easy to use up this dressing before it goes bad.
You can use this vinaigrette in salads, grain bowls, pasta salads, or as a sauce to drizzle over meats and fish. I especially love the way it can tie together a bowl recipe with grains, veggies, and protein. You could drizzle it over this peach basil balsamic chicken or use it to dip your easy air fryer squash. See the pairing section below for additional recommendations!
So glad you asked! Try adding fresh basil to this caprese pasta salad with grapes, blend it up into this peach basil gazpacho, or make some pesto for this fresh pesto potato salad.
Pairing Ideas
Basil vinaigrette is so versatile! Below are a few recipes I recommend enjoying it with:
Did you make this basil vinaigrette recipe? Don't forget to leave a star rating 🌟 and comment below, and tag me on Instagram and Pinterest so I can see what you made!
📖 Recipe
Small Batch Homemade Basil Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ½ cup, ~4 servings 1x
Description
This small batch homemade basil vinaigrette recipe is perfect for using up fresh summer basil! Use it as a healthy salad dressing for any salad, grain bowls, pasta salads, or even drizzled over meats, fish, and roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ shallot, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp maple syrup or natural cane sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ tsp salt (taste and adjust)
- â…› tsp pepper
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Add ingredients. Combine all ingredients in your blender or food processor.
- Blend. Blend until completely smooth, then taste and adjust salt if needed.
Notes
- Storage. Basil vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight jar or container in the fridge and is best enjoyed within a week.
- Serving ideas. Serve basil vinaigrette with any salad, pasta salad, grilled/roasted veggies, meat, or seafood. Even dipping bread (grilled, anyone?) is delicious as an appetizer.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 291.9 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.9 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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