This homemade basil vinaigrette is a delicious salad dressing that's also perfect as a sauce for bowl recipes, pasta salad, or even drizzled over meat or fish! Reminiscent of pesto, this healthy salad dressing will help you use up that summer basil in a just whir of your blender.
I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for ways to use up my fresh herbs before they go bad! Pesto is a go-to, but lately I've been using up my fresh basil in this amazing homemade basil vinaigrette because it tastes amazing with the bounty of summer produce.
It's equally delicious on salads or pasta salads, or even drizzled over meat or fish (especially if grilled in summer!). Not to mention, this recipe makes a small batch so it's much easier to use up within a week of being your fridge. Let's make it!
The Ingredients
Homemade basil vinaigrette is super easy to make and allows you take advantage of fresh summer basil. Here's what you need:
- Extra virgin olive oil - A standard base for any vinaigrette.
- Red wine vinegar - A little bit of vinegar brings an acidic balance to any vinaigrette, creating delicious flavor.
- Dijon mustard - Just a small amount helps emulsify vinaigrette and add flavor.
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Maple syrup or natural cane sugar - Just a teaspoon to balance out the flavors.
- Lemon
- Fresh basil leaves - Because this recipe makes a smaller batch, you'll use up 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 whole recipe.
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make It
Making this basil vinaigrette is as easy as a whir in the blender! All you need to do is combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Feel free to taste and adjust, too! If you feel like it's bitter or too vinegar-y, add a bit more maple syrup or natural cane sugar. If you feel like it could use a flavor pop, try a bit more salt. The beautiful thing about homemade vinaigrette is that you can make small adjustments to get the exact flavor you want.
Step 1: Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a blender.
Step 2: Blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust salt if desired.
Storage
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 within a week.
Serving Ideas
This basil vinaigrette is more than just a salad dressing! It is delicious drizzled over meat, seafood, or roasted/grilled veggies. Don't forget about pasta salads, or even a dip for grilled bread. If you think you'll need more throughout the week or want enough for a salad to serve a crowd, you can easily double this recipe.
More Basil Recipes!
Reduce food waste this summer by whipping up that fresh basil into this delicious vinaigrette, or incorporate more basil into your meals throughout the week. Here are some of my faves:
- Peach Basil Balsamic Chicken and Goat Cheese (skillet meal!)
- Late Summer Veggie Pasta Salad
- Fruit Caprese Pasta Salad
- BLT Panzanella
Or, you can't go wrong with some good old homemade basil pesto.
Did you make this 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!
PrintRecipe
Small Batch Homemade Basil Vinaigrette
This small batch, homemade basil vinaigrette recipe is perfect for using up fresh summer basil! Use it as a healthy salad dressing or even for pasta salad or bowls.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 oz. 1x
- Category: Salad dressing
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
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)
- ⅛ tsp pepper
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
- 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.
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