Small Batch Homemade Basil Vinaigrette

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.

this recipe

Looking to make the most of your fresh herbs before they spoil? If you're anything like me, you're constantly looking for creative ways to use them up. While homemade pesto is a staple, sometimes we just need to keep our kitchens interesting and switch up our sauce habits.

Enter this delightful homemade basil vinaigrette recipe! It elevates salads, pasta dishes, and even meats or fish, particularly when grilled. Plus, this recipe is small-batch, making it easy to use it all within a week of storing it in your fridge. After testing this flavorful salad dressing recipe many times over, I can assure you it's a winner. Let's dive in and whip up a batch!

Jump to:

• The Ingredients
• Substitution and Variation Ideas
• Instructions
• Pro Tip
• Basil Vinaigrette FAQs
• Pairing Ideas
• 📖 Recipe

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.
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Maple syrup
• Salt + pepper

Substitution and Variation Ideas

If you know how to make the recipe fit a certain diet, let the reader know here. Don't fake it - only provide guidance on topics you have actual experience with.

• 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.

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!

Basil Vinaigrette FAQs

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!