This Balsamic Basil Dressing is an easy, healthy vinaigrette that you’ll want to pour on just about everything! Tangy balsamic vinegar and fresh basil are blended with extra virgin olive oil to make a thick dressing that tastes like summer. You just need 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to make it.
Plus it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and Paleo with a vegan option.
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Why this recipe works
If you grow your own basil like I do, you know how quickly it can get out of control. One day you have a cute little basil plant in your garden, the next you’re wondering how many jars of homemade pesto you can give out to friends.
Luckily, this Balsamic Basil Dressing is another great way to use this fresh, fragrant herb. To make sure its flavor really shines, you don’t need a lot of other ingredients. Basil and balsamic vinegar are two classic Italian ingredients so it makes sense they would go together. You just blend them with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. A touch of honey helps balance everything since the vinegar can be quite strong.
The recipe makes a scant cup of dressing which is perfect for a large salad but you might want to double it since it’s so good. It would be great on this Peach Avocado Salad or this Strawberry Cucumber Salad. You can this basil balsamic vinaigrette to tuna salad or chicken salad or even drizzle it over fish and seafood (salmon, cod, shrimp, etc.), chicken, pork chops or eggs.
What you need
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup tightly packed fresh basil – There are actually lots of kinds of basil. Try to use Genovese (or Italian) basil, lemon basil or American basil (also known as lime basil).
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey – Use maple syrup or agave nectar to make the recipe vegan friendly.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – This is when you want to use the good stuff, not regular or “light” olive oil.
Equipment:
- a blender
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- a measuring glass
- a mason jar or other storage container for storage
How to make Balsamic Basil Dressing
Step 1: Add the basil, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper to a blender. Blend until the basil is broken down and everything is combined, about 2-3 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender jar if necessary.
Step 2: While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the oil through the opening in the lid (do not take off the lid or the oil will spray everywhere). Continue blending for another 30-60 seconds or until the dressing looks smooth and combined. Some green bits of basil are fine. It’s now ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For a totally different yet equally delicious flavor, replace the vinegar with the same amount of lemon juice.
You can use the same amount of flat-leaf parsley in place of the basil for a different, summery dressing.
If you want a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when blending the basil and vinegar.
If you want it to be creamy, add a d1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, yogurt of Greek yogurt with the basil and vinegar.
To make the recipe vegan friendly, use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of the honey.
The dressing will keep up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Shake it up well before using as it will separate as it sits. If the oil solidifies in the fridge, leave the dressing on the counter until it liquifies, about 20-30 minutes.
Yes, although it’s not ideal as it might lose some flavor. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. If the oil is still solid once it’s thawed, leave the dressing on the counter until it liquifies, about 20-30 minutes. If the dressing “breaks” (the oil and vinegar have completely separated), add the dressing to a blender and blend until combined. It may not get perfectly smooth again.
Yes. Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of the honey. Keep in mind: the darker the maple syrup, the stronger the flavor.
Other recipes you might like:
- Maple Balsamic Dressing
- Tahini Date Dressing
- Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing
- Peach, Avocado and Bacon Salad
Balsamic Basil Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tightly packed basil leaves see notes
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey see notes
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add the basil, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper to a blender. Blend until the basil is broken down and everything is combined, about 2-3 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender jar if necessary.
- While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the oil through the opening in the lid (do not take off the lid or the oil will spray everywhere). Continue blending for another 30-60 seconds or until the dressing looks smooth and combined. Some green bits of basil are fine. It's now ready to enjoy!Makes a scant 1 cup.
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