Easy Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
If you have fresh basil on hand, this basil balsamic vinaigrette is one of the easiest ways to turn it into something really flavorful. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this basil balsamic dressing comes together quickly in the blender and works for everything from simple green salads to tomato salads and even pasta salad. It’s fresh, slightly tangy, and one of those easy salad dressing recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
I’ve been making my own salad dressings for years after realizing how easy they are to make at home with better ingredients. This one started as a way to use up the abundance of basil I grow every summer and quickly became a staple. I love the combination of basil and balsamic vinegar, it reminds me of the flavors in a caprese salad, and once I tested it, I knew it was one I’d keep coming back to. It’s simple, reliable, and one of those recipes that makes you wonder why you ever bought dressing at the store.
If you enjoy this basil balsamic vinaigrette, there are a few other recipes you might want to try. My creamy basil salad dressing is a great option if you’re looking for something a little thicker, and the tahini balsamic dressing has a similar tangy flavor with a creamy twist. For an easy way to use this vinaigrette, my tomato basil salad is a simple, fresh option that pairs perfectly with these flavors.
Ingredient spotlight
This is not a full list of ingredients, but a spotlight on a few important ones. Please see the recipe card below for the full ingredient list.
- Fresh Basil – Fresh basil is essential for this recipe. Dried basil won’t give the same flavor, so be sure to use fresh for the best result.
- Balsamic Vinegar – The flavor of this dressing really depends on the balsamic vinegar, so use one you enjoy. A good quality balsamic makes a big difference here since it’s such a key ingredient. I personally love the organic balsamic vinegar from Trader Joe’s.
- Olive Oil – With so few ingredients, the olive oil matters. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If possible, look for one sourced from a single region.
Step by step instructions
Add basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, garlic powder and water to a high speed blender. Blend on high 1-2 minutes until the basil is completely broken down.
Tips for success
- Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey to balance the tanginess.
- Add Dijon for emulsifying – If you’re having trouble getting the dressing to come together, a small spoonful of Dijon mustard can help emulsify and slightly thicken it.
- Add fresh garlic for more flavor – If you love garlic, add 1 to 2 cloves of fresh garlic along with the garlic powder for extra flavor.
Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette (Easy Homemade Dressing)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all the ingredient for the dressing to the blender.¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoon water, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Blend on high 1 minute until smooth.
Recipe Notes
- Remove thick basil stems – Remove the thicker stems before blending so the dressing is smooth and not stringy.
- Use a blender or food processor – You’ll need a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to fully break down the basil and create a smooth dressing.
- Let it sit if oil solidifies – If the olive oil solidifies in the fridge, let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 5 to 15 minutes, then shake well.
- Scaling the recipe – This recipe doubles well. Just make sure your blender or food processor has enough space to handle the larger volume.
- Store properly – Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
Nutrition Information
Ways to use balsamic basil dressing
This basil balsamic vinaigrette is one of those dressings you can use in a lot of different ways. It’s great over simple green salads or tossed into pasta salad for an easy flavor boost.
I also love using it on sandwiches and wraps in place of other dressings to add a little extra flavor. And in the summer, it’s really good drizzled over air fryer tomatoes or air fryer roasted zucchini, or spooned over quick blistered tomatoes for an easy side.
