The Best Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
This basil balsamic vinaigrette is everything you love about classic balsamic dressing with a fresh, herby twist. The addition of basil makes it vibrant and flavorful, perfect for tomato salads, pasta salads, or your favorite greens.
Since 2014, I’ve been making my own salad dressings to keep ingredients simple and flavors bold. This balsamic and basil vinaigrette has just 6 ingredients, comes together in 5 minutes, and delivers rich, consistent flavor every time.
If you love this basil and balsamic vinaigrette, don’t miss my creamy basil dressing or thick and tangy tahini balsamic dressing, both are quick to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredient spotlight
- Fresh basil – Fresh basil is a must for this recipe. It brings the bright, herby flavor that gives the vinaigrette its signature taste. Dried basil just doesn’t deliver the same fresh punch.
- Balsamic vinegar – Use a balsamic vinegar you love, since it’s one of the main flavors in the dressing. A good quality vinegar will make the vinaigrette rich, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Balsamic and Basil Vinaigrette
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.
Notes
- Remove thick basil stems before blending for the best texture.
- Want it sweeter? Add 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey to balance the tanginess.
- Having trouble emulsifying? A small spoonful of Dijon mustard can help the oil and vinegar blend and thicken.
- Oil solidified in the fridge? Let the vinaigrette sit at room temp for 5–15 minutes, then shake well to bring it back together.
- Big garlic fan? Add 1–2 cloves of fresh garlic along with the garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before each use.
Nutrition Information
Ways to use balsamic basil vinaigrette
- Green salads – Drizzle over mixed greens for a quick, flavorful side.
- Antipasto salads – Pairs perfectly with olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
- Caprese salad – Adds bold, herby flavor to fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Pasta salad – Toss with cooked pasta, veggies, and a protein for a light meal.
- Sandwiches, wraps, or pitas – Use in place of mayo or pesto for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Roasted or air-fried veggies – Try it over blistered tomatoes, air fryer tomatoes, air fryer zucchini or air fryer zucchini and squash.
Common questions
Do you have to use a blender?
Blending the basil with the rest of the ingredients gives you the best flavor. I recommend using a blender, immersion blender or food processor.
Can I double the recipe easily?
Absolutely. This recipe scales well. Just be sure your blender or food processor has enough space to handle the volume.
