Basil dressing is a simple, fresh vinaigrette that turns any basic salad into something special. Blended fresh basil, olive oil, and a touch of acidity come together into a bright green dressing that’s just as good drizzled over a caprese salad as it is tossed with mixed greens or spooned over grilled chicken. It comes together in just a few minutes with a blender.
Why Make Basil Dressing at Home
Store-bought dressings often use dried herbs or basil-flavored oil rather than actual fresh basil, resulting in a flatter, less vibrant flavor. Blending fresh basil directly into the dressing gives you a much brighter, more fragrant result — and it’s ready in about 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
- A blender or food processor
- A jar or airtight container for storage
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the basil
Wash the basil leaves and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
Add the basil, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, parmesan (if using), honey, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
Step 3: Blend
Blend on high for about 30-45 seconds, until the dressing is smooth and vibrant green, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed — more lemon juice or vinegar for brightness, more honey for sweetness, or more salt if needed.
Step 5: Store or serve
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container. Serve immediately over salad, or refrigerate until ready to use.
Ways to Use Basil Dressing
- Toss with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella for a quick caprese-style salad.
- Drizzle over sliced tomatoes and burrata.
- Use as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Spoon over roasted or grilled vegetables.
- Drizzle over a pasta salad in place of a heavier mayo-based dressing.
Tips for the Best Basil Dressing
- Use fresh basil, not dried — dried basil won’t give you that same bright, vibrant flavor or color.
- Adjust the consistency with a little more olive oil if you prefer a thinner dressing, or use less for a thicker, more spreadable version.
- Taste before adding all the salt, especially if using parmesan, since it adds its own saltiness.
- Make it dairy-free by simply omitting the parmesan cheese.
Storage
Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The dressing may separate slightly as it sits — just give it a good shake or stir before using.
Final Thoughts
Basil dressing is a quick, versatile way to use fresh basil beyond just pesto, adding bright, herby flavor to salads, marinades, and roasted vegetables alike. Once you’ve made a batch, it’s easy to keep on hand for quick, flavorful meals all week.
