Level up your salads with a bright, fresh Basil Balsamic Dressing you can make in about five minutes with just a few pantry staples.
Homemade dressings are surprisingly easy, and adding fresh herbs like basil transforms a basic vinaigrette into something special.
Fresh basil delivers a bright, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with balsamic vinegar — the same herb that elevates caprese, margherita flatbreads, and pesto.
This Basil Balsamic Dressing is my go-to when I need to use up a bunch of basil. Add more or less basil to suit your taste; it’s forgiving and adaptable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy — Combine ingredients in a blender or use an immersion blender and pulse until smooth.
- Fresh flavor — Fresh basil gives a brightness store-bought dressings can’t match.
- Simple ingredients — Balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, Dijon, salt, and pepper are all you need.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh basil leaves — Use as much as you like. One cup (loosely packed) yields a pronounced basil flavor.
- White or regular balsamic vinegar — White balsamic keeps the vinaigrette lighter in color; regular balsamic works fine and gives a deeper flavor.
- Dijon mustard — A small amount helps emulsify the dressing and balances the vinegar.
- Olive oil — Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended; avocado oil can substitute.
- Garlic — One small clove is ideal; garlic powder can be used sparingly if needed.
How to Make This Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
Quick summary:
- Put all ingredients in a blender, food processor, or a tall container for an immersion blender.
- Blend for about one minute, or until smooth and at your desired consistency.
What to Make with Basil Balsamic Dressing
- Simple green salad — Serve mixed greens with the dressing on the side, and add cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices.
- Chicken marinade — Use as a flavorful marinade for chicken before grilling or baking.
- Pasta salad — Toss with cooked pasta, mozzarella or feta, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean-style pasta salad.
Dietitian Tip
Offer kids a couple of dressing choices with dinner. Letting them pick helps them feel included and increases exposure to new flavors without pressure.
Helpful Tips
- Add up to 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup if you prefer a slightly sweeter balance to the tangy vinegar.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in a glass jar or airtight container. A mason jar works well.
- Because this dressing contains fresh basil, refrigeration is recommended; bring to room temperature and shake before serving.
- If you want a thicker, oilier dressing, use more olive oil and less water.
Questions You May Have
Measure the oil and vinegar rather than guessing. Also include a bit of mustard to help emulsify the dressing and prevent separation.
Fresh basil typically lasts 1–3 days in the refrigerator. To extend life, place stems in a small jar of water like a bouquet, or grow a small basil plant and keep it watered and in sunlight.
Yes, rinse fresh herbs under cold water before using to remove dirt and grit.
Related Recipes
- Homemade Caesar Dressing
- Strawberry Salad Dressing
- Easy Mango Dressing
- Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing
More Salads & Salad Dressings
- Easy Kale (Tuscan) Salad
- Best Chicken Caesar Salad (Homemade!)
- Easy Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
- Easy Cold Asparagus Salad
Did you make this Basil Balsamic Dressing and love it? Please leave a comment and rating — a 5-star review is the best compliment!
Recipe
Basil Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
- Immersion blender or small blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar (or regular balsamic)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 small garlic clove (or up to 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender, food processor, or a tall container suitable for an immersion blender.
- Blend until smooth and at your preferred consistency, about one minute.
- Adjust salt, sweetness (a touch of honey or maple syrup if desired), or olive oil to taste. Chill and shake before serving.
Notes
- One cup loosely packed basil is roughly 21–28 leaves, depending on size.
- The basil flavor becomes noticeable at about 3/4 cup and pronounced at one cup.
- This dressing is thin; replace water with extra olive oil if you prefer a richer texture.
- If your salad includes salty cheese like feta, taste before adding more salt.
- When used as a chicken marinade, add a pinch of salt and black pepper before cooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 88 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Protein: 0.3 g
Fat: 8 g
Let us know how it was!