A good salad dressing can completely transform a simple bowl of greens. This easy Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette combines fresh basil, tangy balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for a flavorful homemade dressing that comes together in just a few minutes.
It is fresh, herby, slightly sweet, and perfectly tangy. Drizzle it over green salads, pasta salad, tomatoes, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for an easy way to add more flavor to everyday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
Fresh and flavorful ingredients
This homemade Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette is made with simple ingredients that create a delicious balance of flavors. Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic taste, while balsamic vinegar provides tanginess and gentle sweetness.
Extra-virgin olive oil gives the dressing a smooth and rich texture. Garlic adds savory depth, Dijon mustard helps bring the ingredients together, and honey balances the acidity of the vinegar.
Quick 5-minute preparation
This is an easy, no-cook salad dressing that can be ready in about 5 minutes. Simply blend or whisk the ingredients together, taste the dressing, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Because it does not require cooking, this recipe is especially useful for busy weeknights, summer meals, and last-minute salads.
Better than store-bought dressing
Making your own balsamic dressing allows you to control every ingredient. You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, salt, garlic, and basil according to your taste.
Homemade dressing also has a fresher flavor than many bottled options. You can prepare a small batch whenever you need it and use it for several different meals throughout the week.
Versatile ways to use it
Although this basil balsamic dressing is delicious on a simple green salad, it can be used in many other ways. Try it with tomatoes and mozzarella, spoon it over roasted vegetables, or use it as a marinade for grilled chicken.
It also adds a fresh, tangy flavor to pasta salad, grain bowls, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh basil leaves
Fresh basil is the main flavor in this vinaigrette. Use bright green basil leaves without dark spots or wilted edges. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly before using them.
Drying the basil is important because excess water can slightly dilute the dressing. You can use the leaves whole if you are blending the vinaigrette, or chop them finely if you are whisking it by hand.
Balsamic vinegar and olive oil
Balsamic vinegar gives this dressing its signature deep color, sweet-tangy flavor, and pleasant acidity. Use a balsamic vinegar that you enjoy, since its flavor will be noticeable in the finished vinaigrette.
Extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and helps balance the sharpness of the vinegar. A mild or medium-flavored olive oil works well so it does not overpower the fresh basil.
Garlic and Dijon mustard
A small garlic clove adds savory flavor and makes the dressing taste more complete. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use half a clove or replace fresh garlic with a small pinch of garlic powder.
Dijon mustard adds subtle sharpness and helps the oil and vinegar blend into a smoother emulsion. It is not meant to dominate the dressing, so a small amount is enough.
Honey and seasoning
Honey adds a gentle sweetness that balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. You can add more or less depending on the type of vinegar you use and your personal preference.
Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste it before serving and adjust the seasoning until the flavors taste balanced.
Basic ingredient quantities
For one small jar of dressing, you can use:
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar.
- ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves.
- 1 small garlic clove.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey.
- ¼ teaspoon salt.
- A pinch of black pepper.
How to Make Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
Combine the ingredients
Add the balsamic vinegar, fresh basil leaves, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor.
If you are preparing the dressing by hand, finely chop the basil and garlic before adding them to a bowl or mason jar.
Blend or whisk until smooth
Blend the ingredients for about 20 to 30 seconds, or until the basil is finely chopped and the dressing looks mostly smooth.
For a hand-whisked version, slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking continuously. Adding the oil gradually helps create a smoother vinaigrette.
You can also add all the ingredients to a mason jar, close the lid tightly, and shake until combined.
Taste and adjust the flavor
Taste the dressing before serving. If it tastes too sharp, add a little more honey or olive oil. If it needs more acidity, add a small splash of balsamic vinegar.
You can also add extra basil for a stronger herb flavor, another pinch of salt for balance, or a little black pepper for gentle heat.
Serve immediately or chill
The vinaigrette can be used immediately, but allowing it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes gives the basil and garlic more time to flavor the dressing.
Pour it over your favorite salad just before serving. If the ingredients separate, shake or whisk the dressing again before drizzling.
Delicious Ways to Use This Homemade Dressing
Toss with green salads
Use this fresh basil vinaigrette to dress a simple bowl of mixed greens, lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
For a more filling salad, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, white beans, toasted nuts, crumbled feta, or sliced mozzarella. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed so the salad does not become too wet.
Drizzle over tomatoes and mozzarella
Basil balsamic vinaigrette is delicious with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. Arrange tomato slices and mozzarella on a plate, then drizzle the dressing over the top.
Add extra basil leaves, a little black pepper, and a pinch of salt for a simple Caprese-inspired salad.
Add to pasta salads and grain bowls
Stir the dressing into cooked and cooled pasta along with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
It also works well in grain bowls with quinoa, couscous, rice, roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and leafy greens. Add the dressing just before serving or use it to marinate the ingredients in advance.
Use as a marinade or vegetable dressing
This balsamic basil marinade works well with chicken, fish, tofu, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions.
For roasted vegetables, toss the vegetables with a small amount of dressing after cooking. Adding the vinaigrette at the end helps preserve its fresh basil flavor.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Make a vegan basil balsamic vinaigrette
To make this dressing vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
You can also leave out the sweetener if you prefer a sharper, more savory vinaigrette. Taste the dressing first, then add a small amount of maple syrup if it needs more balance.
Create a creamy version
For a creamy basil balsamic dressing, blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, tahini, or avocado.
A creamy version is especially good with crunchy salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches. Add the creamy ingredient gradually until the dressing reaches your preferred texture.
Use different herbs and flavors
You can customize this recipe with additional ingredients such as minced shallot, parsley, oregano, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes.
For a lighter flavor, replace part of the balsamic vinegar with lemon juice. For a sweeter dressing, add another teaspoon of honey. You can also use white balsamic vinegar for a milder color and flavor.
Store the vinaigrette properly
Pour the finished dressing into a clean jar with a tightly sealed lid and refrigerate it. Shake the jar well before serving because the oil and vinegar may naturally separate.
The olive oil may become cloudy or slightly firm when chilled. Let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake it again before using.
Frequently asked questions
How long does homemade basil balsamic vinaigrette last?
Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use it within several days for the freshest basil flavor. Check the dressing before serving and discard it if it develops an unusual smell, appearance, or flavor.
Can I make basil balsamic vinaigrette without honey?
Yes. You can leave out the honey or replace it with maple syrup. The dressing will be more tangy without a sweetener.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil provides the best flavor and color, but dried basil can be used when fresh basil is unavailable. Start with a small amount because dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Is basil balsamic vinaigrette vegan?
It can be vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey. Always check the labels of prepared ingredients if dietary restrictions are important.
Can this dressing be used as a marinade?
Yes. It works well as a marinade for vegetables, chicken, tofu, and some types of fish. Keep a portion separate for serving rather than reusing marinade that has contacted raw meat.
This easy Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette is a simple way to make salads and everyday meals more flavorful. With fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and a few pantry staples, you can prepare a bright homemade dressing that is ready in minutes.
Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar.
- ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves.
- 1 small garlic clove peeled.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey.
- ¼ teaspoon salt.
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions
- Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves thoroughly.
- Add the basil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the basil and garlic are finely chopped.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while blending until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning. Add more honey for sweetness, balsamic vinegar for acidity, or olive oil for a milder flavor.
- Pour the dressing into a clean jar and serve immediately, or refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Shake the jar well before serving because the oil and vinegar may naturally separate.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and color.
- Replace the honey with maple syrup to make the vinaigrette vegan.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- For a creamier dressing, blend in 1 to 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, avocado, or tahini.
- Store the vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and use it within several days for the freshest flavor.
