This lemony fresh homemade basil vinaigrette is so easy to make. Blend it up in under 5 minutes and drizzle it on everything from salad to grilled or roasted vegetables and eggs. It’s the best way to use up your garden fresh basil!
This fresh basil vinaigrette is good on everything. I’m not exaggerating when I say that. I’ve been making it since last summer and it’s my favorite way to use up garden-fresh basil.
I drizzle it onto raw and cooked vegetables – either from the grill or roasted – and I’ve also added it to scrambled eggs to jazz them up. You can use it as a basic salad dressing too.
How to make homemade vinaigrette dressing
To make this dressing, you only need a few fresh ingredients and a good blender. If you’re growing summer basil and wondering how to use up a bunch of it in a hurry, this is your answer.
Each batch includes a cup of fragrant fresh basil leaves. And you can even toss in a few of the stems – exact measures are not required here.
Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrus flavor that goes well with the basil. Skip the stuff in the bottle – the vinaigrette will not be the same. Trust me. And while we are talking about fresh, toss in a couple of cloves of fresh garlic.
I used two rather large cloves because I like the extra bite. And you don’t have to mince it – just peel the garlic cloves and smash them a bit before adding to the blender.
The extra virgin olive oil brings it all together. It emulsifies the dressing and adds incredible flavor. I usually use a California olive oil with a nice fruity essence.
I used my NutriBullet to blend the vinaigrette. Depending on the size of your blender, you may need to double the recipe to make it go. This is a good “problem” to have because it will double your yield – which once you taste it, you’ll know that’s a really good thing! I don’t recommend adding water but I guess it could work in a pinch.
Ways to use up fresh basil
This Sweet Corn Basil Salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy extra summer basil. And really, you could just combine the basil vinaigrette with sweet corn and call that done!
You can also blend it up for these No-Cook Pesto Zoodles. It’s a perfect salad for the summer. Especially when it’s still too hot to turn on the stove!
I typically keep my basil with the roots in water to help extend the life of the basil. I love making pesto with it and freezing for later too.
Be sure to tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe and show me how you use it! And course PIN it for safekeeping!
Easy Homemade Basil Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- coarse salt to taste
Instructions
- Add vinaigrette ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Toss your vegetables with a little of the vinaigrette or drizzle it on as a topping.
Sherri @ WatchLearnEat
Yes! I seriously NEED this! I have plenty of basil that needs to be used and I LOVE homemade dressings! Pinning! 🙂
Marisa
Tis the season for lots and lots of basil vinaigrette! I’ve been making and putting it on everything. Hope you enjoy it too!
Michelle
Ohh. This looks amazing. We’re doing a crop share this year, so we’re going to have lots of fresh herbs. Will definitely remember this recipe!
Marisa
Thanks, Michelle! And lucky you. This would probably work well with parsley and other soft herbs too!
Monica | Nourish & Fete
This sounds absolutely incredible, especially drizzled on those amazing roasted veggies! Makes me wish I had my own giant basil plant, but this is worth buying it for, no doubt about it!
Marisa
Yes, it is definitely worth buying for. And thanks!
Lizzie
I normally just stick to the same old vinaigrette but this looks amazing! I have a basil plant going to seed on my windowsill, I’ll have to make a batch!
Marisa
Don’t let it go to seed… definitely make this!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
I love basil vinaigrette at this time of year. Typically I use red wine vinegar in mine though. I love the use of lemon juice! Sounds so fresh!
Marisa
MMM! I love the idea of using red wine vinegar next time. Will try that!
Tammy
How long does it last?
Marisa
Hi Tammy, The batch is small so I haven’t had a ton of leftovers. Because of the lemon juice, I’d try to use it up in 2-3 days max to avoid oxidation and bitterness.
Christie
NEW OBSESSION
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I was looking for a new dressing to make at home/try because I was getting bored with my old one. This is so light and refreshing tasting. Smells good too!