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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free

    Jan 18, 2023 by Lindsey Jenkins · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    If you still aren’t making homemade vinaigrettes, this basil balsamic vinaigrette is your sign to start. It's creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Use it for salads, proteins, and so much more.

    I can’t remember the last time I bought salad dressing because I know whatever I make at home is going to be exponentially better than anything at the store. Whether it's dairy-free ranch dressing, poppy seed dressing, or carrot ginger dressing. Fresh, homemade is always best.

    Ingredients

    • Extra virgin olive oil - a flavorful base for any homemade vinaigrette.
    • Balsamic vinegar - choose a quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor, just make sure it's not a balsamic reduction (which is too thick and sweet).
    • Fresh basil - for the best flavor, use fresh instead of dried.
    • Raw honey - to bring out the natural sweetness in the balsamic and to help emulsify the dressing.
    • Dijon mustard - helps with flavor and emulsification.
    • Kosher salt and black pepper - to taste.

    How to Make Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

    There are a few methods you can use to make basil balsamic vinaigrette depending on the tools you have access to, but my preferred method is using a blender.

    Blender method

    Add all the ingredients except for the fresh basil to the base of your blender and blend on medium-high until well emulsified. Then add in the basil and pulse a couple of times until incorporated. Season with salt or pepper, to taste.

    Store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.

    Whisk method

    In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, dijon, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil with one hand while whisking with the other until it's well combined.

    Add in the chopped fresh basil and whisk to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

    Mason Jar Method

    Add all the ingredients including the chopped basil to a mason jar with a tightly sealed lid and vigorously shake until the dressing is well combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

    Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations

    Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.

    How can you make this basil balsamic vinaigrette using what you already have? Here are some ideas…

    • No fresh basil? - use another fresh herb in its place such as thyme or rosemary (1-2 tablespoons total).
    • No raw honey? - use maple syrup.
    • For a beautiful green dressing - use white balsamic vinegar instead.

    Storage

    Store in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week.

    Top Tip

    For the creamiest results, use a blender to properly emulsify the dressing.

    Salads to Enjoy This Dressing With

    • Chicken Mango Salad
    • Roasted Beet Salad
    • Peach Panzanella Salad
    • Massaged Kale Salad
    Homemade basil balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

    This basil balsamic vinaigrette is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Use it for salads, proteins, and so much more.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Author: Lindsey Jenkins

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon raw honey
    • kosher salt to taste
    • black pepper to taste
    • ½ cup fresh basil leaves

    Instructions

    Blender Method

    • Add all the ingredients except for the fresh basil to the base of your blender and blend on medium-high until well emulsified.
    • Then add in the basil and pulse a couple of times until incorporated. Season with more salt or pepper, to taste.
    • Store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.

    Whisk Method

    • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, dijon, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil with one hand while whisking with the other until it's well combined.
    • Add in the chopped fresh basil and whisk to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

    Mason Jar Method

    • Add all the ingredients including the chopped basil to a mason jar with a tightly sealed lid and vigorously shake until the dressing is well combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

    Notes

    This recipe makes just under 1 cup of dressing.
    Substitutions & Variations:
    No fresh basil? - use another fresh herb in its place such as thyme or rosemary (1-2 tablespoons total).
    No raw honey? - use maple syrup.
    For a beautiful green dressing - use white balsamic vinegar instead.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Carol Gamell says

      January 20, 2023 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      We are a basic olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing family. My husband has made it this way for 59 years. Sometimes I like a poppy seed dressing. But Lindsey, I’m going to try this newest drsg this evening. It sound good!

      Reply
      • Lindsey says

        March 03, 2023 at 5:46 pm

        I'm just now seeing your comment, but I hope you loved it, Carol! I know it's hard to deviate from our go-tos so I appreciate you giving it a go!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Lindsey. A Nourishing Plate is where I create adaptable dairy free recipes using wholesome ingredients. My make-it-your-way approach will help you eliminate overwhelm, build kitchen confidence, and cook with more ease, no matter how you eat. Many recipes are also gluten free, with plenty of plant based options.

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