Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette (For Salad, Marinating, and More!)

If you took a peak inside my fridge, you'd probably notice something unusual - there is no bottled salad dressing (well, except for the ranch dressing my fiancé can't live without).

Several years ago, I started making my own salad dressings for a few reasons.

First, they simply taste better than store-bought. The flavors are so much fresher and more nuanced. Second, there are no preservatives or added sugars. And finally, they're quick, easy, and usually less expensive!

This basil balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorites because of its bright, fresh flavors. It pairs well with everything from a simple garden salad to Caprese.

Today, I’m walking you through how to make the best basil balsamic vinaigrette, including which ingredients to use, tips for success, and some of my favorite ways to use this easy homemade salad dressing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Bright, Fresh Flavor- Tangy balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and garlic give this balsamic vinaigrette so much flavor.
• Better Than Store-Bought- Bottled dressing is often full of added sugars and preservatives. Not only does this homemade vinaigrette taste better but it's also better for you, too!
• No special equipment- Just a mixing bowl, whisk, and a little arm power (but not too much!).
• Ready in 10 Minutes- With minimal prep work, this easy basil balsamic vinaigrette can be made in 10 minutes or less!
• Versatile- Use it for salads, marinating, dipping, and drizzling over roasted vegetables.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Balsamic Vinegar- Lends a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing. Opt for the highest-quality balsamic vinegar you can find for the best flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Again, use the highest-quality olive oil you can since this vinaigrette is oil-based.
• Basil- Adds an herbaceous, anise-like flavor to the dressing that pairs well with Italian dishes. I typically leave the basil chopped, but you can also blend it into the dressing for a more intense basil flavor and smoother consistency.
• Dijon Mustard- Acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar stay together.
• Honey- Adds a little sweetness to the vinaigrette, balancing the tanginess of the vinegar.
• Garlic- Grating or finely mincing the garlic allows its flavor to disperse more evenly throughout the dressing.
• Kosher Salt- I prefer to use kosher salt because it does not contain any added sugar or anti-caking agents like table salt often does.
• Black Pepper- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.

🌱 Sustainability Tip: Grow basil at home for the freshest, most flavorful dressing. This also helps reduce food waste and food transportation pollution.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways you can try customizing this easy basil balsamic vinaigrette recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

Substitutions

• Balsamic Vinegar- While the flavor of the dressing will be different, you can substitute sweet balsamic vinegar with white balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or red wine vinegar.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Swap extra virgin olive oil for avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a milder flavor.
• Basil- Replace fresh basil with up to one tablespoon of dried basil. Alternatively, use other fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
• Dijon Mustard- Substitute dijon mustard with with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard.
• Honey- Maple syrup, brown sugar, or granulated sugar can be used in place of honey.
• Garlic- Swap fresh garlic for 1-2 cloves of roasted garlic or ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Kosher Salt- A pinch of table salt or sea salt can be used instead of kosher salt.
• Black Pepper- Use red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper instead of black pepper for a spicy kick.

Variations

• Herbed- Try using a blend of fresh herbs to give this balsamic vinaigrette a bolder, more herby flavor.
• Citrus- Add a few tablespoons of fresh orange juice, lemon juice, or lime juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
• Soy Sauce- Add a tablespoon or two of soy sauce for a salty, umami flavor.
• Spicy- Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.

How to Make Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

Here is how to make balsamic vinaigrette with basil.

Step 1: Prepare the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, grated garlic, dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Whisk together. Place the mixing bowl on a kitchen towel to keep it steady. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Emulsify the olive oil. To emulsify the dressing, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously.

🌿 Optional: Transfer the whisked vinaigrette to a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture and more intense basil flavor. Blend until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Serve or store. Use immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips for Success

Make this balsamic basil vinaigrette recipe successfully the first time using these helpful kitchen tips.

• Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. This basil balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing is all about fresh flavor. I recommend splurging on the highest-quality ingredients you can. And don't skip the fresh basil and garlic!
• Use a kitchen towel. Place the mixing bowl on a kitchen towel to prevent it from sliding around on the counter while you whisk in the olive oil.
• Season to taste. Taste the vinaigrette before serving and adjust the seasoning. You can add more garlic, basil, honey, salt, and pepper to suit your tastes. Remember that the flavors will become more noticeable after the dressing sits for a while.
• Shake or whisk to emulsify again. Before using leftovers, give it a good shake or stir to remix the ingredients.

How to Use Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

This basil balsamic vinaigrette is a bright and flavorful dressing that pairs well with both leafy green salads and grain salads alike. Try it on this spinach caprese salad, strawberry spinach salad, arugula quinoa salad, or quinoa farro salad.

But, don't limit this creamy basil balsamic dressing to just salads. It makes a delicious meat marinade, too! Use it to marinate grilled chicken, steak tips, shrimp, salmon, and more.

Finally, turn this homemade balsamic vinaigrette into a dipping oil for crusty sourdough bread, breadsticks, dinner rolls, or garlic bread. Or drizzle it over roasted vegetables, like these maple balsamic Brussels sprouts.

How to Store

• Room Temperature- Do not leave this dressing at room temperature for longer than 2 hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Refrigerator- Keep any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Use a mason jar for easy shaking before each use. If the oil hardens, allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Freezer- Do not freeze this dressing as it will change the texture and flavor of the fresh basil.

Make Ahead

This basil balsamic vinaigrette dressing can be made up to one week ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

For optimal flavor, I recommend making it at least a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to melt together. This will result in a better-tasting, more balanced dressing when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

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