This blender basil vinaigrette recipe is quick and easy to make with bright, fresh flavors and color. Use for salads, grain bowls, pasta salads, or for drizzling over grilled meats and veggies.
You might know how I love a healthier, fresher homemade dressing. This easy lemon vinaigrette and homemade Italian dressing are some favorites in our house.
Today, we're going light and bright and fresh with this lemon basil vinaigrette. It's so easy to make - just throw everything into the blender and let it go - and is ready in like 5 minutes.
Plus, it's more or less like 6 ingredients and many of them you probably have on hand. Bonus: you'll recognize all of the ingredients, unlike the label on some store-bought dressings.
(I totally buy them too, it's so convenient, so no judging. I just really love the freshness of a homemade version.)
This is one of those easy dressings or sauces that take your salad or bowl or grilled goods to a whole new level of delicious.
AND it's a great way to use up some excess garden basil when they really start to go crazy over the summer! (Basil pesto is also a good option.)
OK, let's get fixing.
Recipe Notes:
Basil: You need a full cup to make the full batch of this dressing, so be sure to buy or harvest enough.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps make good quality homemade vinaigrettes. However, it doesn't have to be anything fancy. I use and love the Costco brand extra virgin olive oil.
Lemon: This is my preferred citrus for this dressing, but you could also make it with lime juice.
Honey: Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you want it a little sweeter. You can also substitute a pinch of sugar if you'd rather.
Red pepper flakes: If you aren't a fan, you can substitute black pepper.
Also, you really do need a blender for this recipe to get it all the way combined and smooth. If you have one with a small smoothie style cup attachment, that should work fine for this quantity.
To note: This recipe uses a lot less oil than some other dressings. Which works for me. If you'd like to slowly drizzle in some extra oil to your blender as you're mixing this, have at it. I just haven't tested it that way.
Quantity: You can adjust the quantity to suit your needs. The recipe can be halved, doubled, tripled, etc., depending on how much dressing you need. As is, this is plenty for a decent size salad for 4-6 people.
And if you need a dish to pair it with, this Mediterranean orzo salad or Mediterranean quinoa salad both go so well with these flavors.
Or use for your favorite salads, grain bowls, pasta salads, or just for drizzling on top of grilled meats and veggies or kabobs.
I hope you try this basil vinaigrette soon!
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Blender Basil Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1-2 teaspoons honey, to taste (or a pinch of sugar)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender. You can use an individual cup/smoothie style cup attachment if you have one.
- Blend on low very well. Scrape down the sides, blend again until well mixed. Serve the vinaigrette immediately or store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
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Notes
Nutrition
Need more homemade dressings in your rotation? I've got you.
This blender balsamic blueberry vinaigrette just screams summer salads and is simply gorgeous.
Or try this creamy cilantro lime dressing that is so luscious and flavorful.
I'm also mildly obsessed with this homemade soy ginger dressing and using it on anything and everything that has a slightly Asian flair.
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