--- title: "Lemon Basil Vinaigrette" url: https://www.whiskaffair.com/basil-vinaigrette-recipe/ date: 2021-03-23 modified: 2023-08-12 lang: en author: "Neha Mathur" description: "Make this bright green and full-of-flavor Lemon Basil Vinaigrette in 5 minutes using simple pantry staples. Here are a few more salad dressing recipes: Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, Hibachi Ginger Salad..." categories: - "American" - "Salads" image: https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Basil-Vinaigrette-2-3.jpg word_count: 978 --- # Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Make this bright green and full-of-flavor** Lemon Basil Vinaigrette** in 5 minutes using simple pantry staples. Here are a few more salad dressing recipes: [Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette](https://www.whiskaffair.com/strawberry-vinaigrette/), [Hibachi Ginger Salad Dressing](https://www.whiskaffair.com/hibachi-salad-dressing-recipe/), and [Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing](https://www.whiskaffair.com/lemon-garlic-salad-dressing-recipe/). ![Lemon basil vinaigrette served in a glass bottle.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Basil-Vinaigrette-2-1.jpg) ## About This Recipe I recently stumbled upon the most delightful homemade dressing—**Lemon Basil Vinaigrette**—and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for any dish! Vibrant summer basil, the finest extra virgin olive oil, a hint of garlic, and zesty lemon juice combine to create a symphony of flavor. It's like a **taste of sunshine in every bite.** **What's fantastic about this dressing is its versatility**. Sure, it's perfect drizzled over a crisp salad, but it doesn't stop there. I've used it in various dishes – from marinating grilled veggies to jazzing sandwiches and even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. The possibilities are endless! And the best part? This recipe is a breeze to whip up. With just a handful of pantry staples and five minutes of your time, you'll have a jar full of this **vibrant green goodness** ready to elevate any meal. Not only does it pack a punch in the flavor department, but it's also a winner regarding dietary preferences. **Whether you're vegan, watching your carb intake, or must steer clear of gluten,** this Basil Vinaigrette has you covered. So why settle for store-bought dressings when you can create something fresh and flavorful in your kitchen? Try this recipe, and **get ready to elevate your dishes** to a new level. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! ## Ingredients ![Lemon basil vinaigrette ingredients](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Lemon-Basil-Vinaigrette-ingredients.jpg) **Basil** - Use Italian basil (sweet basil) to make the vinaigrette. Select fresh green basil leaves without any black marks on them. **Extra Virgin Olive Oil **- Make sure you use a very good oil, as quality plays an important role in** **taste. Olive oil can be replaced with avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil. **Lemon Juice **- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. You can replace it with lime juice, orange juice, white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or sherry vinegar. **Garlic **- Do not miss this one! Garlic gives a beautiful, garlicky flavor to the dressing. If you like garlic, add a few more cloves than mentioned in the recipe. You can also add garlic powder instead, but fresh garlic has its flavor. **Salt and Black Pepper **enhance the taste. You can also add a few red pepper flakes to give the dressing a spicy kick. You can also add some honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Add some Dijon mustard if you want the dressing to be stronger in flavor. ## How To Make Lemon Basil Vinaigrette ### Prepare The Basil Remove the basil leaves from the stems and discard the stems. Measure 2 cups of lightly packed leaves (approx 4 oz) and wash them well with water. Drain the extra water well. You can use a salad spinner to spin the extra water. ### Make The Dressing Add the following ingredients to the small jar of a blender or food processor. - 2 cups Italian basil leaves (packed) - 2 whole peeled garlic cloves - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 10-12 whole black peppercorns - 1/2 tsp salt Blend for 60 seconds until the liquid ingredients blend well with basil and garlic. **Note **- If you are using a food processor with a large jar, you might want to double the recipe for proper blending. The same goes for Vitamix, as it has wide blades, and a small batch will be difficult to blend properly. ![All the ingredients added to a blender.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Lemon-Basil-Vinaigrette-Step-1.jpg) Transfer the vinaigrette to a clean glass jar. Use as and when required. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 4 months. Mix well before use. ![Ready basil vinaigrette.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Lemon-Basil-Vinaigrette-Step-2.jpg) ## Storage Suggestions While*** ***storing the dressing, try to cover it with a **thin layer of olive oil**. It prevents oxidation and retains the bright green color of the dressing. This basil salad dressing will last about** a week** in the fridge when appropriately stored in an airtight container (preferably glass) or mason jar. Sweet basil vinaigrette*** *freezes well,* ***too. You can freeze it in ice cube trays for up to four months. Take out one frozen cube, thaw it, and use it. ![Make this bright green and full-of-flavor Lemon Basil Vinaigrette in just 5 minutes using simple pantry staples (vegan, low-carb, gluten-free).](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Basil-Vinaigrette-2-3-150x150.jpg) [ Print Recipe](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wprm_print/easy-lemon-basil-vinaigrette-recipe-salad-dressing) - 5 from 1 vote ## Easy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe (Salad Dressing) Make this bright green and full-of-flavor** Lemony Basil Vinaigrette** in just*** ***5 minutes using simple pantry staples. Prep Time2 minutes minsCook Time2 minutes minsTotal Time4 minutes mins Course: Salad DressingCuisine: American, ContinentalDiet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetarian Servings: 6 people Calories: 165kcal Author: [Neha Mathur](https://www.whiskaffair.com/about-me/) ### Ingredients 2 cups fresh Italian basil approx 4 oz- 2 whole peeled garlic cloves- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil - 10-12 whole black peppercorns- ½ teaspoon saltUS Customary - Metric ### Instructions #### Prepare The Basil - Remove the basil leaves from the stems and discard the stems. Measure 2 cups of lightly packed leaves (approx 4 oz) and wash them well with water.- Drain the extra water well. You can use a salad spinner to spin the extra water. #### Make The Dressing - Add all the ingredients to the small jar of a blender or a food processor and blend for 60 seconds until basil and garlic are blended well with the liquid ingredients.- **Note **– If you are using a food processor with a large jar, you might want to double the recipe for proper blending. The same goes for Vitamix as it has wide blades and a small batch will be difficult to blend properly.- Transfer the vinaigrette to a clean glass jar. Use as and when required. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 4 months. Mix well before use. ### Video ### Notes If your dressing is thick and you want a thinner consistency, add a little water to thin it out. While storing the dressing, try to cover it with a thin layer of olive oil. It prevents oxidation and retains the bright green color of the dressing. If you want the dressing to be*** ***stronger in flavor, add some Dijon mustard. ### Nutrition Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 195mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg