This Lemon Basil Dressing is summer in a jar. In just 5 minutes, the fresh lemon and basil come together with simple pantry ingredients to create a light, fresh vinaigrette. It's perfect for crisp salads, grilled veggies, pasta or quinoa - anywhere that needs a pop of sunny flavor.
With more than 40 ideas in our lemon recipes collection, we have definitely learned a thing or two about this bright citrus fruit. From sweet to savory favorites, there is plenty to make when you're staring at that big bag of lemons on the counter.
While a lot of recipes are thick like a pesto, this Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe is light and pourable like a true vinaigrette. The brightness of lemon and herbiness of fresh basil are a perfect match. I tested it over and over to get the right amount of basil for that fresh pop without overwhelming the citrus flavor.
A quick and easy homemade salad dressing is one of our favorite ways to make salads more interesting. Next time you want to make your salad sing, try our spicy jalapeno lime dressing, sweet white balsamic dressing, or this tangy Greek vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar.
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Why this recipe made the cut
Every recipe on Borrowed Bites gets tested, re-tested, and tasted by multiple groups to ensure it's something you can be proud to serve! Here's why this one earned its spot:
- Easy: Give the ingredients a quick blitz and boom, dressing's done!
- Versatile: Way more than just a salad dressing! Drizzle it on anything where you want bright citrus and herb flavor.
- Yummy: So much flavor! It's not overwhelming, just the right amount for it to be interesting.
Ingredients for lemon basil vinaigrette
This recipe only requires a few ingredients! Quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips.
- Lemon: Fresh lemons are essential because we use both the zest and the fresh lemon juice. Regular or Meyer lemons are both good choices.
- Basil: Fresh sweet basil is a must! The fresh flavor is what gives this dressing its color and herby flavor. If you use a spicy or Thai basil it will change the flavor.
- Oil: A good olive oil adds richness and brings everything together.
- Vinegar: White wine vinegar adds a little extra acidity without overpowering the lemon flavor.
- Honey: Just a touch of honey for natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and extra flavor.
- Onion powder: Granulated onion powder adds a savory note.
- Salt and pepper: We use kosher salt and black pepper.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make lemon basil dressing
Place all the ingredients in the bowl of a small food processor or a blender.
Hint: Use a microplane to get just the yellow lemon zest where all the essential oils are. Avoid the white pith underneath, since it will add a bitterness to the dressing.
How to serve
- Leafy greens: Butter lettuce, arugula, and mixed greens all would make a great base.
- Grains: Quinoa, farro, or brown rice added with the greens.
- Chicken: Chicken thighs, breasts, or tenderloins are all sponges to just soak up the flavor.
- Vegetables: Toss on grilled asparagus or zucchini.
- Pasta: Toss on orzo, penne, or farfalle for a fresh, bright pasta salad.
- Salad idea: Roasted corn, peach, and onion with candied nuts on butter lettuce.
Variations and substitutions
- Herbs: Try with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. Or combine a couple for a unique take.
- Mustard: Add a teaspoon of dijon or a little bit of mustard powder.
- Oil: Extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor, but neutral oil like avocado oil or light olive oil are good options.
- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar can be used if you want more tang.
- Heat: Add a little bit of red pepper flakes for a little spiciness.
How to store
This dressing will store for up to a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
If using extra virgin olive oil, the dressing will solidify in the refrigerator. If it does, allow it to come to room temperature before using, or pop in the microwave at 30% power for 10 seconds or so until soft. Give it a good shake before pouring.
Tips & tricks
- Since this recipe has just a few ingredients, it is worth it to make sure that they are quality ones.
- Vinaigrette dressings like this one commonly solidify in the refrigerator.
- The easiest way to get the zest into the dressing is to use a microplane, carefully removing the colorful skin where the flavor is but leaving behind the bitter white pith.
More recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup very tightly packed fresh basil leaves some small stems are ok (about .75 oz)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients in a food processor or blender for about 1 minute, until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.½ cup very tightly packed fresh basil leaves, ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 2 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon garlic minced, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or more to taste, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pour into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Since this recipe has just a few ingredients, it is worth it to make sure that they are quality ones.
- Vinaigrette dressings like this one commonly solidify in the refrigerator.
- The easiest way to get the zest into the dressing is to use a microplane, carefully removing the colorful skin where the flavor is but leaving behind the bitter white pith.
- Herbs: Try with chives, parsley, or thyme. Or even a combination.
- Mustard: Add a teaspoon of dijon or a little bit of mustard powder
- Oil: Extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor, but neutral oil like avocado oil or light olive oil are good options.
- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar can be used if you want more tang.
- Heat: Add a little bit of red pepper flakes for a little spiciness.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Quinn says
So yummy! I used it for a salad but it would also be amazing on grilled veggies or meat like the post suggests.
Danielle says
So happy to hear that you liked it!
Misty says
Super quick to make, and perfect for a summer salad!