Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

Basil balsamic vinaigrette is the last dressing recipe you’ll ever need! It’s bursting with fresh basil and tangy balsamic vinegar with just a touch of sweetness thanks to the honey. Come see why this recipe is a staple favorite of my personal chef clients!

Why I Love This Recipe

After eight years as a personal chef, I can tell you with confidence: this basil balsamic vinaigrette was my clients’ FAVORITE salad dressing I made! The weekly request for this to be in the fridge never stopped.

It’s a fantastic way to make use of all that basil in bloom this summer (pesto, you’ve got competition!) The fresh herb’s bold flavor combined with the sweet notes of honey plus the richness of balsamic vinegar is downright irresistible.

Best of all, it’s so versatile! Yes, it’s going to make any salad absolutely sing… but you can also use balsamic basil vinaigrette to marinate salmon or chicken, dress for your pasta salad, drizzle over summer tomatoes, or even mix into a spoonful of mayo for an extra special sandwich spread.

Irresistible flavor? Check. Easy to make? Check. So deliciously versatile that you’ll want to put it on absolutely everything? I think you already know the answer!

What’s In Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette?

The magic of this vinaigrette is its simplicity. All you need is fresh basil leaves, rich olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a touch of sweet honey. That’s it!

Wondering how to make a balsamic vinaigrette with basil? I highly recommend using a blender. Blending is what allows the basil to completely combine with the other ingredients, leaving you with a very smooth dressing.

By slowly drizzling in the olive oil, you’ll emulsify the dressing so it can thicken up. This is what gives you that irresistible vinaigrette with the perfect texture!

Variations For Your Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

As much as I adore the classic rendition, don’t hesitate to add your own spin! There are so many fun ways you can add a twist to the flavor. 

Feeling adventurous? Incorporate a splash of citrus zest. Lemon, orange, or even a hint of lime would all be quite lovely.

Looking for a different kind of sweetness? Try using maple syrup or even brown sugar in place of the honey.

In the mood for a zing? A dash of Dijon mustard would introduce an extra layer of depth. And of course, you can never go wrong with fresh garlic!

What to Serve with Homemade Salad Dressing

• Chicken Cobb Salad — Replace the dressing in this recipe with basil balsamic vinaigrette.
• Mediterranean Chicken & Mushroom Burger Bowl — Drizzle over your bowl for an added punch of flavor.
• Panzanella Salad  — Swap out the plain oil for flavorful vinaigrette!
• Restaurant Style Ribeye  — This dressing would be glorious for the wilted spinach salad on the side!

How to Store Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette

This dressing will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Keep in mind that your vinaigrette will separate in the fridge, and that’s okay! Separation is natural! Just give it a good shake when you’re ready to use and everything will recombine.

Other delicious basil recipes

• Caprese Chicken Sandwich
• Copycat Panera Chicken Frontega Panini
• Grilled Caprese Pizza
• Rose Pasta

Print