Basil Vinaigrette Recipe

Elevate your salads, grilled veggies, and sandwiches with this vibrant Basil Vinaigrette, adapted from the Rebar cookbook! This versatile recipe is incredibly easy to make and adds a burst of fresh basil flavor to any dish. Perfect for a light and zesty salad dressing, a flavorful marinade for grilled vegetables, or a delightful drizzle on a mouthwatering artichoke, tomato, lettuce, Spanish onion, and fontina cheese sandwich on crusty Italian bread. Enjoy a vegan-friendly version by simply swapping honey for maple syrup. Get ready to experience flavor perfection!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Calories 351.9 kcal
Protein 12g
Rating 4.2 (6 Reviews)
Basil Vinaigrette

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basil Vinaigrette

  • Garlic Cloves
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Cracked Pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

How to Make Basil Vinaigrette

  1. Combine 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan), 1 small garlic clove (minced), and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor.
  2. Process until smooth and well combined.
  3. With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until a creamy emulsion forms.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

72 g

Sugar

22g

Fat

20g

Carbs

4g