Name: Creamy Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 small garlic clove; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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This Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette is one of those homemade dressings that makes a simple salad taste so much better. It’s sweet, tangy and full of fresh basil flavor, with a creamy texture that comes from blending olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard together. Best of all, it takes about 5 minutes to make!

I love it drizzled over salads and roasted vegetables, but it also makes a delicious marinade for chicken. If you have fresh basil hanging around, this is a very good reason to use it.

Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette in a mason jar

Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette

I rarely buy salad dressing anymore because once you realize how easy it is to make at home, it’s hard to go back. Plus, I can make just what I need instead of collecting half-used bottles in the refrigerator. Please tell me I’m not the only one who does that.

This basil balsamic vinaigrette is especially good because it has a little bit of everything—tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, fresh basil, garlic and just enough Dijon to pull everything together.

And when you blend it? That’s where the magic happens. Slowly blending the olive oil into the other ingredients emulsifies the vinaigrette, giving it a thicker, creamier consistency without adding mayonnaise, yogurt or cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil – I like a mild olive oil so it doesn’t overpower the basil and balsamic.
Balsamic vinegar – Since balsamic is one of the main flavors, use one you enjoy. A good-quality or aged balsamic vinegar tends to have a richer, more balanced flavor.
Honey – Adds just enough sweetness to balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
Dijon mustard – Adds tang and also helps the oil and vinegar emulsify.
Garlic – One small fresh garlic clove adds plenty of flavor without making it spicy.
Fresh basil – This is what turns a basic balsamic vinaigrette into a fresh basil balsamic dressing. I definitely recommend fresh rather than dried here.
Salt and black pepper – Simple, but important for bringing all those flavors together.

How To Make Creamy Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette

You can technically whisk this dressing together by hand, but I prefer using a blender or food processor. It breaks down the fresh basil and creates that creamy, emulsified texture.

Ingredients for balsamic basil vinaigrette in a food processor. — Add basil, garlic, dijon mustard, honey, balsamic vinger, salt and pepper to a blender or food processor.

How to make Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette — Add basil, garlic, dijon mustard, honey, balsamic vinger, salt and pepper to a blender or food processor.

Tips for the Best Homemade Vinaigrette

Use fresh basil. This is one recipe where I wouldn’t substitute dried basil. Fresh basil gives the dressing its bright, fresh flavor.
Don’t dump in the olive oil all at once. Drizzling it in slowly while the blender is running helps create that creamy emulsion.
Use balsamic vinegar you actually like. Because there are so few ingredients, you’ll taste it! A flavorful balsamic vinegar makes a difference.
Taste before serving. Balsamic vinegars vary quite a bit in sweetness and acidity. Give your dressing a taste and adjust the salt or honey if needed.

Ways to use Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette

Drizzle over caprese salad. Here is a recipe for Caprese Salad Skewers, Caprese Chicken Salad, and Panzanella Toscana Salad. All would be delicious with this vinaigrette!
Toss with lettuce, berries, walnuts and feta for a sweet-savory salad.
Use as a marinade for chicken or drizzle over grilled or roasted vegetables.
Add to cold pasta salads for a burst of flavor.

marinated chicken with balsamic basil vinaigrette

Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette poured over a salad

My Final Thoughts

Try making this fresh homemade balsamic basil salad dressing at home! It’s so easy to make, tastes amazing and uses simple, fresh ingredients. To impress friends and family, create a simple salad and dress it with this easy balsamic basil vinaigrette. Even better, marinate chicken with it and serve over the salad! Your days of buying store-bought vinaigrette’s are over!

Yield: 8 servings

Creamy Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette

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This easy Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette is sweet, tangy and full of fresh basil flavor. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and Dijon are blended until creamy for a homemade salad dressing that's ready in just 5 minutes.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 small garlic clove, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to a blender or food processor.
Turn the blender or food processor on. While it's running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil.
Blend just until the vinaigrette is smooth, creamy and emulsified.
Taste and adjust the salt or honey if needed. Serve over salads and vegetables or use as a marinade for chicken.

Notes

Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The olive oil may thicken or solidify slightly when refrigerated. Let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then shake well before serving.

Keywords: balsamic basil vinaigrette, basil balsamic vinaigrette, balsamic basil dressing, homemade balsamic vinaigrette, homemade salad dressing