If you are looking to brighten up your salads or add a fresh, zesty kicker to your meals, this Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe is the perfect go-to dressing. It combines the vibrant brightness of lemon, the sweet undertones of honey, and the aromatic punch of fresh basil in a smooth, luscious vinaigrette that elevates everything from greens to grilled veggies. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or someone who loves fresh, flavorful dressings, this Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe will quickly become your favorite pantry staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe lies in how simple yet thoughtful its ingredients are. Each one is essential for balancing flavor, texture, and color — from the herbal freshness of basil to the subtle zing of lemon zest, every component plays a starring role.
- Fresh basil leaves: Use loosely packed leaves for that fragrant, garden-fresh flavor that defines the vinaigrette.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds bright, zesty acidity essential for that refreshing tang.
- White wine vinegar: This contributes mild acidity, enhancing the vinaigrette’s complexity without overpowering the herbs.
- Honey: Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness and bring harmony to the flavors.
- Garlic clove: Finely minced to add subtle savory depth and a gentle kick.
- Lemon zest: Provides concentrated citrus oils, giving an extra layer of vibrant lemon aroma.
- Salt: A small amount to enhance all the flavors and tie everything together.
- Olive oil: The silky base that carries the flavors and creates a smooth, harmonious vinaigrette.
How to Make Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Basil and Acidic Ingredients
Start by placing your fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, lemon zest, and salt into a food processor. Pulse about 20 times until the basil is finely chopped, releasing its fragrant oils and creating the vibrant green base for the vinaigrette. This step ensures the flavors meld together beautifully before adding the olive oil.
Step 2: Incorporate the Olive Oil
Next, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending continuously. This gradual addition helps emulsify the mixture, resulting in a smooth, luscious dressing that coats your salad perfectly. Keep blending until the vinaigrette is well combined and silky in texture. You can serve it right away or keep it chilled for up to several days.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper complements the vinaigrette’s brightness wonderfully. Add a few extra whole basil leaves or thin lemon slices on top as a beautiful and flavorful garnish that invites guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads, grilled vegetables, or even drizzled over roasted chicken or fish. Its bright acidity and herbal freshness balance earthy or rich dishes perfectly, making it a versatile companion at your dining table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tossing this vinaigrette with a colorful medley of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella balls for a quick caprese-inspired salad. Or drizzle it over warm quinoa bowls with roasted veggies for an exciting twist. The vibrant green color and zesty fragrance make your dishes pop visually and entice the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors will mellow slightly but remain fresh and bright. Give it a quick shake or stir before each use to recombine the ingredients.
Freezing
While freezing is technically possible, the texture of the vinaigrette may change due to the olive oil separating when thawed. For best quality, it’s recommended to make fresh batches as needed rather than freezing.
Reheating
Since this vinaigrette is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary and could alter the fresh flavors. Instead, simply bring it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and re-stir well.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil in this Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe?
For best results, stick with fresh basil because it provides vibrant flavor and that lovely bright green color that dried basil can’t replicate. Using dried basil might result in a duller taste and appearance.
Is there a way to make this vinaigrette less sweet?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet dressing, you can simply reduce the honey slightly or omit it completely. The lemon juice and vinegar will maintain the necessary acidity to keep it flavorful.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While white wine vinegar offers a mild acidity that’s perfect here, you could also experiment with champagne vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just expect a slightly different flavor profile depending on the vinegar you choose.
How long does the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe keep in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed container, this vinaigrette keeps well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the basil may lose its vibrant color and freshness.
Can I use this vinaigrette on cooked dishes?
Definitely! This dressing is wonderful not just on salads but also drizzled over grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a fresh and tangy finish that brings out new flavor dimensions.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe is a spectacular way to brighten your meals with fresh, lively flavors that feel both wholesome and indulgent. It’s easy to whip up, makes a big batch, and adds a gourmet touch to everyday dishes. I’m excited for you to try it and witness how just a few simple ingredients can transform your salads and more into something utterly delicious.
Print
Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce & Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant Lemon Basil Vinaigrette combining zesty lemon, aromatic basil, and a touch of honey for a perfect salad dressing or marinade.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, place the fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, lemon zest, and salt. Pulse 20 times until the basil is finely chopped and the mixture begins to blend.
- Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running, blending until the vinaigrette is smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Serve or Store: Use the vinaigrette immediately for fresh flavor, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3-4 days.
Notes
- For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water or more lemon juice.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey to taste.
- Use fresh, high-quality basil and good olive oil for best flavor.
- This vinaigrette is perfect on mixed greens, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge and shake well before each use.
