Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Bright, fresh basil and tangy lemon come together beautifully in this absolutely delicious Lemon Basil Vinaigrette recipe that’s packed with pure goodness.

The zingy tang of fresh lemon and the aromatic kick of basil make this lemon basil dressing recipe the kind of favorite you’ll want to keep on hand fresh!

Drizzle it over your greens, toss it with roasted vegetables or even use it as a marinade for grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon — trust me on this one, it’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love this Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

I’m a huge fan on homemade dressings! If you’re not yet sold on the idea of it (convenience is important, I get it), I’m hoping this lemon basil dressing recipe will shift your mindset. Here’s why.

• All about that budget — Making your own vinaigrette with pantry staples can take your buck much further. Add fresh herbs comes with a small cost if you don’t grow your own, but ultimately homemade vinaigrettes are budget friendly.
• Oh so easy, peasy — Got five minutes? You’ve got a homemade vinaigrette recipe to last you all week!
• Wholesome and healthy — Making your own vinaigrettes at home means you control what goes into your family’s food. This means quality control of ingredients, avoiding unnecessary preservatives and added sugars, and no unhealthy fats often found in store-bought dressings.
• The freshness factor — Fresh just tastes more vibrant and flavorful and takes otherwise mundane recipes to a whole new level.
• Versatility at its best — Create flavors specific to your family’s preferences by adjusting ingredients like herbs, vinegar and seasonings. Variety is the spice of life, friends.

Recipe Ingredients

The recipe ingredients for this Lemon Basil Vinaigrette recipe are short and simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

• White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
• Raw, organic honey
• Garlic
• Fresh basil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh cracked pepper

Recipe Modifications and Dietary Considerations

This homemade lemon basil vinaigrette recipe is sugar-free, low-sodium, naturally gluten-free and is considered a plant-forward and vegetarian recipe.

I’ve included a few relevant notes below.

Low-Sodium: This recipe was intentionally created without salt. For this reason, we consider it a low-sodium salad dressing.

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you choose not to use raw, organic honey you will want to check the label. Some processed honey brands may contain gluten.

Vegan: This vegetarian salad dressing can easily be modified for a vegan lifestyle. Simply replace the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup. 

Oil-Free: This vinaigrette recipe can be made without oil without compromising on taste. It’s on the intense side without the oil to help balance the flavor, so try adding water by the tablespoon until the flavor is to your liking. You can also use about 1/4 cup smashed avocado for an ultra creamy and delicious oil-free salad dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

This lemon basil dressing recipe calls for fresh basil so you’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The extra-virgin olive oil will harden and separate from the liquid when chilled. This is normal! Remove the jar of dressing and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

The possibilities are endless when it comes to making tasty use of this homemade vinaigrette recipe. Here are some of my favorite ways to freshen up our family’s meals.

• Pasta — Lighten up pasta night by tossing your noodles in Lemon Basil Vinaigrette topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Or, try it over this Basil and Balsamic Pasta Salad.
• Marinade — This vinaigrette is a fantastic marinade for salmon and chicken and even shrimp.
• Vegetables and Pilafs — A light drizzle is all you need to take roasted or grilled vegetables to the next level. Try adding it to my favorite Roasted Dill Carrots recipe. Delish!
• Chicken and Fish — Drizzle this dressing over grilled chicken breasts or fish during the final few minutes of cooking for a burst of citrusy flavor.
• Salads — Toss this dressing with your favorite salad, or see my suggestions: Basil Berry Salad, Spring Pea Salad with Goat Cheese, Blueberry Almond Salad, Herbed Salad Mix.

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