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–+ servings
Merry

Quick Basil Vinaigrette: Your Go-To Dressing for Everything

This Basil Vinaigrette is the perfect way to add a burst of fresh, herby flavor to your meals! With vibrant basil leaves, tangy red-wine vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from honey or agave, this dressing comes together in just minutes. It's light, zesty, and incredibly versatile—perfect as a salad dressing, marinade, or drizzle over roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients, so you can feel great about what you’re eating. Once you make this, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought dressings!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (1/2 cup)
Course: Dressing/Dip
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small shallot peeled and quartered
  • ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey or agave syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Gather Ingredients
  2. Collect all the ingredients and ensure your basil leaves are washed and dried thoroughly.
  3. Blend Everything Together
  4. Place the shallot, basil leaves, olive oil, red-wine vinegar, honey (or agave), Dijon mustard, ground pepper, and salt in a blender.
  5. Blend on high speed for about 30–60 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified.
  6. Adjust Consistency
  7. If the vinaigrette is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
  9. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust as needed. For more sweetness, add a little extra honey. For more acidity, add a splash of vinegar.
  10. Serve
  11. Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar or dressing bottle. Drizzle it over salads, grilled vegetables, or your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • Storage: Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or stir well before serving.
  • Customizations:
    • Want more tang? Add a squeeze of lemon juice.
    • Prefer it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
    • Looking for a nuttier flavor? Swap some of the olive oil for toasted walnut oil.
  • No Blender? Finely mince the shallot and basil, then whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

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