This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette (lemon herb vinaigrette) is at the top of my short list of favorite salad dressings.  It’s a delicious lemon basil salad dressing that puts fresh tender basil leaves to good use. 

jar of lemon basil vinaigrette

I love everything about this lemon basil salad dressing!  It makes a great match with just about every salad ingredient you could toss in a bowl, but I especially love to serve it with this Kale Quinoa Salad. If you love pesto, you will absolutely love this dressing!!

jar of lemon basil salad dressing

This lemon herb vinaigrette also makes an irresistible dipping sauce for crunchy vegetables and crusty breads.  Though I swear every dressing I love is irresistible with a crusty bread.

Lemon Basil Salad Dressing Ingredients

This lemon herb vinaigrette uses fresh basil, garlic and lemon juice and it comes together in a pinch.

  • Fresh Basil  – Use fresh tender basil leaves.  No dried herbs for this recipe.
  • Garlic – Adding garlic to the mix makes this dressing so darn good!
  • Dijon Mustard – Dijon adds a lot of flavor, some creaminess and adds balance to the oil.
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Finely grate the Parmesan cheese. Don’t use the powered kind that comes in a container.

Find printable recipe with the measurements below.

How to Make Basil Vinaigrette

  1. Place basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, mustard and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times, then slowly add the olive oil as the motor is running.Continue to blend until vinaigrette is smooth. Enjoy!
  2. Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The olive oil in this basil vinaigrette will solidify in the refrigerator, so you’ll want to set the dressing out at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving any leftovers.

jar of lemon herb vinaigrette

Salads to toss with this Lemon Basil Salad Dressing

Looking for more healthy salad dressing recipes?

Want more ideas? Check out all my healthy salad dressing recipes.

jar of basil vinaigrette
Yield: 4 servings

Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

This Lemon Basil Vinaigrette uses fresh tender basil leaves, garlic, parmesan cheese, a wee bit of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil. It’s quick and easy, fresh and delicious, and it’s perfect on your favorite salad ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced into ribbons
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, mustard and lemon juice in a blender.
  2. Pulse a few times, then slowly add the olive oil while the motor is running.
  3. Continue to blend until vinaigrette is smooth.

Notes

  • Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The olive oil in this basil vinaigrette will solidify in the refrigerator, so you'll want to set the dressing out at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving any leftovers.
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    4

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 379mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

    theharvestkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate information, however, this nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. The nutritional information provided comes from online sources and calculations.