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    Home » Recipes » Salad Dressing

    Basil Balsamic Dressing (Oil-Free!)

    Jun 2, 2023 by Kaitlin

    Jump to Recipe

    This immensely flavorful Basil Balsamic Dressing recipe with fresh garlic will elevate your salads! It's especially wonderful in the summertime when basil is in peak season. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, naturally sweetened.)

    Oil-free basil balsamic dressing in a small glass jar with serving spoon

    This tangy Basil Balsamic Dressing recipe is full and robust in flavor!

    It's a great way to use fresh basil in the summertime when the herb is at peak harvest.

    Plus this dressing is ready in only 5 minutes with simple ingredients. It's naturally sweetened, oil-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

    Garlic & balsamic are delightful together. But adding fragrant fresh basil takes it to a whole other level! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

    Vinegar, mustard, miso, maple syrup, and fresh herb ingredients laid out on a metal tray

    Ingredients for Basil Balsamic Dressing

    For this recipe you'll blend in a small high-speed blender:

    • Balsamic vinegar
    • Fresh basil leaves: You'll need about one tablespoon fresh basil, but use as much or as little as you would like. Use even more for a brighter, vibrant taste. I haven't tried this with dried basil, and would recommend using fresh for the best flavor.
    • Fresh garlic clove: I like fresh garlic in this recipe, but you can substitute a quarter teaspoon (or more) dried garlic powder if desired.
    • Dijon mustard: This adds great flavor and a more complex taste to the dressing. Stoneground mustard could also work.
    • Pure maple syrup: This helps balance the flavors with some natural sweetness. Simply add more for a sweeter dressing and to counteract the tanginess if desired.
    • White miso: I highly recommend including this, but if you don't have it, simply substitute with fine grain salt to taste. You can also include black pepper if desired.
    • Water
    Overhead view of basil balsamic dressing in a blender cup before blending

    Customizing

    Thickness: This is a very thin dressing as written. To create a thicker consistency, add 1 to 2 teaspoons chia seeds before blending. The chia seeds will gradually thicken the dressing as it sits.

    Make it creamy: For a creamier dressing, add up to a quarter cup Oil-Free Hummus to the blender before blending.

    Olive oil: I prepare this dressing oil-free, but feel free to blend in a tablespoon or two of good quality extra-virgin olive oil if you wish to create a thicker dressing as well.

    Preparing

    Blender: I recommend using a small blender to prepare the dressing. This allows the ingredients to fully incorporate together. (I use a small NutriBullet for dressings and sauces which works great.)

    No blender: If you don't have one, no problem. Simply whisk everything together in a small bowl or shake in a jar until combined. It will still taste great. You'll want to finely mince your garlic and chop basil first since the blender isn't breaking it down.

    Blended balsamic dressing with fresh basil and garlic in a small glass jar

    Serving

    Drizzle this robust dressing on your favorite salads! It's a great way to enhance even the simplest green salads. Try a base of baby greens, spinach, arugula, or romaine, then add crisp veggies like cucumbers, carrots, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. You could even sprinkle on nuts & seeds, fresh herbs, and vegan feta cheese crumbles if desired.

    Storing

    Store leftovers in a sealed glass mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator. I find it keeps for about 4-5 days.

    More Oil-Free Dressing Recipes

    • Vegan Italian Dressing
    • Vegan Ranch Dressing
    • Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing
    • Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
    • Maple Dijon Dressing (Vegan Honey Mustard)
    Close up view of spoon scooping out basil balsamic dressing from a glass jar

    For more inspiration, also browse all oil-free dressing recipes or basil recipes.

    Oil-free basil balsamic dressing in a small glass jar with serving spoon

    Basil Balsamic Dressing (Oil-Free!)

    A tangy and immensely flavorful balsamic dressing with fresh basil & garlic. Especially tasty in summer when basil is in peak season!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Dressing
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 4 (2-Tbsp. servings)

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
    • 1 Tbsp. water
    • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp. white miso
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped (or more)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients except basil in a small high-speed blender. (I use a NutriBullet.) Blend for 15-20 seconds.
    • Add fresh basil and pulse a few times to break down and incorporate. (Over-blending will turn the dressing a greenish hue.)
    • Taste and adjust flavors if needed. (More basil, more maple syrup for sweeter, etc.) Enjoy immediately or refrigerate to allow flavors to combine further.

    Notes

    Thickness: This dressing is very thin as written. For a thicker consistency, add 1-2 tsp. chia seeds before blending. It will gradually thicken as it sits.
    Make it creamy: Add up to 1/4 cup hummus before blending.
    Make it sweeter: Add more maple syrup for sweetness and to reduce the tanginess.
    Yield: Recipe makes about 1/2 cup dressing.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Basil Balsamic Dressing (Oil-Free!)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    33
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    0.2
    g
    0
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    0.02
    g
    0
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    0.1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    0.1
    g
    Potassium
     
    40
    mg
    1
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    7
    g
    2
    %
    Fiber
     
    0.2
    g
    1
    %
    Sugar
     
    6
    g
    7
    %
    Protein
     
    0.4
    g
    1
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    30
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    0.3
    mg
    0
    %
    Calcium
     
    15
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    0.2
    mg
    1
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Sodium: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.

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    If you are enjoying this oil-free Basil Balsamic Salad Dressing recipe with fresh garlic, also check out:

    • Marinated Kale Salad
    • Southwestern Chopped Salad

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

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    Hello, I'm Kaitlin!
    I live in Montana and share vegan recipes that are easy and healthy. About Me →

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