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    Home » Recipes » Dressing

    Garlic-Basil Balsamic Dressing (Oil-Free)

    Jun 4, 2012 by Kaitlin

    This immensely flavorful (oil-free!) balsamic vinaigrette dressing with fresh basil and garlic pairs great with a wide variety of salads. It is especially wonderful in the summertime with fresh garden basil. (Vegan, gluten-free.)

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

    This tangy Garlic-Basil Balsamic Dressing is a great way to incorporate fresh basil in the summertime when the herb is at peak harvest.

    Garlic and balsamic paired together is delightful, but fragrant fresh basil takes it to a whole other level.

    This basil vinaigrette provides big flavor on fresh salads, and is made with simple ingredients.

    Pouring garlic balsamic dressing over a tossed salad

    Ingredients for Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette

    For this salad dressing recipe you will whisk together in a small bowl or jar:

    • Balsamic vinegar
    • Garlic clove
    • Fresh basil
    • Dijon mustard: This adds great flavor and a more complex taste to the dressing.
    • Pure maple syrup: This helps balance the flavors with a little natural sweetness.
    • Nutritional yeast: This adds a slightly savory taste to the dressing.
    • Water
    • Salt: I use fine-grain salt for this recipe. You can also include black pepper if desired.
    Jar of oil-free basil balsamic dressing with garlic

    Customizing

    Olive oil: Feel free to blend in a tablespoon or two of good quality extra-virgin olive oil if you wish to create a thick dressing.

    Sweetness: For a sweeter dressing, add additional maple syrup to taste.

    Serving

    Pour this bold dressing over veggies or green salad. It's great either on a side salad or large dinner salad. I like preparing a salad with mixed greens, vegetables, berries, a protein like chickpeas (or roasted chickpeas), plus crumbled vegan feta cheese sometimes.

    Storing

    Store leftovers in a sealed glass container or jar in the refrigerator. We find it keeps well for about 4 days.

    Yield: This recipe makes about 1/3 cup dressing so increase as desired.

    Jar of oil-free basil balsamic dressing

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

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

    Garlic-Basil Balsamic Dressing

    A flavorful oil-free balsamic dressing with fresh basil and garlic. Lovely with a wide variety of salads!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Dressing, Salad
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 3

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 clove garlic
    • 1 Tbsp. fresh basil, finely chopped
    • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
    • 2-3 tsp. pure maple syrup
    • 1 tsp. nutritional yeast
    • 2 tsp. water
    • 1/8 tsp. salt

    Instructions

    • Mince garlic and finely chop basil.
    • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. (Or add to a small jar, then seal and shake well to combine.)
    • Adjust flavors if desired. Store in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator for about 4 days.

    Notes

    Yield: Recipe makes about 1/3 cup dressing. Double or triple as desired.
    Sweetness: Add additional maple syrup to taste for a sweeter dressing.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Garlic-Basil Balsamic Dressing
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    39
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Potassium
     
    61
    mg
    2
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    8
    g
    3
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    6
    g
    7
    %
    Protein
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    39
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    17
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this oil free basil balsamic vinaigrette dressing, also check out:

    • Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing
    • Strawberry-Balsamic Dressing
    • Thai Peanut Dressing
    • Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing
    • Marinated Kale Salad
    • Southwestern Chopped Salad

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

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Oishii Treats

      June 07, 2012 at 9:31 pm

      I love homemade dressings. It sounds really good, can't wait to try it on a salad.

      Reply
    2. CJ - Food Stories

      June 05, 2012 at 11:24 pm

      I love balsamic vinaigrette and the basil addition seems like a fabulous idea!

      Reply
    3. Alida

      June 04, 2012 at 7:49 pm

      This is so good! I love your presentation too.

      Reply
    4. Lindsey

      June 04, 2012 at 3:27 pm

      YUM! Garlic and basil are my two favorite ingredients. This looks great!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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