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    Home » Recipes » Dressing

    Garlic-Basil Balsamic Dressing (Oil-Free)

    Jun 4, 2012 by Kaitlin

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

    It provides big flavor on fresh salads, and is made with simple ingredients.

    Garlic and balsamic paired together is delightful. But adding fragrant fresh basil takes it to a whole other level!

    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
    • Fresh garlic clove
    • Fresh basil: Use as much or as little as you would like.
    • 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: 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.

    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
    • Thai Peanut Dressing
    • Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing
    • Marinated Kale Salad
    • Southwestern Chopped Salad

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

    More Oil-Free Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes

    • Roasted Red Pepper Dressing (Oil-Free)
    • Asian-Style Kale & Tofu Salad with Peanut Dressing
    • Vegan Taco Salad with Creamy Southwestern Dressing
    • Berry Crunch Salad with Strawberry-Balsamic Dressing

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    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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