Honey Basil Salad Dressing

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Level up your summer salads with this honey basil salad dressing. It’s so easy to make, really flavorful, and so versatile!

A mason jar filled with honey basil salad dressing on a white background with a basil leaf.

If you're anything like me, you may have found yourself standing in the grocery store, staring at rows of salad dressings, wondering why so many have ingredients you can’t pronounce. Now, I’m not here to denounce store-bought dressings. They have their time and place (and they are so convenient), but I’m here to introduce you to a dressing that the big salad guys *could never* come close to—honey basil vinaigrette—a homemade, fresh, zingy, and downright delicious dressing that will elevate any salad, veggie dish, or sandwich.

What makes honey basil dressing so amazing?

This sweet basil vinaigrette is bright and fresh, with a bit of pepper from the basil and some zing from the vinegar. It’s lighter than a balsamic vinaigrette, but oh so versatile, punchy, and is so addictive, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. This is the perfect go-to dressing when you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, bringing a dish to a potluck, or hunting in your refrigerator for a weekday lunch. Trust me, your bottled dressings will be a distant memory once you try it. Plus, it's made with simple, wholesome ingredients—no artificial preservatives or mystery additives here!

Here’s why you’ll love this honey basil salad dressing:

Comes together in minutes – I know you may be thinking “Who has time to make homemade salad dressing?” But trust—this dressing is so easy to make, all you need to do is blend a handful of ingredients in a blender or a small food processor.
Simple ingredients – Only six ingredients, which you likely already have on hand.
Delicious – To me, it tastes like summer in a salad dressing – it’s the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey, tartness from the vinegar, and freshness from the basil.
Versatile – This dressing goes well with almost any summer salad and is heavenly on fresh tomatoes!

Dressing ingredients

Honey: The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the basil without being overwhelming. If you’re feeling fancy, go for raw honey for that extra depth.
Olive Oil: You want good quality extra virgin olive oil here to help emulsify the dressing and blend all the flavors. I’m partial to Graza’s “Drizzle” for all my salad dressings.
Basil Vinegar: If you're unfamiliar with basil vinegar, it's a tangy, herby twist on your usual vinegar. It’s made by steeping fresh basil in vinegar, but if you don’t have any on hand, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works just as well. Either way, the vinegar adds a necessary tang to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic: A single clove of garlic may not seem like much, but it’s enough to give this dressing a little kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh Basil: Fresh herbs are the key here—dried basil just won’t give you the same vibrant flavor or texture. (Bonus points if your fresh basil leaves come from your herb garden or the farmer’s market!)
Kosher Salt: Because everything tastes better with a little salt, right? A dash will do, but you can always adjust to taste.

How to make honey basil salad dressing

This is an overview of how to make honey basil salad dressing. See the recipe card below for detailed ingredients and instructions.

Prep your ingredients: Gather the honey, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, fresh basil, and salt.

Blend it up: Grab your blender and toss all the ingredients in (you can also use a mini food processor). Blend until the dressing has a smooth, creamy consistency and is vibrant green. If you like your dressing a little thicker, you can add a bit more honey; for a thinner consistency, splash in more vinegar or olive oil.

Taste and tweak: Now’s the time to adjust seasoning. Too sweet? Add a bit more vinegar. Want more garlic? Throw in another clove. This dressing is all about balance, so play around until it hits the sweet (and savory) spot for you.

Store and serve: Store the dressing in an airtight container (a mason jar works great) in the fridge for up to a week. It may separate as it chills, so just give it a good shake and let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.

Plays well with...

Classic mixed greens: Toss this with spinach, arugula, or a baby kale blend for a light, refreshing salad that packs a flavorful punch.
Caprese salad: Skip the balsamic glaze and try drizzling this over fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and more fresh basil.
Grilled veggies: Honey basil dressing over grilled zucchini, peppers, or potatoes? Yes, please.
Fresh sliced tomatoes: This dressing is magical on sliced tomatoes.
Sandwiches or wraps: Swap out mayo for this dressing on your next sandwich or wrap for a fresh, slightly sweet twist.
A light appetizer: Pour the dressing into a small bowl and use it as a dip for crusty bread.
Grilling marinade: Use the dressing to marinate chicken or shrimp for several hours (or at least 30 mins) before grilling. Serve alongside fresh corn on the cob and watermelon slices for an easy BBQ menu.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Unfortunately, no. I do not recommend using dried basil in this recipe. Fresh basil has a bright flavor and tender texture that dried basil just can’t replicate.

How long does honey basil dressing last in the fridge?

In the fridge, this dressing will last about a week. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, and give it a good shake before using.

What if I don’t have a blender?

If you don’t have an upright blender or a small food processor, you can blend the dressing right in a mason jar with an immersion blender. You can finely mince the basil and garlic and whisk everything together by hand. It won’t give you a very smooth dressing, but you’ll still get all the delicious flavors.

Can I freeze honey basil dressing?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dressing. Fresh basil doesn’t freeze well, and the dressing can separate once thawed. It's so easy to whip up that you're better off making it fresh each time.

Is there a substitute for the vinegar?

Lemon juice would make a great substitute and would make the dressing more of a lemon basil vinaigrette with a citrusy note that could pair well with many types of salad.

Can I use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar?

I’d recommend saving your red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar for other homemade vinaigrettes – they would overpower the other flavors in this dressing.

Substitutions

If you don’t have basil vinegar, you can substitute the same amount of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. It might change the flavor profile slightly, but it’s still delicious.
Too sweet? Try reducing the honey to ⅓ cup or adding more vinegar, a teaspoon at a time.
Need an extra kick? Mix in some black pepper.
Want it creamier? Add in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayo. It’ll give you a thicker creamy basil dressing, more like a dip.

Special diets

Gluten free: No gluten here! Hooray!
Dairy free: This dressing is naturally dairy-free!

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Before you go...

⭐️ If you make this honey basil salad dressing and love it, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you and do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram — seeing your delicious creations is my favorite!