Creamy Basil Dressing
This Basil Dressing is fresh, creamy, and packed with the flavor of real basil, lemon, garlic, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s an easy homemade dressing that can transform a simple salad into something you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Greek yogurt gives the dressing a creamy texture without making it overly heavy, while fresh lemon adds brightness and Parmesan brings a savory finish. Everything comes together in a blender or food processor in about 10 minutes.
Use this creamy basil dressing on salads, grain bowls, grilled vegetables, chicken, sandwiches, wraps, or as a simple dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Basil Dressing
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Packed with fresh basil
- Creamy without mayonnaise
- Uses simple ingredients
- Easy to make in a blender
- Naturally versatile
- Great for salads, bowls and wraps
- Easy to adjust to your preferred consistency
Ingredients
- 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2–4 tablespoons cold water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Basil Dressing
1. Prepare the Basil
Rinse the basil gently and dry it thoroughly. Remove any thick or woody stems.
2. Add the Ingredients
Add the basil, Greek yogurt, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor.
3. Blend
Blend until creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides when necessary.
4. Adjust the Consistency
Add cold water one tablespoon at a time and blend until the dressing reaches your preferred consistency.
5. Taste
Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice, salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
6. Serve
Use immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Ways to Use Basil Dressing
This dressing isn’t just for green salads. Try it with roasted vegetables, grain bowls, grilled chicken, pasta salad, sandwiches, wraps, tomato salads, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Helpful Tips
Use the freshest basil you can find because basil is the dominant flavor. Dry the leaves after washing so excess water doesn’t dilute the dressing.
Start with only two tablespoons of water and add more gradually. For a dip, keep it thick. For salads, thin it slightly so it coats the vegetables easily.
Storage
Transfer the dressing to an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The dressing may thicken slightly when chilled. Stir in a teaspoon or two of cold water before serving if necessary.
Some darkening of the basil over time is natural.
Creamy Basil Dressing
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the basil gently and dry thoroughly.
- Add the basil, Greek yogurt, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary.
- Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the lemon juice, salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
❓ FAQ
What does basil dressing taste like?
It has a fresh herb flavor from basil balanced by tangy lemon, savory Parmesan, garlic, and a subtle sweetness from honey.
Can I make basil dressing without Greek yogurt?
Yes. The texture and flavor will change, but you can make a vinaigrette-style version using additional olive oil and lemon juice.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Make it ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to about four days.
Why did my basil dressing turn darker?
Fresh basil naturally oxidizes after being blended and exposed to air. A little darkening during storage is normal.
