🍅 Tomato Basil Vinaigrette: A Fresh and Flavorful Dressing for Every Season
If you’re tired of store-bought dressings packed with preservatives and hidden sugars, you’re going to love this homemade Tomato Basil Vinaigrette. Fresh, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this vinaigrette is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re dressing a crisp green salad, marinating grilled chicken, or drizzling over roasted vegetables, this tomato basil dressing will become your new kitchen staple.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make this easy, wholesome vinaigrette using fresh ingredients. It comes together in minutes and tastes like summer in a bottle. 🌿🍅
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this vibrant Tomato Basil Vinaigrette:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | Or 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes |
| Fresh basil leaves | 1/2 cup packed | Sweet or Genovese basil preferred |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Milder flavor when roasted |
| Red wine vinegar | 3 tablespoons | For tangy depth |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/3 cup | Choose high-quality oil |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | Helps emulsify |
| Honey (or maple syrup) | 1–2 teaspoons (optional) | Balances acidity |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Fresh ground pepper | To taste | Adds mild spice |
Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Wash your tomatoes and basil. If using large tomatoes, roughly chop them. Peel the garlic clove.
2. Blend the Base
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine:
- Tomatoes
- Basil
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Salt & pepper
Blend until smooth.
3. Emulsify
With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully incorporated. This ensures a creamy, cohesive texture.
4. Taste and Adjust
Taste your vinaigrette. Add more salt, vinegar, or sweetener if desired.
5. Store or Serve
Pour the vinaigrette into a clean glass jar or dressing bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Shake well before each use.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Tomato Basil Vinaigrette is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- 🥗 Salads: Perfect on mixed greens, spinach, or Caprese salads.
- 🥪 Sandwich Drizzle: Add to grilled paninis or veggie wraps.
- 🍗 Chicken Marinade: Use as a marinade or drizzle over grilled chicken.
- 🥖 Bread Dip: Serve with warm, crusty bread as an appetizer.
- 🌽 Roasted Veggies: Toss with roasted eggplant, zucchini, or corn.
🔄 Optional Variations
- Roasted Garlic Tomato Vinaigrette: Roast the garlic first for a mellow, sweet flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Dressing: Add 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Blend in a small chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Balsamic Swap: Replace red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
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🧊 Storage Tips
Store your tomato basil vinaigrette in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It may thicken slightly due to the olive oil—if so, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes and shake well before using.
📝 Final Thoughts
Making your own Tomato Basil Vinaigrette at home is not only quick and easy, but it’s also a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their meals with fresh, healthy flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a versatile dressing that’s perfect year-round.
Try it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought bottles again.
💬 Leave a Comment!
Have you tried this recipe? Did you tweak it? Let us know your favorite way to use Tomato Basil Vinaigrette in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this recipe on Pinterest and Facebook!
📌 Save for Later!
📍Pin this Tomato Basil Vinaigrette recipe to your Healthy Recipes or Homemade Dressings board so you can easily find it next time!