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    Home » Mediterranean recipes

    Easy Basil Oil Recipe (Video)

    Published: Nov 26, 2019 · Modified: Apr 7, 2020 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    272 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Basil oil is a delicious condiment that you can use on salads, chicken, fish or sandwiches. It's vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Whole30 approved and most importantly, it takes only 5 minutes to make it!

    Basil oil is a delicious condiment that you can use on salads, chicken, fish or sandwiches. It's vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Whole30 approved. 

    I love basil and try to use it in different dishes. In summer when basil plants are at their prime, I make dishes like caprese salad, caprese stuffed chicken and avocado caprese sandwiches on a regular basis. Few ingredients can compete with the fresh flavor of crisp basil, right? This basil oil shows off this herb at its finest. Smooth and tasty, this recipe is one you will definitely want to bookmark for future reference!

    Table Of Contents:
    • About this recipe
    • Ingredients To Make Basil Oil
    • Instructions
    • Serving suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More dips and spreads
    • Step-by-Step Recipe

    About this recipe

    It's important to note that this is not a pesto recipe. Basil oil is smoother than pesto and does not contain any kind of nuts. It's a great way to use up those basil leaves you have in the fridge and turn them into a delicious infused oil.

    You can make this recipe in a small blender or one of those mini food processors that I actually find pretty useful and handy. The color of this condiment is deep green and it has a bright flavor that goes well with anything from pasta to chicken to vegetables. 

    Ingredients To Make Basil Oil

    • Fresh basil: As you might know, there are many types of basil out there. For this recipe we are using Italian basil or sweet basil. Make sure you don't use Thai basil because the flavor is completely different. You can use the same basil to make homemade pesto.
    • Olive Oil - It's best to use high quality olive oil because it makes all the difference.
    • Seasoning: Since all we want it for the flavor of basil to shine, salt and pepper would be enough seasoning.
    to make basil oil you need basil, olive oil, salt and pepper.

    Instructions

    • Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and dry them well. 
    • Place the basil leaves, olive oil, salt and pepper in a mini food processor. 
    • Blend until all is combined and smooth. 
    • Taste as add more salt and pepper if needed. 

    A little note: If the oil is too thick for your liking, add more olive oil and blend again. 

    Place basil, olive oil and salt in the blender. Blend until creamy.

    Serving suggestions

    I try to keep a small jar of this herb infused condiment in the fridge and use it in different recipes. It's such an easy way to add flavor and freshness to many dishes and make them more delicious. Here are some of our suggestions:

    • Drizzle on salmon, grilled chicken, pizza, pasta or minestrone soup.
    • Add it to pasta salad or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
    • Use as a dip with bread.
    • Top hard boiled eggs, baked eggs in marinara or avocado toast. 

    You can also turn it into basil olive oil dressing. Try this quick and easy dressing recipe:

    • In a small bowl, mix two tablespoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon sugar. 
    • Add in the basil oil and two tablespoons of water. 
    • Mix well and drizzle over your favorite salad. 
    pour this infused olive oil over sliced tomatoes and mozzarella.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does basil oil keep?

    It's best to use this flavored olive oil the same day you make it. However, you can keep it for up to two days in a mason jar in the fridge. When ready to use, shake the jar well. 

    Can I freeze this?

    Freezing basil oil is very easy. Simply pour the oil in an ice tray and freeze. Once ready to use, pop one of the cubes out and let it melt. Then use it in any recipe you like. 

    Is this recipe same as basil infused olive oil?

    No, basil infused olive oil doesn't container basil leaves when served however this recipe keeps the basil leaves in the oil.

    This basil olive oil is also perfect for caprese salad.

    More dips and spreads

    • Harissa is a classic Tunisian paste that's very spicy.
      Homemade Harissa Recipe
    • roasted garlic hummus topped with chickpeas and olive oil.
      Roasted Garlic Hummus
    • Best Basil Pesto Recipe
    • Ajvar is a Serbian roasted red pepper sauce.
      Ajvar Roasted Red Pepper Relish

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Easy Basil Oil Recipe

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    Basil oil is a delicious condiment that you can use on salads, chicken, fish or sandwiches. It's vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Whole30 approved, and it takes only 5 minutes to make!
    4.41 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course condiments
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 107 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup fresh basil washed and dried
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Place the basil leaves in a small food processor.
    • Add in olive oil, salt and peppers.
    • Blend for some seconds until well combined and smooth.
    • Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

    Video

    Notes

    • It's best to use high quality olive oil in this recipe. 
    • To make this recipe use sweet basil or Italian basil.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 194mgPotassium: 14mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 212IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!
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    272 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. isabella

      September 09, 2021 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      This is the best on top of chicken, I love this, thank you so much for bringing this option to light!

      Reply
    2. Jenn Laughlin

      September 09, 2021 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      Oh this is brilliant! Almost like a basil Chimichurri - LOVE!

      Reply
    3. Kelly Anthony

      December 02, 2019 at 5:29 am

      5 stars
      I love Caprese everything and this basil oil is the perfect addition to pretty much all of my favorite summer dishes! It's also way easier (and more budget-friendly) than throwing together a pesto!

      Reply
    4. Noelle

      December 01, 2019 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      This flavor is awesome! Great addition to so many dishes!

      Reply

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