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This easy recipe and step-by-step video tutorial teaches you how to make your own delicious basil oil at home. Perfect for adding flavor to pasta, salads, and more! It’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and Whole30-approved, and most importantly, it takes only 5 minutes to make!
Basil is one of my all-time favorite herbs, and I try to use it in as many dishes as possible. Its fresh, aromatic flavor brings so much life to a meal, especially during its peak season. When my garden is overflowing with basil, I make recipes like caprese salad, caprese stuffed chicken, and avocado caprese sandwiches on repeat—because honestly, few ingredients can compete with the crisp, bright taste of fresh basil!
I also love incorporating basil into comforting dishes like the creamy pesto pasta recipe which highlights this herb’s signature aroma. And let’s not forget how basil takes ciabatta bread or even a simple bruschetta to the next level. If you love basil as much as I do, this is one recipe you’ll want to bookmark and make all year long!
Table of Contents
About Basil Oil
Basil oil is often mistaken for pesto, but they’re quite different. Unlike pesto, which has a thicker texture and includes nuts and cheese, basil oil is smooth, light, and purely infused with the fresh essence of basil. It’s a fantastic way to use up extra basil leaves before they wilt, transforming them into a vibrant, aromatic oil that enhances a variety of dishes.
One of the best things about basil oil is how easy it is to make. A small blender or mini food processor works perfectly to break down the basil and blend it seamlessly with high-quality olive oil. The result? A silky, herbaceous oil with a deep green hue and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that complements everything from roasted vegetables and pasta to grilled chicken and seafood. Whether you drizzle it over salads, swirl it into soups, or use it as a dipping oil for crusty bread, this basil oil is an easy way to elevate any meal.
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.
- High-Quality Olive Oil: The quality of the olive oil directly impacts the final taste, so choose a good extra virgin olive oil.
- Seasoning: Since all we want is for the flavor of basil to shine, salt and pepper would be enough seasoning.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Basil
Wash the basil leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Pat them dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to ensure they’re completely dry.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Place the dried basil leaves into a small food processor or blender. Add the olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the basil is finely incorporated into the oil.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning
If the oil appears too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Pro Tips
Ensure your basil leaves are fresh, vibrant, and free from any blemishes for the best results.
To achieve a bright green color and extend the shelf life of your basil oil, consider blanching the basil leaves briefly in boiling water, then plunging them into ice water before blending. This step helps preserve the vibrant color and reduces enzymatic browning.
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 it as a dip with classic Italian bruschetta recipe or ciabatta 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 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
- Add in the basil oil and two tablespoons of water.
- Mix well and drizzle over your favorite salad.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store the basil oil in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Due to the fresh basil, the oil may solidify slightly; simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use.
Shelf Life: For the best flavor and safety, use the basil oil within one week. If you’ve strained out the solids, the oil may last a bit longer, but always check for any signs of spoilage before use.
Freezing Option: Pour the basil oil into ice cube trays and freeze. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to use small portions as needed and can extend the shelf life up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, basil-infused olive oil doesn’t contain basil leaves when served; however, this recipe keeps the basil leaves in the oil.
Absolutely! While basil is a popular choice, you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro to create different flavored oils.
Fresh basil is essential for this recipe since dried basil won’t provide the same bright, aromatic flavor.
Oxidation causes basil oil to darken over time. To keep it bright green, some chefs recommend blanching the basil before blending it with olive oil. Simply boil the basil leaves for a few seconds, transfer them to an ice bath, and pat them dry before blending.
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Easy Basil Oil Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh basil, washed and dried
- ⅓ cup Olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon 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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is the best on top of chicken, I love this, thank you so much for bringing this option to light!
Oh this is brilliant! Almost like a basil Chimichurri – LOVE!
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!
This flavor is awesome! Great addition to so many dishes!