Pesto Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

Published: Jul 25, 2022 by Briana · This post may contain affiliate links.

This Easy Basil Pesto Vinaigrette takes the flavors of classic basil pesto, and makes it the perfect topping for a variety of green salads, pasta salad, and more! It's easy to make, and will make your next salad your new favorite salad!

The key to eating your veggies is to make them absolutely irresistible! We're super into fresh herbs and homemade pesto, and if that's you too, then you will really love this simple recipe.

It's a great way to liven up summer salads, like this burrata salad, or use up leftover pesto! Dress leafy greens like baby arugula, kale, lettuce, and more with this easy dressing.

If you've ever had sweetgreen, we'd like to compare this dressing to their pesto vinaigrette! It is certainly inspired by it.

Love pesto? Be sure to check out our walnut pesto recipe, this creamy pesto pasta, this pesto butter salmon, or this crispy pesto cauliflower with parmesan, or this decadent pesto aioli.

❤️Why you'll love this

• Simple ingredients: You can find everything you don't already have on hand at any grocery store, but overall, this is made with kitchen staples and basic ingredients. You can use your own walnut pesto sauce, or you can buy a jar at the grocery store.
• Quick & easy: This dressing takes 5 minutes from start to finish. Dinner can be on the table in minutes!
• Packed with flavor: Take any side salad from boring, to a mouthwatering one with this simple upgrade!
• Naturally gluten-free: Nothing funky in here, just lots of tasty, natural ingredients!

🌿Ingredients

Here are the ingredients used in this recipe. You can find the full quantities and nutritional information in the recipe card.

✏️Ingredient Notes

• Pine nuts - Raw or toasted.
• Fresh basil leaves
• Parmesan cheese - Freshly grated.
• Extra virgin olive oil - Use something high quality, since this makes up such a large part of the flavor.
• Kosher salt & black pepper - To taste.
• Shallots - If desired. Yellow onions can also be used.
• Fresh lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes - Optional, but delicious! Add to taste and desired spice level.
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard

✨Substitutions & Variations

If you follow a different diet type, or want to change a few things, here's a few suggestions for you!

• Use other fresh herbs - Add in other fresh herbs, like mint, thyme, parsley, dill, cilantro, and more if desired!
• Swap the vinegar - You can use apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar in place of red wine vinegar.
• Dairy free or vegan - To make this recipe vegan or dairy free, simply use your favorite parmesan cheese substitute or plant-based parmesan cheese.
• Add a lemony punch - You can use all lemon juice instead of lemon juice and vinegar. Add some lemon zest as well for extra flavor!

📖Instructions

🔪Prep work

• Rough chop the garlic and shallots.
• Grate the parmesan.
• Measure out all ingredients.

Add basil, pine nuts, shallots, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese to a food processor.

Squeeze in lemon juice.

See Also

Easy Thai Curry Recipe (Vegan + Gluten Free) - Bananas about LifeStuffed Butternut Squash RecipeNo Fail Chocolate Fudge Recipe, Whats Cooking AmericaBEST Butternut Squash Soup Recipe | Stovetop, Instant Pot or Crock-Pot

Pulse a few times to combine.

Add in red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and olive oil.

Process to combine, and taste. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Refrigerate until it's time to use.

Add to your favorite salad, like this delicious burrata salad!

Need supplies?Shop ourAmazon store!Stock your pantry, and find all of our favorite kitchen tools! A Full Living LLC earns a small commission through purchases on our storefront to help support this site.

🥗What to eat with this dressing

Luckily, this recipe can be used for lots of things, and it's hard to go wrong. Here are a few suggestions.

• Lemon garlic green beans
• Burrata and prosciutto salad
• Sirloin steak salad with roasted veggies and mozzarella
• Burrata caprese salad
• Lemon herb chicken

🥣Storage

This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it should be consumed earlier, rather than later. It also freezes well if stored in freezer-safe bags for up to 6 months.

More Recipes To Consider

Did you try this recipe? Make sure to leave a 5-star review below!🌟 This helps other readers find our recipes and encourages them to try them. Also, be sure to leave a comment with your experience. Follow along, and tag@AFullLivingon Instagram with your photos!

📖 Recipe