This Easy Basil Oil Recipe is the perfect way to add a pop of color and flavor to your favorite recipes. Drizzle over grilled or roasted veggies, soup, pasta or salad. This recipe will yield ⅔-cup or 10 (1-tablespoon) servings.

Basil Oil

What Is Basil Oil?

Basil oil is just that – basil oil. Fresh basil is blended with olive oil, garlic and lemon juice until smooth. Thinner than pesto, basil oil adds a pop of color, herbaceous flavor to lots of different dishes. It’s also a great option for replacing pesto if you need to avoid tree nuts.

Easy Basil Oil Recipe

In this post, learn how to make, use and store homemade basil oil!

Ingredients for Basil Oil

To Make This Basil Oil Recipe You Will Need:

  • basil leaves (fresh) – You will want 3/4 cup packed so make sure you have enough.
  • olive oilUse a good quality olive oil for this recipe.
  • garlicAdd 1 to 2 cloves depending on how garlicky you want it.
  • lemon juiceAdds a touch of acidity, bright flavor and helps keep the basil oil a vibrant green.
  • kosher saltEnhances the flavors in this recipe.
  • freshly ground black pepperAdds some subtle bite and flavor.

recipe variations (optional):

  • red pepper flakesFor a spicy kick. Add in once blended and then pulse once more.
  • lemon zestAdds additional lemon flavor for a lemony basil oil.
  • extra garlic cloveFor those who love things extra garlicky. 

ingredients in a blender

In a personal blend or mini food processor, measure and add in 3/4 cup (packed) basil leaves, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 (small to medium in size) cloves smashed and peeled garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

blend until smooth

Secure the lid and process until completely blended and smooth.

Basil Oil

It’s really that simple!

Basil Oil

How To Store Basil Oil:

Store basil oil in a container or jar that has a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How To Freeze Basil Oil:

Portion out into ice cube trays or store in a single freezer-safe container. Cover with a thin layer of olive oil (to keep it fresh and a vibrant green). If freezing in trays, remove once frozen solid to a freezer safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 year.

Ways To Use Basil Oil:

  • Serve as is with warm bread for dipping.
  • Toss into saladsgrains, chopped, pasta salad or anything caprese.
  • Swirl into soup – Like minestronetomato or even risotto.
  • Elevate a sandwich, panini, wrap or pizza.
  • Add a pop of color to grilled or roasted veggies, risotto or pasta.
  • Delicious drizzled over grilled chicken or seafood with delicious herbaceous flavor.

Basil Oil

Basil Oil
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Yield: 10 servings

Easy Basil Oil Recipe

This Easy Basil Oil Recipe is the perfect way to add a pop of color and flavor to your favorite recipes. Drizzle over grilled or roasted veggies, soup, pasta or salad.
This recipe will yield ⅔-cup or 10 (1-tablespoon) servings.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup basil leaves, packed
  • 2 small cloves fresh garlic, smashed and peeled, more or less to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Add ingredients to a personal blender or mini food processor. Blend until smooth.

Notes

How To Store Basil Oil:
Store basil oil in a container or jar that has a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How To Freeze Basil Oil:
Portion out into ice cube trays or store in a single freezer-safe container. Cover with a thin layer of olive oil (to keep it fresh and a vibrant green). If freezing in trays, remove once frozen solid to a freezer safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 year.
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Serving: 1tablespoon, Calories: 97kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.3g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Sodium: 0.4mg, Potassium: 9mg, Fiber: 0.05g, Sugar: 0.05g, Vitamin A: 95IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.1mg