Learn how to make Basil Oil — the perfect addition to any soup, salad, bread, or any dish that could a bit of something extra!
Sometimes a dish needs a subtle hint of flavor, but fresh herbs will be a bit too much. In instances like this, especially when something basil-y is in order, try this homemade basil oil!
As with our infused olive oil and truffle oil, basil oil is very versatile. It’s the perfect addition for drizzling over veggies, using as a flavoring for tomato and mozzarella caprese salad, adding to soup, or enjoying on fresh-out-of-the-oven bread!
You’ll love this herb oil because it’s quick and easy to make. Just like that, you’ll have a ready-made flavor addition to add to nearly any dish!
Ingredients Needed to make herb oil
This homemade basil oil is created using only two ingredients, making it a simple recipe to put together. The ingredients can be doubled and prepared the same way if you anticipate needing a larger amount. Hint: It also makes a nice gift and is the perfect something special to take along to a dinner party (just remember a loaf of fresh bread!).
- Basil: Start with 2 cups of fresh basil. Two cups creates a flavor that goes a long way and cooks down to help us reach the perfect oil to basil ratio.
- Olive Oil: As for the oil, 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil will do the trick. Be sure to aim for high quality oil here, as the flavors will be shining through!
Ingredient tip
Fresh basil can go bad rather quickly, so it’s important to check for signs of perishing before using. If you notice discoloration (like black edges), wilting, or an odor, use fresher leaves
How to make Basil herb oil
Preparing this oil is a 15 minute process that’s very easy to put together. During the cooking process the basil will wilt down much like how spinach “shrinks,” so don’t be alarmed! It’s a sign that your recipe is coming together perfectly.
Step 1: Prep the ice bath.
Begin by preparing a bowl of ice water.
Step 2: Blanch the basil
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the basil leaves in a colander, and then dunk the colander into the boiling water, using a spoon to ensure all of the basil leaves go under the water. Blanch for about 15 seconds, or until the leaves become bright green and wilted.
Step 3: Use the ice bath
Immediately transfer the basil leaves to the ice water to stop the cooking process.
Step 4: Blend the basil and oil
Strain the basil from the water and pat it dry. Add it to a blender along with the oil, and blend together until smooth.
Step 5: Strain
Strain the pureed mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the basil solids, leaving you with a smooth basil oil!
How do you use basil oil?
As mentioned above, basil oil is much like other herb-infused oils in that it can be used with a wide variety of dishes. Like parsley oil, I love to use it as a vegetarian salad dressing to add a hint of an herby flavor, especially when enjoying a Mediterranean salad! A simple combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black beans, and feta topped with an oil drizzle creates the ultimate refreshing salad.
This basil oil is also great atop caprese dishes like you see here, and it’s equally yummy when used as a dip for your favorite bread. If you want to add a bit more flavor, enhance it with a pinch of sea salt!
Basil oil benefits
This herb oil is great for more than just its flavor. Both basil and olive oil are tremendously beneficial on their own, so it’s no surprise that together, they’re an antioxidant powerhouse.
Basil contains four types of antioxidants on its own, all of which work to rid the body of free radicals and help support your body against common ailments. It’s also great for mental health, inflammation, and blood sugar!
Extra virgin olive oil is full of antioxidants as well and is beneficial for many of the same reasons. The ingredient is anti-inflammatory, benefits bone and heart health, and it even helps to protect against arthritis.
Recipes to enjoy with basil oil
For meals that you can pair with basil oil, try one of these! Each dish features ingredients that are made even more delicious when paired with the subtle but noticeable flavors of the oil.
- For a dish loaded up with quinoa and greens, enjoy the oil drizzled on top of this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.
- Nothing pairs better with oil than a nice, thick bread! Try it with this Vegan Garlic Bread for all of the flavor.
- Basil oil makes a great addition to this Fresh Tomato Soup. Just drizzle a bit on top before serving.
- Last but not least, enhance the flavor of this Lemon Basil Risotto with a little drizzle! Yum yum yum.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil 30 g
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 236 mL
Instructions
- Prep Ice Bath: Prepare a bowl of ice water.
- Blanch: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place basil leaves in a colander, then dunk the colander into the boiling water, using a spoon to ensure all basil leaves go under the water. Blanch for about 15 seconds, or until bright green and wilted.
- Ice Bath: Immediately transfer basil leaves to the ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Blend: Strain basil from water, patting dry. Add to a blender along with oil, blending until smooth.
- Strain: Strain the pureed mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the basil solids, leaving you with a smooth basil oil!
Tips & Tricks
Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of flaky sea salt.
SALIM HAMED ALDHAHRI says
Very informative and exciting. I’ll give it a try. Thank you for making my day
Natalie Lachenberg says
Can you freeze oil in ice cube trays for dishes later on?
Sarah Bond says
Yes! That’s a great idea for storing this basil oil š
Jeannette says
how long will this keep? Can I do an infused basil oil for longer term usage? Thanks
Sarah Bond says
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week š For longer term storage I would freeze it in an ice cube tray!