Basil Sauce (2 minute easy recipe)

This easy Basil Sauce recipe is made from fresh basil leaves, garlic and oil has a prep time of just 2 minutes!

Naturally vegan and gluten-free and so versatile. I love it in this Ribbon Zucchini Salad.

This basil sauce has a dressing like consistency so is easy to pour, drizzle and toss into your favourite recipes! It is also vegan, vegetarian, nut free and dairy free!

It's full of bright herb-y, with subtle garlic flavour that compliments pastas, salads, vegetables and more.

Every spring I buy a potted basil plant and use it throughout the whole summer so I'm always on the lookout for different recipes to use it in!

This Pesto Potato Salad is always on the menu in the summer as is this White Bean Panzanella.

I recently prepared a salad that was dressed in a basil sauce- the recipe was inspired by a salad I tried in Harrods. I ended up making too much so used it in all kinds of recipes over the next 2-3 days!

Basil sauce vs Basil Pesto vs Basil Pistou

This basil sauce has similarities to a basil pesto or basil pistou but they have key differences.

Italian pesto sauce has added pine nuts and parmesan cheese. It has a chunky texture as it is traditionally made in a pestle and mortar.

The classic pistou recipe is a French basil sauce without any cheese or pine nuts. It has a chunky texture as it is also made in a pestle and mortar. It is a great option for those who want the flavors of a pesto without any dairy or nuts.

Basil sauce is made without nuts or cheese and is blended until smooth.

Ingredients

Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post

As the sauce is made from so few ingredients, it is important to use fresh ingredients as much as possible. This helps give the most bright flavor to the recipe

Fresh basil

Garlic - fresh cloves garlic are best. I've only used one small clove as I didn't want the taste of raw garlic to be overpowering but you can add more if you wish.

Extra virgin olive oil - use the best olive oil rather than standard olve oil for cooking

Lemon juice - fresh lemon or lime juice

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional:

Sweetener such as maple syrup or agave or sugar - a touch of sweet really brings out all of the flavour. I use it in my recipe but you can skip it if you wish.

How to make Basil Sauce Instructions

Blend together all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Adjust any seasoning and serve on the same day.

How to use

Basil sauce is so versatile and goes with so many different dishes.

Spread into sandwiches with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and salad leaves.

Toss into pasta salads - I used leftovers in this Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Stir into spaghetti sauce to make a tomato basil sauce

Drizzle over pizzas like these Air Fryer French Bread Pizza, or over grilled veggies.

Mix it in with soft butter and spread over bread slices to make a basil garlic bread

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight jar or airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. Note that the vibrant green colour may darken overnight.

You can spoon the sauce into an ice cube tray and use as required.

Other easy sauce recipes

Creamy cilantro sauce

Yogurt Garlic Sauce

12 Samosa Sauces

Tamarind Sauce

Indian Mint sauce

Bread Dipping Oil - with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil

Parsley Pesto - pesto made with fresh parsley and walnuts

Saffron Cream Sauce - perfect with pasta

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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