Very Incredible Basil Sauce is a vibrant, herb-packed blend that adds fresh flavor to just about anything. Made with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and a few simple ingredients, this sauce is bright, savory, and incredibly versatile. Whether used as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or grilled veggie drizzle, it brings bold basil goodness to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor – Fresh basil and garlic make this sauce pop.
- Quick and easy – Comes together in just minutes with a blender or food processor.
- Versatile – Use it as a dip, spread, drizzle, or dressing.
- Customizable – Adjust ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs.
- Great for meal prep – Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Water (to thin, if needed)
Directions
- Prepare the Basil:
- Rinse and pat dry fresh basil leaves.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- In a food processor or blender, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), and any optional add-ins like Parmesan or nuts.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust Consistency:
- Add a splash of water or extra oil if needed to reach your desired thickness.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 1 cup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Nut-Free: Leave out the nuts or replace with sunflower seeds.
- Creamy Basil Sauce: Blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a small chili pepper.
- Citrusy Twist: Use lime juice or orange zest for a different zing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: No reheating needed. Use chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is essential for the flavor and texture—dried won’t work here.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is best, but any mild oil will work in a pinch.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Yes! Just thin it out with more lemon juice or vinegar.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
In a sealed jar in the fridge or frozen in cubes for long-term storage.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely—it keeps well in the fridge and flavors deepen with time.
Can I add other herbs?
Yes! Try parsley, cilantro, or mint for different flavor profiles.
What can I serve this with?
Use it on pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, roasted veggies, or eggs.
Is this the same as pesto?
It’s similar but more flexible—this sauce can be cheeseless, nut-free, or thinner than traditional pesto.
How do I keep the sauce green?
Store it in an airtight container and add a thin layer of oil on top to prevent oxidation.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, it scales up easily—just blend in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Very Incredible Basil Sauce lives up to its name with fresh, bold flavor that transforms any dish. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and the perfect way to use up fresh basil. Keep a batch on hand to bring instant brightness to your meals!
Print
Very Incredible Basil Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
This Very Incredible Basil Sauce is creamy, garlicky, and bursting with fresh basil flavor. It’s kind of like pesto’s cooler cousin—smooth, tangy, and ultra-versatile.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
- 1–2 cloves garlic (to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (balances the acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
-
Blend it up:
- In a food processor or blender, combine basil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and nuts/cheese if using.
- Pulse until chopped and combined.
-
Stream in the oil:
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
- Add water a little at a time if you want a thinner, pourable sauce.
-
Season & Finish:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Blend again to combine. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Dairy-free? Leave out the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
- Nut-free? Skip the nuts or use sunflower seeds.
- Tastes amazing on grilled chicken, fish, pasta, grain bowls, eggs, or even as a sandwich spread.
- Want heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes!