This Lemon Basil Dressing will add a splash of aromatic, fresh flavors to your greens. Made with Meyer lemons, it’s sweet and tart and elevates salads to another level. Meyer lemon recipes are so lovely!
Inspiration
I love My Mom’s Meyer Lemonade so much that it’s always inspiring me to work Meyer lemons into my recipes.
My mom gave a friend of hers a large jar of her super tasty lemonade. Her friend then added basil from her garden to the jar. She said it created an interesting and wonderful flavor.
I thought why not turn that flavor profile into a dressing?
Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons are slightly sweeter, and less sour than most other lemons. They also have a much thinner skin than other lemons, which often makes them juicier.
They are the main ingredient in this Meyer Lemon Basil Salad Dressing.
Do you have a Meyer lemon tree? Does your neighbor?
It’s for More than Salads
- Salad dressings can often double as a marinade for poultry or fish. This one would fabulous be with chicken, salmon and cod.
- This Lemon Basil Dressing is also fantastic drizzled into sandwiches and over pasta.
A few more Meyer lemon recipes to inspire you:
- Fried Meyer Lemon Caesar Salad
- Whipped Meyer Lemon-Vanilla Butter
- Meyer Lemon Thyme Spaghetti
- Meyer Lemon Vanilla Hot Milk Cake
- Meyer Lemon Cheesecake from Wood and Spoon
Recipe Tips
- This dressing is best when you let it sit for at least an hour before using.
- It can be made a few days ahead. (Keep it refrigerated.)
- Always make a whole lot of a homemade salad dressing when you make it. The dressing can last for weeks in the refrigerator and you’ll love having it on hand, at the ready when you whip up quick salads or need a marinade.
I hope you love this Meyer Lemon Basil Dressing as much as I do.

Meyer Lemon Basil Salad Dressing will add a splash of aromatic, fresh flavors to your greens. It's sweet and tart and elevates salads to another level. Meyer lemon recipes are so lovely!
*Makes 2 cups
- 1 cup Meyer lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons shallots, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger pulp
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
-
In a small mixing bowl or large jar, combine the lemon juice, shallots, garlic, ginger, salt and honey. If you're using a bowl, gradually whisk in the oil, stir in the basil leaves and season to taste with the pepper. If necessary, add more salt. If you're using a jar, add all of the ingredients, put the lid on tightly and shake. If necessary, add more salt.
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erin herron says
Valentina, thank you for generously sharing this dressing on a salad at our party last week; everyone said it was the most delicious and “bright” & “light” salad dressing they’d ever tasted! YUM!
Diane {Created by Diane} says
Sounds delicious 🙂 my mom just brought me a bunch of lemons too
Sarah at Mr. Food says
Valentina,
What a fabulous idea! Can’t wait to try the lemonade AND the salad dressing. Thanks for sharing – I included your Meyer Lemon-Basil Salad Dressing recipe in a roundup on Mr. Food’s blog.
All the best,
Sarah
valentina says
I so appreciate it — thanks so much, Sarah! 🙂
Bo W says
This sounds awesome!