Herb Oil Dressing

Tanya Eisenwasser

Print Recipe

A simple dressing I keep in the fridge for quick salads. Fresh herbs and good olive oil are all you need.

Prep 5 min

Cook 1 min

Serves 4

Gluten-freeDairy-freeVegan

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Herbs

1. Wash and thoroughly dry all fresh herbs.
2. Finely chop the basil and parsley. Strip the thyme leaves from the stems.
3. If using garlic, mince it finely.

Combine

1. Add the olive oil to a small jar or bowl.
2. Stir in the chopped herbs and salt.
3. Add garlic if using.
4. Whisk or shake until combined.

Serve

Drizzle over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Shake or stir before each use.

Tips & Substitutions

• Skip the garlic if it is a trigger. The fresh herbs provide plenty of flavor without it.
• Use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. Dill, chives, mint, or cilantro all work well in place of basil, parsley, and thyme.
• No vinegar or citrus needed. This dressing relies on good olive oil and fresh herbs for flavor, avoiding the acidity that can be problematic.
• Shake or stir before each use. The herbs settle to the bottom, so give it a quick shake before drizzling.
• The oil may solidify when cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, or run the jar under warm water briefly.

Why This Works

Olive oil. Generally well tolerated and provides healthy fats. It serves as the base without needing vinegar, citrus, or other acidic ingredients that many people with histamine intolerance find problematic.

Fresh herbs. Basil, parsley, and thyme are commonly tolerated when fresh. They add flavor without relying on dried seasonings, which may bother some people depending on storage.

No vinegar or citrus. Most commercial dressings contain vinegar (fermented) or lemon juice (which can be triggering for some people with histamine intolerance). This dressing skips both entirely.

Garlic (optional). Contains quercetin, a compound sometimes discussed in mast cell research, but can also act as a histamine liberator for sensitive individuals. It is optional for this reason.

Storage

Use within 1-2 days for best freshness and flavor. Store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Histamine buildup is lower risk than with meat or fish leftovers, but the fresh herbs will lose their brightness after a couple of days. Making a fresh batch is quick and worth the effort.

Not sure if an ingredient is safe? Histamine Tracker includes a database of 1,000+ foods with histamine ratings to help you cook with confidence.