Add flavor to your dishes with this green herb oil. Let me show you how to make it for a little twist to soups or salads.
The best part about this recipe is that it uses wild or leftover herbs to avoid food waste and use what you already have. With just a few simple steps, you’ll turn your herbs into a beautifully colored oil to give your dishes a delightful twist.
I discovered this sensation when visiting a restaurant in a small village in southern Italy. They served a roasted asparagus soup with a drizzle of Green Herb Oil. The oil added color and flavor to the soup, and I immediately asked the chef for the recipe.

Why use Green Herb Oil?
I was surprised to learn how easy it was to make and that I could use wild or leftover herbs, I already had at home.
You can experiment with different herb combinations and adjust the amount of oil used to make a green oil more or less intense. The possibilities are endless!
In addition, Green Herb Oil can also be used to marinate meats, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for bread. It’s a versatile condiment and a great way to add color and taste to any dish.
Compared to parsley or chives, which can sometimes overpower the taste of a dish, Green herb oil provides a more subtle infusion of fresh herb taste that is not overpowering.

Ingredients to make Herb Oil
Fresh culinary herbs
A Culinary Herb Garden is the best way to use fresh herbs in your kitchen. You can even Grow your herbs from cuttings on the balcony or indoors. Wilted or dried herbs will not make a bright green color which is one of the key characteristics of the oil.
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You can use a single herb, like basil, dill, cilantro, or parsley, to make parsley oil. Or you can combine different herbs to create your desired flavor profile.
Suggested herb combinations:
Basil and parsley: For classic Italian dishes that pair well with pasta, pizza, and tomato-based dishes.
Cilantro and mint: This fresh and zesty profile is great for Asian-inspired dishes and summer salads.
Thyme, rosemary, and oregano: This trio of herbs is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and adds depth and complexity to meat dishes, roasted vegetables, and marinades.
Tarragon and chives: This combination offers a delicate and slightly sweet profile that is great for fish dishes and creamy sauces.
Sage and garlic: This pairing creates a savory and earthy taste which is perfect for roasted meats and root vegetables.

Wild herbs
However, you can also make Green herb oil using wild herbs with unique flavors. These include wild garlic, nettle, dandelion, or wild thyme. Just . When going foraging, make sure to identify herbs correctly and that you follow this guide to ethical wildcrafting and foraging.
While Wild garlic has a similar but milder taste to regular garlic, dandelion greens would give your green herb oil a bitter taste similar to arugula.
On the other hand, nettle has a grassy and earthy flavor similar to spinach, which is not very dominant, and I don’t recommend using it on its own in the oil. Instead, you better alter the flavor slightly with the sweet and minty taste of wild thyme that can add depth and complexity to dishes.

Oils
I used extra virgin olive oil, a versatile and delicious oil with a fruity and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with various herbs. You can also use grapeseed oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil. These are good neutral oils that can help the herb shine through.
However, choose a high-quality oil that is fresh and not rancid to ensure the best herb oil you can make.
green herb oils recipe
I used wild herbs for this recipe – wild garlic and a few leaves of nettle, dandelion, and plantain for medicinal benefits. Wild garlic was the main herb to add a taste. This technique works for any herbs you may want to use.
First step: Refrigerate the oil.
Measure the oil and place it in the fridge. Cooling the olive oil before blending it with herbs will help to prevent dulling of the vibrant green color, as the oil will warm up from friction.
Second step: Prepare an ice bath.
Fill a large bowl or container with ice cubes or crushed ice. Add enough cold water to cover the ice and mix it well.
Third step: Boil the water.
Bring water to a boil in a medium casserole, and add a pinch of salt.
Fourth step: Wash herbs and add them to the pot with salted water.
Wash your fresh herbs thoroughly, and shake the water off as much as possible. No need to remove them from stems. Once the water is boiling, add them to a pot of water and for a quick cook (10 – 15 seconds). Don’t keep it longer as the color starts to darken. Before transferring them to the ice bath, you want them to be bright green.

Fifth step: Quickly transfer the herbs into an ice bath.
Use a sieve to quickly remove the herbs from boiling water into an icing bath. Let them sit there for at least 5 minutes to cool completely. This is called a blanching technique that involves brief boiling and then rapid cooling in ice water to preserve the color and texture of herbs.

Sixth step: Remove much moisture.
Removing excess water from the herbs before blending them with the oils is crucial. It helps to achieve the desired consistency and prevents the oil from becoming rancid. Thus, squeeze them from the water and pat them dry. You want to use a paper towel to eliminate any remaining moisture.

Seventh step: Blending the mixture.
Place herbs and oil into a blender and puree on high speed for one minute or until completely smooth and well combined.

Eighth step: Strain it.
Line a fine strainer with cheesecloth, a tea towel, or a coffee filter, pour the oil into the sieve, and let the gravity work. Next, place the strainer into a mixing bowl. It takes several hours to filter the oil drop by drop into the jar or bottle. Don’t force the oil through the cheesecloth because the herb pieces may drop into the final oil.


Ninth step: Store it.
Transfer the oil to the sterilized bottle or airtight container in the refrigerator for five days or until the color starts to fade.
Use Herb oil for food garnishes.
- One of my favorite ways is drizzling over a soup, or salad bowl. The oil can add flavor and color to the dish with no effort.
- Utilize it in marinades for meats, fish, or vegetables like beets. Brush the oil onto the carrot fries before grilling or roasting to add flavor.
- Try whisking it into a Jalapeño Vinaigrette, Salad Dressing or stirring it into a tomato sauce for pasta.
- It makes a delicious dip for crusty bread. Serve it alongside your favorite appetizers, or use it as a spread for sandwiches.
- Add the oil to dishes, such as roasted vegetables, air fyer baked potatoes, chili scrambled eggs or thai basil pesto. Simply drizzle a bit over the top before serving to add a pop of color and flavor.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It will start losing its taste and color after a few days.
If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag. Then, when you’re ready to use the oil, thaw the desired amount in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Frozen herb oil can last several months in the freezer, but the flavor and color may change over time.

How to make Green Herb Oil

Add flavor to your dishes with this green herb oil. Let me show you how to make it for a little twist to soups or salads.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of any fresh culinary herbs (basil, thyme, cilantro, mint, rosemary, dill) or wild herbs (wild garlic, nettle, wild thyme)
- [1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or any other neutral oil
- Salt, for the water
Instructions
- Measure the oil and place it in the fridge. Cooling the olive oil before blending it with herbs will help to prevent dulling of the vibrant green color, as the oil will warm up from friction.
- Prepare an ice bath. Fill a large bowl or container with ice cubes or crushed ice. Add enough cold water to cover the ice and mix it well.
- Boil the water. Bring water to a boil in a medium casserole, and add a pinch of salt.
- Wash herbs and add them to the pot with salted water. Wash your fresh herbs thoroughly, and shake the water off as much as possible. No need to remove them from stems. Once the water is boiling, add them to a pot of water and for a quick cook (10 - 15 seconds). Don't keep it longer as the color starts to darken. Before transferring them to the ice bath, you want them to be bright green.
- Quickly transfer the herbs into an ice bath. Use a sieve to quickly remove the herbs from boiling water into an icing bath. Let them sit there for at least 5 minutes to cool completely. This is called a blanching technique that involves brief boiling and then rapid cooling in ice water to preserve the color and texture of herbs.
- Remove much moisture. Removing excess water from the herbs before blending them with the oils is crucial. It helps to achieve the desired consistency and prevents the oil from becoming rancid. Thus, squeeze them from the water and pat them dry. You want to use a paper towel to eliminate any remaining moisture.
- Blending the mixture. Place herbs and oil into a blender and puree on high speed for one minute or until completely smooth and well combined.
- Strain it. Line a fine strainer with cheesecloth, a tea towel, or a coffee filter, pour the oil into the sieve, and let the gravity work. Next, place the strainer into a mixing bowl. It takes several hours to filter the oil drop by drop into the jar or bottle. Don't force the oil through the cheesecloth because the herb pieces may drop into the final oil.
- Store it. Transfer the oil to the sterilized bottle or airtight container in the refrigerator for five days or until the color starts to fade.
Recommended Products
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BAKHUK 4 Pack 17oz Glass Olive Oil Dispenser Bottles 500ml Clear Vinegar Cruet with Pourers and Funnel for Kitchen
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Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers
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Norpro 249 Stainless Steel Double Boiler 1.5-Quart
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Cheesecloth, Grade 90, 54 Sq Feet, 100% Unbleached Cotton Fabric, Ultra Fine Reusable Cheesecloth for Cooking, Straining (Grade 90-6Yards)
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Mason Jars 16 oz with Plastic Mason Jar Lids (BPA Free) Pint Mason Jars Regular Mouth (set of 2 - White) by Jarming Collections
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
15Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 273Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Collection of infusion oils you might want to try
Collection of infusion oils you might want to try
DIY rose oil for skin and hair
This highly scented and effective rose oil is a must have item in your household. Our DIY rose infused oil goes a little bit further with ultra rich grape seed oil and petals from Rose Damascena.
How to make nettle oil
This mineral-rich nettle oil is a powerful remedy with a wide spectrum of uses from easing stiff joints to scalp and hair treatment. Made of nettle leaves this effective oil might help with skin irritations or baldness.
Scented Lavender infused oil
Infusion Lavender oil soothes minor skin irritations and eczema. It is also suitable for mild burns, yeast infections or for insect bites.
DIY Dandelion oil to heal your cracked hands
Dandelion oil is used in salves, lotions, and lip balms to soothe dry and cracked skin. Thanks to its capability to speed up the healing process of scars and calm down skin irritations dandelion oil is also efficient in acne treatment.
Uses and benefits of Calendula oil
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis, a.k.a. “Pot Marigold”) has its well-defined place in the herbal world. It’s not only the bright color and sweet smell that distinguish this plant from the others. But mainly it’s healing power and capability to cleanse wound made it internal as well as external number one choice of herbal healer.
How to make & use red clover oil
purple blossoms of the red clover make an outstanding nourishing oil that, by increasing collagen production, improves the elasticity of your skin and reduces wrinkles. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help with eczema or psoriasis.
Powerful Elderflower infusion oil to soften your skin
Elderflower infusion oil has a powerful soothing effect on the skin, improves skin complexion and is especially useful for older skin. However, it is also very effective in treating acne or sunburns. It's anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle properties made the elderflower infusion oil very popular in the cosmetic industry.
How to make Rosehip oil to heal your skin
Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, rosehip oil is a natural versatile moisturizer that will heal your hair, nails and skin from bruises, acne and wrinkles.
How to make Violet oil and its uses
Extracted from leaves and flowers of wild violets this violet oil possesses many benefits for skin and hair and might be also able to help with insomnia or rheumatic pain.
How to make chamomile oil
This soothing chamomile oil extracted from chamomile flowers deeply nourishes and restores the skin. Its healing properties can be used in wound healing, diaper rash, or eczema.
Cucumber oil recipe for skin and hair
Deeply moisturizing and nourishing cucumber oil soothes and protects dry skin and hair adding softness and hydration.
How to make lemon balm oil + 10 ways to use it
This soothing lemon balm oil moisturizes and promotes skin healing. Lemon balm oil’s healing properties may help with cold sores.
It’s a great way to add freshness to my cooking, and it’s so refreshing. I’ve been using it on salads and as a dressing for roasted vegetables.
Was amazed at how easy it was to make this herb oil. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
I love drizzling this herb oil over my salad and t always makes it more delicious and comfy! While my mom loves to use this in marinating meats! Very convenient and a must keep!
I never thought that making herb oil was this easy. I love mixing the oil in my chicken marinate, and I used it to drizzle over my pasta. It surely added more flavor.
Absolutely love using this oil on almost everything! So good paired with grilled meats and delicious swirled into soup!
Wow I received your wonderful ebook it’s amazing I don’t do anything than paging your informative and helpful herbs. Thank you to be one of your community, it’s been long searching for this help, I think I reached the right destination Vlad. Be blessed let’s take it up.
Thank you, I am glad you are here.
Thank Mabel, I appreciate it.