Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
Bright, zesty, and packed with vibrant Mediterranean charm, this Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe is a game changer for your salads and beyond. The perfect balance of fresh lemon juice, heart-healthy olive oil, a touch of honey’s sweetness, and a punch of garlic creates a dressing that can elevate anything from leafy greens to roasted veggies. Once you’ve mastered this simple yet irresistible Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for adding a refreshing, citrusy spark to meals all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like assembling a dream team for your taste buds. Each component is straightforward yet essential, offering a harmony of bright acidity, smooth richness, subtle sweetness, and a hint of savory depth.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): The star of the show, bringing natural tang and brightness that wakes up every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): Adds a silky texture and fruity richness, making the dressing luxuriously smooth.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a nuanced, piquant flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle sweetness that balances the tart lemon perfectly.
- Garlic clove, minced (1 small): Infuses a subtle savory kick without overpowering the freshness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that round out the flavors and enhance every ingredient’s natural qualities.
How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by whisking together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl or jar. This combination creates the flavorful foundation and ensures that the sweet, tangy, and savory notes mingle beautifully before the oil joins the mix.
Step 2: Emulsify with Olive Oil
Next, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously. This slow incorporation is key because it helps the oil and lemon juice form a smooth, creamy emulsion rather than separating. The result is a perfectly blended vinaigrette that clings to your salads and foods with delightful ease.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Now, season your dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the balance, adding a pinch more sweetness or acidity if you like. This step allows you to tailor the Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe exactly to your preference.
Step 4: Store or Serve Immediately
You can use this dressing right away for maximum freshness, or store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to shake it well before each use to remix any separation that might occur.
How to Serve Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A small sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or dill on top of your dressed salad adds a burst of herbal aroma and bright color. Toasted nuts or seeds can also add a nice crunch and subtle nuttiness that compliments the lemony dressing.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe shines beautifully alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. It also pairs wonderfully with grain bowls featuring quinoa or farro, enhancing earthy flavors with a fresh citrus punch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, drizzle this dressing over grilled chicken or seafood as a marinade or finishing touch. It also makes an amazing drizzle on avocado toast or as a dipping sauce for crudités, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your kitchen lineup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and vibrant for up to one week. Give it a good shake or stir before using, as the oil and lemon juice might separate over time.
Freezing
Because this dressing relies on fresh lemon juice and olive oil, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor can be compromised once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dressing since it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature. Warming it up might dull the crisp, fresh flavors that make this Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute lemon juice with lime juice?
Absolutely! Lime juice can be a delicious alternative, giving the dressing a different citrus profile. It will change the flavor slightly but keep that refreshing tang you love.
How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
This Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe lasts up to one week when stored properly in a sealed container. Always give it a shake before using to recombine the ingredients.
Is this dressing suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This recipe is vegan-friendly, especially when you use maple syrup instead of honey. It’s a fresh and healthy option for plant-based meals.
Can I add herbs to the dressing?
Definitely! Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil can be whisked in to complement the citrus flavors and create exciting variations of the basic vinaigrette.
What kind of mustard works best?
Dijon mustard is ideal because of its smooth texture and mild heat that supports emulsification. However, whole grain or spicy mustard can be used if you prefer a bolder taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely magical about a well-made Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe that can transform ordinary ingredients into something bright and memorable. It’s so quick, versatile, and full of flavor that you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Give this recipe a try and watch your salads and dishes come alive with that perfect, citrusy zing.
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Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This zesty and refreshing Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is a simple, homemade salad dressing perfect for brightening up green salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or even as a marinade. Made with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic, it offers a balanced blend of acidity and sweetness with a smooth, emulsified texture. Enjoy a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dressing that is vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and the minced garlic until fully combined.
- Emulsify Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously, which helps to emulsify the dressing and create a smooth texture.
- Season and Adjust: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding a little more honey or lemon juice as desired.
- Store or Serve: Use the dressing immediately for the freshest taste, or store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Remember to shake or whisk well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
Notes
- Great on green salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or as a marinade for chicken or seafood.
- Use Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons for a slightly sweeter, floral flavor.
- Shake or whisk the dressing before each use as separation may occur.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
