I am beyond excited to share this delightful Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe with you. This dressing is a game changer for any salad lover, bringing a fresh, bright burst of citrus that beautifully balances tangy and sweet notes. Effortlessly simple yet bursting with flavor, this Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe elevates even the most basic greens into a vibrant, mouthwatering dish you’ll want to enjoy every day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe lies in its few, perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the zesty lemon juice providing brightness to the smooth extra virgin olive oil adding richness and velvety texture. Let’s get to know these essentials that will soon transform your salads.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star of the show, delivering fresh citrus zing that wakes up every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Smooth and fruity, it blends everything together for a luscious finish.
- Dijon mustard: Adds just the right hint of tangy depth and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Honey or maple syrup: Balances the tartness with a subtle touch of natural sweetness.
- Garlic clove (finely minced): Brings a gentle pungency that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other ingredients’ tastes.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild spice that complements the citrus perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Combine the base ingredients
Start by adding the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), finely minced garlic, salt, and black pepper into a small bowl or jar. This combination forms the flavorful foundation of your dressing with bright, sweet, and savory notes all mingling together.
Step 2: Whisk or shake until blended
Whisk the ingredients together vigorously or secure the lid on your jar and give it a good shake. Mixing these components well ensures that the flavors meld, creating a harmonious balance before adding the olive oil.
Step 3: Emulsify with olive oil
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk or shake your vinaigrette. Patience is key here to achieve a smooth, creamy emulsification that holds together beautifully rather than separating.
Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning
Give your Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe a taste. If you feel it needs more brightness, add a pinch more salt or a touch more honey for sweetness. Adjust until it sings the way you like. Your dressing is now ready to dress up any salad or dish!
How to Serve Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Lemon Vinaigrette by adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. A sprinkle of lemon zest over your salad adds an extra pop of citrus aroma, making every bite even fresher and more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, grilled vegetables, or even drizzled over roasted potatoes. It’s versatile enough to brighten Mediterranean dishes or add zest to your favorite grain bowls.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using the vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken or fish to infuse lovely lemony notes. Alternatively, drizzle it over fresh mozzarella and tomatoes for a quick Caprese-inspired appetizer that’s bursting with flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy its bright flavor throughout the week without worry.
Freezing
Due to its fresh lemon and oil content, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and separate the oil from the vinaigrette, affecting its taste and appearance.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dressing. Simply give it a good shake or whisk before serving if separation occurs, and it will be as fresh as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice offers the brightest and most vibrant flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice without added preservatives for the best taste.
Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
Absolutely! Whole-grain mustard works beautifully too, adding a nice texture and slightly different flavor profile. Just swap it in equal amounts to keep your vinaigrette delicious.
How can I make the vinaigrette less tangy?
If the dressing feels too sour for your taste, try adding a little extra honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity. A touch more olive oil can also mellow the sharpness.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Definitely. This Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, fish, or veggies, infusing them with bright, fresh flavors before cooking.
What salad greens work best with this dressing?
It pairs perfectly with mixed greens, spinach, arugula, or even kale. The light, citrusy vinaigrette complements leafy greens without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe is a fabulous way to bring fresh, vibrant flavor to your meals with minimal effort. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—it’s quick, delightful, and guaranteed to brighten up your salads and beyond. Once you taste it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your kitchen staples, just like it is for me!
Print
Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and tangy Lemon Vinaigrette that combines fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of honey with Dijon mustard and garlic for a versatile, easy-to-make salad dressing. Perfect to dress greens or drizzle over roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: Add the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, finely minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl or jar.
- Mix Thoroughly: Whisk or shake the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Emulsify with Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to ensure the dressing emulsifies into a creamy consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey as desired to balance acidity and sweetness.
- Serve or Store: Use the vinaigrette immediately on salads or vegetables, or cover and refrigerate. Shake or whisk again before serving if separation occurs.
Notes
- Shake or whisk again before serving if the vinaigrette separates.
- This dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Add lemon zest for extra brightness and intensified lemon flavor.
- Swap Dijon mustard for whole-grain mustard for a different texture and taste.
