Description
A bright, refreshing, and incredibly easy Lemon Vinaigrette dressing bursting with zesty lemon flavor, perfectly balanced tang and sweetness, and a smooth, silky texture. This versatile dressing enhances salads, grain bowls, grilled vegetables, and more, making meals fresh, lively, and nourishing.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Squeeze the lemons
Start by juicing fresh lemons until you have about 3 tablespoons of lemon juice; fresh juice ensures the brightest and most natural flavor. - Step 2: Whisk the mustard and sweetener
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey (or your preferred sweetener) until smooth; this mixture will help emulsify the dressing. - Step 3: Add lemon juice and seasonings
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir in salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using garlic, add it at this stage as finely minced or pressed cloves. - Step 4: Slowly whisk in olive oil
While continuously whisking, drizzle in the olive oil slowly to combine everything into a smooth, emulsified dressing with no separation. - Step 5: Taste and adjust
Give your vinaigrette a final taste test and tweak the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or sweetener if needed. Your Lemon Vinaigrette is now ready to brighten any salad!
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help olive oil and lemon juice emulsify smoothly.
- Fresh lemon juice is key for vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Whisk vigorously and slowly add oil to create a creamy texture.
- Let the dressing sit a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to marry.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container; shake well before reuse.
- Avoid freezing as olive oil can separate and change texture.
- No need to reheat; simply whisk before use.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon vinaigrette, salad dressing, easy dressing, homemade vinaigrette, lemon dressing, healthy dressing, vegan dressing option