why make this recipe
Making your own lemon vinaigrette dressing is easy and gives you fresh flavors without the preservatives found in store-bought options. This basic lemon vinaigrette enhances salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a marinade for proteins. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a healthy dressing in no time.
how to make Basic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (or stevia, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 Tablespoon fresh)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Whisk together all ingredients except the olive oil in a small bowl.
- Slowly pour olive oil into the bowl and whisk together until emulsified.
- You can also blend everything together in your blender or shake the dressing together in a jar.
how to serve Basic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
This lemon vinaigrette is perfect for drizzling over your favorite green salads. You can also use it as a dressing for grain salads, roasted vegetables, or as a tangy marinade for chicken or fish.
how to store Basic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to one week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as separation may occur.
tips to make Basic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
- If you prefer a thicker dressing, increase the amount of dijon mustard.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup based on your taste.
variation
You can easily customize this basic lemon vinaigrette by adding different herbs or spices. Try adding fresh basil for a more aromatic flavor or some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
FAQs
1. Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice for convenience, but fresh lemon juice will provide a brighter flavor.
2. What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can be good substitutes.
3. Is this dressing vegan?
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey, this vinaigrette is completely vegan.
Basic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together all ingredients except the olive oil in a small bowl.
- Slowly pour olive oil into the bowl and whisk together until emulsified.
- Alternatively, blend everything together in a blender or shake the dressing in a jar.