Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is a delicious and versatile addition to your meals. It’s light, tangy, and fresh, making it a favorite for salads, vegetables, and even grilled meats. By making this dressing at home, you can control the ingredients and flavors to match your taste preferences. Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up!
How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon (zest + ~2 tbsp juice)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar (red wine, white wine, or apple cider)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (for emulsification)
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup, agave, or stevia, optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional herbs: thyme, parsley, dill, basil
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for spice
Directions:
- Zest the lemon and juice it to get about 2 tablespoons.
- Mince the garlic.
- In a bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, zest, garlic, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Slowly whisk in olive oil until fully emulsified, or shake everything in a sealed jar.
- Add salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
- If needed, thin the dressing with a teaspoon of water.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Shake or stir before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Lemon Vinaigrette is perfect for drizzling over your favorite salads. It pairs well with greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed salad greens. You can also use it to dress roasted vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish. A little goes a long way in adding flavor to your meals!
How to Store Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about one week. Before using, give it a good shake or stir, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Tips to Make Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
- Taste as you go: Adjust the levels of honey, mustard, and herbs based on your preference.
- Be creative with herbs: Try different herbs each time to find your favorite combination.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a kick.
Variation
You can switch up the vinegar to give a different flavor. Balsamic vinegar, for example, will add a sweeter note, while apple cider vinegar gives a fruity touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice offers a brighter flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
2. Can I make this dressing vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the honey or replace it with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
3. How can I make the dressing creamier?
You can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing for a creamier texture.
Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients
Method
- Zest the lemon and juice it to get about 2 tablespoons.
- Mince the garlic.
- In a bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, zest, garlic, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Slowly whisk in olive oil until fully emulsified, or shake everything in a sealed jar.
- Add salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
- If needed, thin the dressing with a teaspoon of water.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Shake or stir before serving.