Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Fresh and vibrant citrus flavor
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for salads and marinades
- Healthier than many store-bought dressings
- Easily customizable with herbs and spices
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Shake or whisk again before serving if separation occurs.
Servings and timing
- Servings: About 6 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor.
- Substitute lime juice for a different citrus twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store Basic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Allow the dressing to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if the olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator. Shake well before using. Reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the brightest and freshest flavor.
Why did my dressing separate?
Oil and lemon juice naturally separate over time. Shake or whisk before serving.
What type of olive oil works best?
Extra virgin olive oil provides the richest and most flavorful result.
Can I make this dressing vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Is Dijon mustard necessary?
Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds flavor, but it can be omitted if preferred.
What salads pair well with lemon vinaigrette?
Green salads, pasta salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetable salads all pair beautifully.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it works very well as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.
How can I make the dressing creamier?
Whisk in a little Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
Can I freeze lemon vinaigrette?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture may separate after thawing.
How do I reduce the acidity?
Add a little more olive oil or a touch of extra honey to balance the tartness.
Conclusion
Basic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is a simple and refreshing homemade dressing that adds bright citrus flavor to countless dishes. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this versatile vinaigrette is a kitchen staple that brings freshness and balance to salads, vegetables, marinades, and more.
PrintBasic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Basic Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is a fresh and versatile homemade dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and simple seasonings. Bright, tangy, and smooth, this easy vinaigrette adds refreshing flavor to salads, vegetables, grain bowls, and marinades.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Shake or whisk again before serving if separation occurs.
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice provides the best bright citrus flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil creates the richest taste.
- Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly version.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for extra flavor.
- Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick.
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise can be whisked in for a creamier texture.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and shake well before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
