Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
Discover a zesty and easy Lemon Vinaigrette recipe that brightens any salad with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and simple pantry ingredients. This versatile dressing adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to leafy greens, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls, making it a healthy and customizable option for any meal.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 1/2 cup (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan (if honey replaced with maple syrup)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice the lemons: Roll the lemons on the counter with gentle pressure to maximize juice extraction. Cut them in half and strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp for a clean, bright base.
- Combine ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic until well blended.
- Slowly add olive oil: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil to help emulsify the dressing and create a creamy consistency.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper gradually, tasting as you go, to bring out the perfect balance of flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest, freshest flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice.
- Whisk vigorously to emulsify the oil and lemon juice so the dressing doesn’t separate.
- Let the vinaigrette sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup gradually, depending on lemon tartness.
- Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; shake well before each use.
- Do not freeze, as olive oil can change texture when frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: lemon vinaigrette, lemon dressing, salad dressing, healthy dressing, easy vinaigrette, homemade dressing, gluten free, vegan option