If you’re looking for a way to elevate your salads, veggies, or even your grilled meats, this Lemon Vinaigrette is the answer! It’s zesty, tangy, and refreshingly light—everything you want in a dressing. Whether you’re in need of something to bring that extra pop to a simple green salad or a marinade for your favorite protein, this recipe is a game-changer. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and flavorful it is!
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Why You’ll Love Lemon Vinaigrette
This recipe isn’t just about making a great dressing—it’s about creating an experience. Imagine drizzling this fresh, lemony goodness over a crisp, colorful salad or using it to marinate chicken or fish. It’s versatile, vibrant, and absolutely delicious. Here’s why this vinaigrette will become your new go-to:
Versatile: It’s perfect for just about everything—salads, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade for meats. Once you try it, you’ll be adding it to everything!
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, this dressing proves that you don’t need anything fancy to make something full of flavor.
Quick and Easy: You’ll have this ready in minutes, and no complicated steps involved. It’s perfect for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Feel free to play around with the flavors! Add a little honey for sweetness or a touch of Dijon mustard for a sharper kick.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it on a salad or alongside grilled vegetables, this vinaigrette is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this zesty vinaigrette:
Fresh Lemon Juice: The bright and tangy star of this recipe. It brings the perfect amount of acidity and freshness.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for smoothness and richness. It balances the acidity of the lemon perfectly.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a little depth and creamy texture, helping the vinaigrette come together nicely.
Garlic: A touch of garlic elevates the flavor, adding a savory note that brings everything together.
Honey (optional): For a touch of sweetness to round out the tartness of the lemon.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. These little seasoning gems are what truly bring the dressing to life.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this refreshing dressing:
Whisk Together Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using). Whisk until everything is well combined.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper. This is where the flavors really start to come together, so don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Incorporate Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly. This helps the dressing emulsify and become smooth and creamy.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a quick taste. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey. For extra tang, squeeze in more lemon juice.
Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle over your favorite salad, roasted veggies, or grilled meats. This vinaigrette is your new go-to!
How to Serve Lemon Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with so many dishes! Here are a few ideas to make your meals even more delicious:
Salads: Toss it on a fresh green salad, mixed with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and maybe a few crumbles of feta cheese.
Grilled Meats: Perfect as a marinade for chicken, steak, or fish. Just drizzle over the protein before grilling, and you’ll have an incredible burst of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle it over roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots for a tangy finish.
Grains: Use it as a topping for grains like quinoa or farro for an extra kick of flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: You can make this vinaigrette in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a vegan version, simply swap out honey for maple syrup.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using again.
Double the Batch: This vinaigrette can be easily doubled, and it keeps wonderfully in the fridge for future use.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute lemon juice with vinegar?
A1: While lemon juice is key to the flavor of this vinaigrette, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. It’ll still be delicious but with a slightly different twist.
Q2: How can I make this vinaigrette creamier?
A2: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. It’ll make the dressing richer.
Q3: Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can make it in advance! It stores well in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake it up before using.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last up to a week. Be sure to shake it before using again.
Q5: Can I freeze this vinaigrette?
A5: It’s best to avoid freezing vinaigrette, as the oil and lemon may separate. But don’t worry, it’s so easy to make, you can whip up a fresh batch whenever you need it.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! If you’re making this for a crowd or want to have leftovers, doubling the recipe works perfectly.
Q7: Is this recipe vegan?
A7: Yes, it’s naturally vegan as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q8: Can I use this as a marinade?
A8: Yes! This vinaigrette works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, fish, or veggies.
Q9: How long can I store this in the fridge?
A9: You can store it for up to a week in an airtight container.
Q10: What else can I use this dressing on?
A10: You can drizzle it on roasted vegetables, quinoa, pasta, or even use it as a dip for bread.
Conclusion
This Lemon Vinaigrette is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It’s so easy to make, and the best part is, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using it on a salad, a roasted veggie medley, or as a marinade, it’s sure to add that perfect zing to any dish. Give it a try and discover how a simple dressing can completely transform your meals! Enjoy, and don’t forget to come back for more tasty recipes!
Lemon Vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (makes about 3/4 cup) 1x
- Category: Condiment, Dressing
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: American/Mediterranean
Description
This Lemon Vinaigrette is a quick and bright dressing made with pantry essentials. It comes together in less than 5 minutes, making it the perfect addition to any salad or dish that needs a zesty kick.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 to 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, and a big dash of salt and pepper (1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon each).
- While whisking, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue whisking until the mixture is fully emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply whisk before using.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or oregano to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a thicker dressing, use the full 3/4 cup olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg