Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is a fresh, tangy, and vibrant dressing that can instantly elevate any salad. With its bright citrus flavor and smooth texture, it’s a great alternative to heavier, creamy dressings. This simple dressing comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and is perfect for pairing with your favorite greens or roasted vegetables. It’s also versatile enough to work as a marinade or drizzle for grilled meats and seafood.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh and Zesty Flavor

The fresh lemon juice and zest bring a refreshing tang to your salads, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth to the flavor.

2. Quick and Easy

This dressing is super easy to make in just a few minutes, with minimal prep and effort. You can make it ahead of time and store it for later use.

3. Light and Healthy

Made with olive oil and lemon, this dressing is light, low in calories, and packed with healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

4. Customizable

Adjust the sweetness, add herbs, or spice it up to suit your taste. This dressing can be easily tweaked to match your preference.

5. Versatile

Use this Lemon Vinaigrette for not only salads but also as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables, or drizzle over roasted dishes for added flavor.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

Herb Lemon Vinaigrette: Add 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to enhance the flavor.
Garlic Lemon Vinaigrette: Add 1 clove of minced garlic for a savory twist.
Spicy Lemon Vinaigrette: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Maple Lemon Vinaigrette: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper, slightly different sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), Dijon mustard, and honey (if using) until smooth.

Step 2: Add Olive Oil

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to help emulsify the dressing. This will create a smooth and slightly thickened vinaigrette.

Step 3: Season

Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk again to combine, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Serve

Pour the vinaigrette over your favorite salad, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or seafood.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Whisking: Make sure to whisk the vinaigrette vigorously while adding the oil to ensure it emulsifies and becomes smooth.
Fresh Lemon: For the best taste, always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice.
Make Ahead: You can make this vinaigrette in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or stir before using.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on how sweet you like your vinaigrette, feel free to add more honey or adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste.

How to Serve

Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is perfect for a wide range of salads, from simple green salads to more complex grain bowls. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or seafood. Drizzle it over a fresh avocado toast or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The dressing may separate over time, so simply shake or whisk it before using again.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this dressing, as the olive oil and lemon juice may separate and change texture upon thawing.

Reheating

This dressing is served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

2. How do I make the dressing creamier?

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the vinaigrette for a richer consistency.

3. Can I adjust the tanginess of the vinaigrette?

Yes, you can adjust the tanginess by adding more or less lemon juice to taste.

4. Can I use a different oil besides olive oil?

Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, but olive oil adds a distinct flavor that complements the lemon.

5. How long can I store this vinaigrette?

This vinaigrette will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in the refrigerator.

6. Can I make this without mustard?

Yes, you can omit the Dijon mustard if you prefer a simpler vinaigrette. The mustard helps emulsify the dressing, but it will still taste great without it.

7. Can I use this as a marinade?

Yes! This dressing makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables. Let the ingredients marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

8. Can I add garlic to this recipe?

Yes, adding minced garlic or garlic powder will enhance the savory depth of the dressing.

9. How can I make this vegan?

The recipe is already vegan if you omit the honey and use maple syrup instead.

10. Can I make a larger batch of this vinaigrette?

Yes, you can easily scale up the ingredients to make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Conclusion

This Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is simple to make, light, and refreshing. Whether you’re using it for a salad, as a marinade, or drizzling it over roasted vegetables, its tangy lemon flavor will brighten up any dish. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you can make a homemade dressing that is healthier, more flavorful, and far superior to store-bought options. Enjoy!