There’s just something about a fresh salad that brings a smile to my face, especially when it’s drizzled with a homemade dressing. My absolute favorite is this zesty lemon vinaigrette! It’s bright, tangy, and adds a burst of flavor that transforms even the simplest greens into something special. I remember the first time I whipped it up at a summer picnic; the vibrant taste was a hit, and it made the whole meal feel so light and refreshing. Plus, it’s super healthy and so easy to make! Once you try this lemon vinaigrette, you’ll wonder how you ever ate salad without it. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients List

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: This is the star of the show! Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. A couple of medium lemons should do the trick.
1/2 cup olive oil: Go for a good quality extra virgin olive oil—it really enhances the flavor of the vinaigrette.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: This adds a nice depth and a bit of tanginess. It helps to emulsify the vinaigrette too.
1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic will give your dressing a lovely kick. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add a bit more!
Salt to taste: Just a pinch will do to help bring all the flavors together. Adjust according to your preference.
Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a great finishing touch. I like to use a good amount for that extra zing!

How to Prepare Lemon Vinaigrette

Making this lemon vinaigrette is a breeze, and I promise it’ll become your go-to dressing once you try it! Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl—something around 2 cups capacity works perfectly. In this bowl, combine the 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 clove minced garlic. Whisk these together until they’re nicely blended. The mustard will help emulsify the dressing, so don’t skip this bit! It’s such a simple step, but trust me, it makes a world of difference.

Step 2: Whisk in Olive Oil

Now, here comes the fun part! Slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup olive oil while continuously whisking. This gradual incorporation is key to achieving that smooth, velvety texture we all love. If you pour it in too quickly, you might end up with a separation, and we definitely don’t want that! Keep whisking until everything is well combined and you can see that beautiful golden color.

Step 3: Season to Taste

Once your vinaigrette is all mixed up, it’s time to season it! Start by adding salt and pepper to taste. I usually go for a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Give it a taste and adjust according to your preference. If you like it a bit tangier, feel free to add more lemon juice. This is your creation, so make it just the way you like!

Step 4: Storage Recommendations

Now that you’ve made this delicious lemon vinaigrette, it’s important to store it properly. Pour your vinaigrette into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. It can be refrigerated for up to a week, but don’t forget to give it a good shake before each use! The ingredients may separate a bit while sitting, and shaking it will bring it back together. Enjoy dressing those salads!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Zesty: This lemon vinaigrette brings a bright, tangy flavor that instantly elevates any salad.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up in no time!
Healthy Choice: Made with wholesome ingredients, this vinaigrette is vegan and packed with healthy fats from olive oil.
Versatile Dressing: Perfect for drizzling over greens, grilled veggies, or even as a marinade for chicken or fish!
Customizable: You can easily adjust the lemon juice or oil to suit your taste, making it your own signature dressing.
Make Ahead: It stores well in the fridge, so you can prepare a batch and have it ready for your salads all week long.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one serving of this delightful lemon vinaigrette, which is about 2 tablespoons:

Calories: 120
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Sugar: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Fiber: 0g

Just a note: these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure—this lemon vinaigrette is a guilt-free addition to your meals!

Tips for Success

Making the perfect lemon vinaigrette is all about the details! Here are some tips to ensure you get it just right. First, always use fresh lemon juice—bottled juice just doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor. And when you’re whisking in the olive oil, remember to do it slowly; this helps the vinaigrette emulsify beautifully. If you pour it too quickly, you might end up with a separated dressing, and nobody wants that! Also, don’t skip the tasting part—seasoning to your liking is key! If it’s too tangy, a little more olive oil can balance it out. Lastly, always shake well before using; the ingredients tend to settle in the fridge. With these simple tips, you’ll be a lemon vinaigrette pro in no time!

Variations on Lemon Vinaigrette

Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill for an aromatic twist. Just chop them finely and whisk them in!
Honey-Mustard: Mix in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon.
Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your vinaigrette a little heat!
Citrus Blend: Experiment with other citrus juices like lime or orange for a unique flavor profile. A mix can be delightful!
Nutty Flavor: Swap out olive oil for walnut or sesame oil for a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with salads.
Garlic Lovers: If you can’t get enough garlic, roast a clove and blend it in for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon vinaigrette is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect dressing for a variety of salads and dishes! Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Classic Green Salad: Toss it over a mix of fresh greens, like arugula, spinach, and romaine, for a simple yet delicious salad.
Greek Salad: Drizzle this vinaigrette over cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese for a vibrant Mediterranean twist.
Quinoa Salad: Mix it into a quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and chickpeas for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Grilled Veggies: Use it as a dressing for grilled vegetables; the zesty flavor complements the smokiness beautifully.
Marinated Chicken or Fish: This vinaigrette works wonders as a marinade! Just let your chicken or fish soak in it before grilling or baking.
Pasta Salad: Toss it with a cold pasta salad filled with veggies and olives for a refreshing side dish.

With its bright, tangy flavor, you really can’t go wrong! Experiment and see what combinations you love best—this dressing is sure to elevate any dish you use it with!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your lemon vinaigrette is super easy, and it’ll keep fresh for up to a week in the fridge! Just pour your homemade dressing into a clean jar or an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. This keeps it safe from other odors in your fridge and helps maintain its bright flavor.

When you’re ready to use it again, give that jar a good shake! The ingredients might separate a little while sitting, which is totally normal. Just a few shakes will bring everything back together. Trust me, you’ll want to do this every time to ensure you get that perfect balance of tangy lemon and smooth olive oil in each drizzle.

Oh, and just a quick note: there’s really no need to reheat this vinaigrette. It’s meant to be enjoyed cold, so just dress your salads or veggies right from the fridge. Enjoy the zesty goodness!

Lemon Vinaigrette: 5 Zesty Tips to Transform Salads

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A zesty lemon vinaigrette for salads.

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
Slowly whisk in olive oil until well blended.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Store in a jar and shake well before using.

Notes

This vinaigrette can be refrigerated for up to one week.
Adjust lemon juice and oil ratio to your taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lemon vinaigrette, salad dressing, healthy dressing

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