Lemon Vinaigrette
When it comes to elevating simple salads, roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, or even grain bowls, nothing does the job quite like a homemade lemon vinaigrette. With its bright citrus flavor, a touch of sweetness, and just the right amount of tang, this dressing brings a refreshing zing to your meals. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with pantry staples and takes just minutes to whisk together.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Vinaigrette
- Quick and easy: Takes under 5 minutes to make.
- Fresh and healthy: Made with real, clean ingredients—no preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Customizable: Adjust to your taste—make it sweeter, tangier, or more garlicky.
- Multi-purpose: Use it on salads, grilled veggies, chicken, fish, or even as a marinade.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional for creaminess and tang)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for balance)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional for a bold kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk or shake: In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk until combined.
- Add oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify. If using a jar, you can just shake everything together.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
- Store: Keep in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lemon juice—bottled juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
- Taste and adjust—the flavor can vary based on how tart or juicy your lemons are.
- For a smoother texture, blend it with an immersion blender or food processor.
Flavor Variations
- Herby Lemon Vinaigrette: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Citrus Blend: Mix lemon with a splash of orange or lime juice for a more complex profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over a mixed greens salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes.
- Use as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Toss with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and veggies for a hearty grain bowl.
- Spoon over steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts.
This simple lemon vinaigrette is more than just a salad dressing—it’s a flavor booster that can transform the most basic ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
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