Are you tired of boring store-bought salad dressings that lack flavor and freshness? Do you want to add a tangy twist to your salads that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Look no further than this homemade lemon vinaigrette recipe.
This easy-to-make dressing is bursting with the zingy, bright flavors of lemon. It will take your salad from ordinary to extraordinary with just a drizzle. But the versatility of this dressing doesn’t stop there. It can also be used to elevate roasted veggies, grain bowls, and more with its tangy goodness.
Made with fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and optional honey or maple syrup, this homemade dressing is simple yet full of flavor. And the best part? It can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight meals.
So, are you ready to take your salads to the next level? Let’s dive into the details of this zesty lemon vinaigrette recipe and discover how easy it is to make your own homemade dressing.
Key Takeaways:
- This homemade lemon vinaigrette is the perfect way to add a tangy twist to your salads.
- It can also be used as a dressing for roasted veggies, grain bowls, and more.
- Made with fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and optional honey or maple syrup.
- It can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight meals.
- Enjoy the fresh citrus flavor and elevate your meals with this zesty homemade dressing.
Ingredients for Lemon Vinaigrette
To make this zesty lemon vinaigrette, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| Fresh lemon juice | |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | |
| Garlic | |
| Dijon mustard | |
| Honey or maple syrup (optional) | |
| Fresh or dried thyme (optional) | |
| Salt | |
| Pepper |
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a flavorful dressing that can elevate any salad or dish. The fresh lemon juice provides a tangy brightness, while the garlic and Dijon mustard add depth and complexity. The optional honey or maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness, and the thyme, whether fresh or dried, brings a fragrant herbaceous note. Finish it off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, and you have the perfect lemon vinaigrette!
How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette
To make this easy lemon vinaigrette recipe, we’ll start by gathering the following ingredients:
| Ingredients |
|---|
| Fresh lemon juice |
| Garlic |
| Dijon mustard |
| Honey or maple syrup (optional) |
| Salt |
| Pepper |
| Extra-virgin olive oil |
| Fresh or dried thyme (optional) |
Now that we have everything we need, let’s proceed with the steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Gradually add the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing emulsifies.
- If desired, stir in the fresh or dried thyme to enhance the flavors.
- Finally, season to taste with more oil, salt, and/or pepper, adjusting the dressing to your preferences.
Note: Feel free to add more or less oil depending on your desired taste and consistency.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your delicious homemade lemon vinaigrette is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Use Lemon Vinaigrette
This versatile lemon vinaigrette can be used in various ways. It’s great for dressing up a simple green salad, but it can also be used as a marinade for cooked white beans, chickpeas, or lentils.
Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower to add a tangy flavor. Additionally, you can use it as a dressing for grain bowls or as a flavorful twist in any salad recipe. The possibilities are endless!
For a refreshing and zesty salad, whisk together your favorite greens, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and sliced almonds. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette dressing over the salad, toss well, and enjoy the burst of citrus flavor.
Not only does this lemon vinaigrette add a tangy taste to your salads, but it also enhances the flavors of other ingredients. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to brighten up roasted vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness. Simply toss your vegetables in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices, then roast in the oven until golden brown. Once cooked, drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the vegetables to add a refreshing twist.
If you’re looking for a satisfying and healthy vegetarian meal, try making a grain bowl with cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed kale, and chickpeas. Top it off with a generous amount of lemon vinaigrette for a burst of flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
Another way to use this versatile dressing is by incorporating it into your favorite pasta salad. Cook your preferred pasta, mix it with a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, and toss it all together with the lemon vinaigrette. The dressing will add a zingy and refreshing taste to the salad.
So go ahead and experiment with different dishes to discover your favorite ways to use lemon vinaigrette. The tangy and citrusy flavors will elevate any recipe and leave you craving for more!
More Dressing and Sauce Recipes
If you enjoyed this lemon vinaigrette recipe, you might want to try some other homemade salad dressing recipes. Expand your culinary horizons and experiment with these flavorful options:
Cilantro Lime Dressing
This vibrant dressing combines the freshness of cilantro and the zesty tang of lime. It’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to salads or as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.
Greek Salad Dressing
Transport yourself to the beaches of the Mediterranean with this classic Greek dressing. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of herbs, it complements any Greek salad beautifully.
Homemade Caesar Dressing
Elevate your Caesar salads with a homemade dressing that’s rich, creamy, and full of savory goodness. Made with ingredients like anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese, it’ll take your salads to the next level.
Ginger Miso Dressing
This Asian-inspired dressing combines the flavors of ginger, miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. It’s a delicious accompaniment to Asian-inspired salads, noodle bowls, or even as a marinade for tofu or chicken.
Easy Peanut Sauce
Indulge in the irresistible combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili sauce. This versatile sauce can be used as a dressing for veggie salads, a sauce for spring rolls, or a marinade for satay skewers.
With these exciting dressing and sauce recipes, you can explore different taste profiles and elevate your salads and dishes to new heights. Get creative in the kitchen and discover your new favorite flavors!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tangy lemon vinaigrette is a game-changer for salad lovers. Its bright and zesty flavors are guaranteed to uplift any dish, making it the best lemon vinaigrette you can whip up in your own kitchen. The recipe requires simple ingredients and a hassle-free preparation process, allowing you to enjoy this tangy delight in no time. So, prepare a batch, store it in the fridge, and drizzle it generously over your favorite salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls for an explosion of fresh citrus goodness. With homemade lemon vinaigrette, your meals will never be the same!
This tangy lemon vinaigrette is a versatile dressing that can elevate any meal. Its refreshing flavors can be a star in green salads, or you can use it as a marinade to infuse your white beans, chickpeas, or lentils with a tangy twist. Roasted vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower will come to life with a drizzle of this homemade vinaigrette. Looking to explore new taste profiles? Incorporate this tangy lemon vinaigrette into your Caesar salads or grain bowls. The possibilities are endless!
So, why settle for store-bought dressings when you can create the best lemon vinaigrette right at home? Embrace the tangy flavors, experiment with different combinations, and take your salads to a whole new level. With this homemade vinaigrette, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll never go back to the ordinary. So, get your whisk ready, stock up on lemons, and let the tangy adventure begin!
FAQ
What is lemon vinaigrette?
Lemon vinaigrette is a tangy dressing made with fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and optional honey or maple syrup. It adds a zingy twist to salads and can also be used on roasted veggies, grain bowls, and more.
How long can I store homemade lemon vinaigrette?
Homemade lemon vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or jar for up to 1 week.
Can I adjust the lemon vinaigrette to my taste?
Yes, you can adjust the lemon vinaigrette to your preferred taste by adding more or less olive oil. You can also season it with additional salt and pepper if desired.
How can I use lemon vinaigrette?
Lemon vinaigrette is versatile and can be used in various ways. It is great for dressing up green salads, marinating cooked beans or lentils, and drizzling over roasted vegetables. It can also be used as a dressing for grain bowls or as a flavorful twist in any salad recipe.
What other homemade dressing recipes can I try?
If you enjoyed this lemon vinaigrette recipe, you might want to try some other homemade dressing recipes such as cilantro lime dressing, Greek salad dressing, homemade Caesar dressing, ginger miso dressing, and easy peanut sauce.
Print
Lemon Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Vinaigrette is a light, refreshing dressing perfect for dressing salads or drizzled over grilled vegetables. Its zesty lemon flavor, complemented by a hint of garlic and mustard, makes it a versatile addition to any meal. This vinaigrette is simple to make and can be easily adjusted to suit personal taste preferences.
Ingredients
Instructions
Enjoy this refreshing and tangy Lemon Vinaigrette to elevate the flavors of your salads and dishes! Notes
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice or olive oil to reach your desired consistency and tartness.
- For a creamy variant, add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Calories: 163 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg