Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

I love how this simple lemon vinaigrette brings a burst of bright citrus to my salads. Fresh lemon juice, a hint of zest, and extra virgin olive oil blend with garlic, salt, and pepper, with a slight touch of honey adding depth. It is a refreshing homemade salad dressing, versatile.

I’ve always been on the hunt for a salad dressing that really brings a burst of freshness to any meal, and this Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is one of my favs. I mix it up with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest for that tangy, citrusy kick.

Combine that with 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, one minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Sometimes, if im in the mood, i add a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness that makes the dressing extra interesting.

This homemade salad dressing really stands out among other salad dressing recipes as it adds a light and lively flavor without overpowering your greens. Perfect for those looking for a healthy twist to their homemade salads, this recipe has quickly become a must try in my kitchen.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because its super simple to make and the ingredients just come together in a way that makes it feel fresh every time. First off, i appreciate that its made with just a few basic ingredients, which means i dont have to run all over town looking for obscure stuff. Secondly, the lemon juice and zest give it this awesome, tangy kick that really wakes up a salad and makes every bite more exciting. Another thing i like is how versatile it is; whether im tossing it with greens or using it as a marinade for chicken, it just works so well and makes my meals feel a bit more special. Lastly, its quick to whip up so i can have a homemade dressing on hand any time i want to add a burst of flavor without any hassle.

Ingredients

• Packed with vitamin C and vital acidity that brightens, tangs, and awakens dressings.
• Delivers aromatic citrus oils which boost flavor and add a lively, zesty finish.
• Rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fats, generously adding smooth, luxurious texture to vinaigrette.
• Minced finely to infuse robust flavor and potential wellness benefits into your dressing.
• Naturally enhances taste and balances flavors, with salt intensifying and pepper gently spicing dishes.
• Provides a hint of natural sweetness, perfectly contrasting tangy lemon and savory elements.
• Together these ingredients create a harmonious dressing full of vibrant, balanced, zingy flavors.
• Enjoy this versatile dressing drizzled over salads, veggies, and grilled proteins.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons juiced)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more if you feel like it)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon honey for a bit of sweetness

How to Make this

1. Start by juicing about 2 lemons until you have 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, and then grate the zest from one lemon.

2. In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the minced garlic.

3. Slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly so that the mixture starts to emulsify.

4. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt into the bowl and stir thoroughly.

5. Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for a little kick.

6. If you like a hint of sweetness, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey.

7. Taste your dressing and if needed, adjust the salt or add more honey depending on your preference.

Enjoy your fresh and tangy lemon vinaigrette dressing on your favorite salad!

Equipment Needed

1. A citrus juicer or reamer to get the lemon juice out
2. A microplane or grater to zest the lemon
3. A small bowl for mixing the ingredients
4. A whisk for emulsifiying the olive oil with the lemon juice
5. A set of measuring cups and spoons to measure out the juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey
6. A knife along with a cutting board for mincing the garlic

FAQ

Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of fresh lemon juice, you can use lime juice. It gives a similar tangy taste but with a different twist
• If you dont have extra virgin olive oil, try avocado oil or even canola oil. They have a milder flavor that still works well
• If chopping garlic isnt your thing, you can substitute with a pinch of garlic powder for a quicker mix
• Instead of salt you can use sea salt. It gives a similar salty kick but sometimes with a bit more flavor
• If honey isnt available or you dont like it, a little agave syrup or even a tiny pinch of sugar can do the trick

Pro Tips

1. When you are drizzling in the olive oil, try to do it very slowly and keep whisking, so the mixture becomes nice and emulsified instead of separating later on.

2. If you like a stronger garlic flavor, you can let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for a few minutes before adding other ingredients, this helps mellow the sharpness a bit.

3. It can be a good idea to make your dressing in a small jar. That way you can shake it up really well and its easier to store any extras in the fridge for a couple days.

4. Taste your dressing as you go and don’t be afraid to tweak it a little at the end. A little more salt or honey might be needed to balance out the flavors perfectly for your taste buds.