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Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

A bright and refreshing Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe that combines fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a versatile, healthy, and quick dressing perfect for salads, vegetables, and grilled proteins. Easy to prepare and customize, this vinaigrette adds a zesty twist to any dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Juice the Lemons: Start by squeezing fresh lemons to extract about 3 tablespoons of juice. Fresh juice is key for that bright lemon flavor, so avoid bottled when possible.
  2. Mix the Mustard and Sweetener: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard with honey or maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This step infuses the dressing with savory depth and balances the acidity.
  4. Slowly Emulsify with Olive Oil: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual combination helps the oil and lemon juice blend together into a silky vinaigrette.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Give the vinaigrette a final taste and add more salt, pepper, or honey if needed to perfectly match your flavor preference.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Whisk continuously while adding olive oil to ensure a smooth emulsification.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually to avoid over-sweetening the dressing.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best blending.
  • Add salt slowly and taste often to balance flavors perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon vinaigrette, salad dressing, lemon dressing, healthy dressing, easy vinaigrette, homemade dressing, vegan dressing