Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing dressing that can elevate any salad or dish with a zesty, tangy twist, this Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe is just the thing. It’s a perfect blend of fresh lemon juice and zest, silky extra-virgin olive oil, a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, and just the right kick of Dijon mustard and seasoning. Whether you’re drizzling it over greens, roasted veggies, or grilled fish, this vinaigrette brings vibrant flavor and irresistible freshness in just minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating a fabulous Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe requires only a handful of pantry staples, each playing a vital role in the final taste, texture, and color. These ingredients combine effortlessly to make a dressing that’s bright, balanced, and wonderfully versatile.

• Lemon zest (2 teaspoons): Adds intense citrus aroma and a burst of fresh lemon flavor that really wakes up the senses.
• Fresh lemon juice (½ cup): Provides a tart and tangy base essential for that classic vinaigrette brightness.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (⅓ cup): Brings smooth richness and a lush mouthfeel to balance the acidity.
• Pure honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Introduces subtle sweetness to mellow out the lemon’s sharpness naturally.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Acts as an emulsifier for a creamy texture and adds gentle depth of flavor.
• Fine salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Lends a delicate peppery warmth that rounds out the vinaigrette beautifully.

How to Make Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. This simple mix of fresh and pantry staples is the foundation of your vinaigrette.

Step 2: Whisk or Shake

Whisk the ingredients vigorously using a fork or a small whisk until completely blended and smooth. If you’re using a jar, simply seal the lid tightly and give it a good shake. The goal is to emulsify the olive oil with the lemon juice and mustard so that the vinaigrette holds together in luscious harmony.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give your dressing a quick taste. Depending on your preferences or the tartness of your lemons, feel free to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or sweetener. This step ensures your Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe is perfectly customized for your palate.

Step 4: Store or Use Immediately

You can use the vinaigrette right away for a vibrant flavor boost, or store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaking or stirring again to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

How to Serve Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

Garnishes

This lemon vinaigrette loves a little extra flourish. Try sprinkling freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or basil on your salad for an herbal lift. Thin lemon slices or a twist of lemon peel can add a pretty, fragrant touch that complements the dressing’s bright notes.

Side Dishes

Serving Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe alongside fresh green salads, grilled vegetables, or even roasted potatoes elevates these dishes with a zesty tang. It’s especially divine drizzled over grain bowls or used as a light marinade for chicken or fish, giving side dishes a fresh, citrusy pop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn this vinaigrette into a dip by mixing it with Greek yogurt or use it as a drizzle over avocado toast or roasted cauliflower steaks. You can even whisk it into pasta salads or drizzle it over grilled fruit for an unexpected but delicious surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe in a clean airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to one week. Before each use, give it a good stir or shake to recombine the ingredients and restore that perfect silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing vinaigrette isn’t recommended because olive oil can solidify and separate once thawed, affecting the texture and flavor. For best results, prepare smaller batches if you don’t plan on using the dressing all within a week.

Reheating

This vinaigrette is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply allow it to come to room temp if it’s been refrigerated – this brings out the lively flavors and helps the olive oil regain its smooth consistency.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

For the best flavor and vibrant acidity, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. Bottled lemon juice can taste muted or slightly bitter, which will impact the brightness of your Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe.

Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even a small amount of mayonnaise to help emulsify the dressing, but Dijon adds a distinctive tang and complexity that’s hard to replicate exactly.

Can I make the vinaigrette vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and all other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making this a wonderful vegan-friendly Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe.

How can I thicken the vinaigrette?

To slightly thicken your dressing, you can whisk in a small amount of tahini or blend with a bit of avocado. These add creaminess without overpowering the fresh lemon flavor.

What salads go best with this vinaigrette?

This lemon vinaigrette shines on mixed green salads with arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce. It also pairs wonderfully with grain salads, tomato and cucumber combinations, and Mediterranean-style salads featuring olives and feta cheese.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the bright, fresh burst that a homemade Simple Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe brings to your table. It’s quick to make, uses ingredients you likely already have, and adds a brilliant splash of flavor that lifts even the simplest meal. I encourage you to try this vinaigrette on your favorite salads and dishes—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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