Bright Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing (Printable)
A zesty, vibrant dressing bursting with fresh lemon flavor, ready in 5 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Liquids
01 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
02 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
03 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
04 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
→ Seasonings
05 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
02 - Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously, until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
03 - Stir in the lemon zest if using for extra bright flavor.
04 - Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetener as needed to achieve desired balance.
05 - Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk before each use to recombine.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You will finally stop buying bottled dressings once you realize how simple and superior homemade actually tastes
- This comes together in literally five minutes but makes even the simplest salad feel restaurant special
02 -
- I once skipped the mustard thinking it wasn't important, and the dressing separated within minutes leaving me with an oily slick on top of my salad
- Lemon juice varies wildly in acidity depending on the variety and season, so always taste and adjust rather than following measurements blindly
03 -
- Whisk the dressing in the same container you'll store it in to save dishes and prevent waste
- Room temperature ingredients emulsify more easily than cold ones straight from the refrigerator