Why You’ll Love This Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
If you’ve ever reached for a store-bought salad dressing and thought, meh, this could be better, you’re not alone.
That’s why I’m obsessed with this homemade Lemon Vinaigrette recipe—it’s light, tangy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor! Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp green salad, tossing it with roasted veggies, or using it as a marinade for grilled chicken, this easy lemon vinaigrette is the perfect balance of bright acidity and smooth richness.
Plus, it’s ready in just five minutes—no fancy ingredients required!
How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette (Step-by-Step)
1. Whisk It Up!
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried herbs until combined. This step ensures all the flavors meld together before adding the oil.
2. Emulsify the Dressing
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. If you’re using a mason jar, simply add everything, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the dressing looks smooth and slightly creamy.
3. Taste & Adjust
Give your lemon vinaigrette a quick taste—need more tang? Add a splash of lemon juice. Want a little sweetness? A drop more honey does the trick. If it’s too tart, a pinch of extra salt helps balance everything.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
Drizzle over your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or grilled meats. Shake before each use, as natural separation will occur.
Why This Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe is a Must-Try
Ridiculously Easy
This lemon vinaigrette recipe is so simple that even if you’ve never made a homemade dressing before, you’ll nail it on the first try. All you need to do is whisk or shake the ingredients together—no complicated steps or fancy techniques required. Plus, with just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip this up anytime you need a quick, flavorful dressing!
Bright, Fresh Flavor
Store-bought dressings often taste flat, overly processed, or just plain uninspiring. But this homemade lemon vinaigrette bursts with fresh citrus zing, making every bite feel light and refreshing. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a vibrant flavor that complements everything from salads to grilled meats.
Healthy & Versatile
Say goodbye to preservatives, artificial flavors, and unnecessary sugar! This lemon vinaigrette recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are as good for you as they are delicious. Whether you’re following a clean-eating diet, need something gluten-free, or just want a dressing that doesn’t rely on mystery ingredients, this vinaigrette has you covered.
Multi-Purpose Magic
This isn’t just a salad dressing—it’s a multi-purpose kitchen hero! Use it as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, drizzle it over roasted veggies for an extra pop of flavor, or even use it as a dip for crusty bread. Once you start making this lemon vinaigrette, you’ll find endless ways to use it.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Make It Creamy: Blend in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or tahini for a richer texture.
- Add More Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or chives take this vinaigrette to the next level.
- Swap the Acid: Try white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different tang.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle heat.
Storage Tips
This lemon vinaigrette stays fresh in the fridge for up to one week when stored in a sealed container or mason jar. The olive oil may solidify slightly—just let it sit at room temp for a few minutes and shake well before using.
What to Serve with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Salads: It’s a perfect match for arugula, spinach, or kale salads.
- Grilled Veggies: Drizzle over asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Proteins: Use as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Grain Bowls: Brightens up quinoa, couscous, or farro bowls.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Once you try this easy lemon vinaigrette recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought dressings again! I’d love to hear how you use it—leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your creations. Happy cooking!
Homemade Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl or a mason jar
- Whisk or small fork
- Microplane grater (for zesting)
- Garlic press (optional but makes mincing easier)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1 large lemon
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup optional, for balance
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning optional, but delicious
- Zest of 1 lemon for extra brightness
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried herbs until combined. This step ensures all the flavors meld together before adding the oil.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. If you’re using a mason jar, simply add everything, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the dressing looks smooth and slightly creamy.
- Give your lemon vinaigrette a quick taste—need more tang? Add a splash of lemon juice. Want a little sweetness? A drop more honey does the trick. If it’s too tart, a pinch of extra salt helps balance everything.
- Drizzle over your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or grilled meats. Shake before each use, as natural separation will occur.
