Bright Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing (Printable Version)
Zesty, vibrant dressing with fresh lemon flavor. Perfect for brightening salads, vegetables, and seafood.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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)
# Directions:
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.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk before each use.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It takes five minutes and transforms boring salads into something you actually look forward to eating
- The homemade version tastes infinitely better than store-bought and you control exactly what goes into it
02 -
- The dressing will look separated after refrigeration—this is normal and it comes back together with a quick shake or whisk
- If the mixture breaks while whisking, start over with a clean bowl and add the broken mixture drop by drop while whisking fresh oil
03 -
- Whisk the dressing in the bottom of your salad bowl, then add greens and toss—everything gets coated evenly and you save a dirty bowl
- For a creamy variation without dairy, whisk in a teaspoon of tahini or avocado oil mayonnaise