This lemon vinaigrette dressing is light, tangy, and perfect for salads or roasted veggies. Quick to make, easy to love! It’s better than store-bought dressings any day.
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Why This Recipe Works
I’m always looking for simple ways to brighten up meals, and this Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing never lets me down! Here’s why this recipe works:
- Bright, Fresh Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a bold, citrusy punch that instantly wakes up any dish.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a quick whisk or shake, this dressing comes together in minutes.
- Perfect Balance: A touch of Dijon and honey adds just the right balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Versatile Favorite: I love drizzling it over salads, roasted veggies, or even grilled chicken—it goes with just about everything.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest – The star of our dressing, fresh lemon juice, and zest, add a tangy, citrusy flavor that brightens up any salad or dish.
- Garlic and Dijon Mustard – These ingredients bring a robust, savory flavor to the dressing, with the grated garlic adding a hint of pungency and the Dijon mustard providing a slight kick.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – It’s essential for the texture of our dressing, extra-virgin olive oil provides a smooth, rich base that helps to emulsify the other ingredients.
- Thyme – Fresh or dried thyme adds a subtle, herby note that pairs beautifully with the lemony flavors.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Start by squeezing lemons for fresh lemon juice.
- Combine lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, mustard, salt, honey and thyme in a bowl.
- Slowly whisk in olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
- Lemon vinagrette dressing is ready to be used or stored.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite flavor substitutions and variations:
- Fresh Herbs: I love using thyme in this vinaigrette, but feel free to get creative with other herbs. Fresh basil, oregano, or a mix of herbs would all be delicious.
- Spices: For a spiced lemon vinaigrette, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite spice blend.
FAQs
While you can use bottled lemon juice, I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. The bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon juice really makes a difference in this vinaigrette.
I recommend using Dijon mustard for this lemon vinaigrette. Its slightly spicy flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly.
This lemon vinaigrette can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure to give it a good shake before using it as the ingredients may separate over time.
More Dressing and Sauce Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing – My Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing is so easy to make and requires just 7 pantry-staple ingredients. I promise you’ll never want to go back to store-bought dressing after learning to make your own!
- Lemon Basil Aioli – You’re going to love using this Lemon Basil Aioli on everything! It’s bright, creamy, herbaceous, and so easy to make. All you need are 4 ingredients!
- Homemade Ranch Dressing – This Homemade Ranch Dressing is incredibly creamy, tangy, and rich! Made with a simple blend of sour cream, buttermilk, and fresh herbs, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought versions without skimping on taste.
- Chimichurri Sauce – Prepare a batch of homemade Chimichurri Sauce to instantly upgrade the flavor profile of any meal
If you try this Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey, or maple syrup or more to taste
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, mustard, salt, honey and thyme. Whisk together to combine. Taste to adjust seasoning.
- Slowly add in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified. Or you can combine everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until emulsified. Enjoy on a salad or toss with roasted veggies.
Notes
- If the dressing is too tangy for your liking add a few more tablespoons of olive oil, to taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just won’t give you the same zesty brightness.
- Grating the garlic instead of mincing it helps it to distribute more evenly in the dressing.
Nikita
Loved this tangy dressing. It was perfect addition to my arugula salad. I sprinkled it with parmesan cheese and it was so yummy.