Classic Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe
Prepare this easy, fresh lemon vinaigrette from scratch. This recipe provides a balanced, tangy base perfect for green salads, grilled vegetables, or as a simple marinade.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Whisking/Shaking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients. Measure the fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard into a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Add the salt, pepper, and optional sweetener to the bowl or jar.
- If using a bowl, whisk these ingredients together until the salt dissolves and the mustard is fully incorporated.
- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking vigorously. If using a jar, secure the lid tightly and shake hard until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Taste the dressing. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to achieve your preferred balance.
- Use immediately over your favorite green salad or store for later use.
Notes
- For a lemon herb dressing variation, whisk in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or oregano with the initial ingredients.
- This dressing works well as a light marinade for chicken or fish before grilling.
- For best results, always use fresh lemon juice; bottled juice changes the flavor profile.
- If the dressing separates during storage, simply shake or whisk again before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0