Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
A bright and tangy dressing that elevates salads, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables with fresh lemon juice and olive oil.
Ingredients
For the dressing
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) Use fresh rather than bottled for best flavor.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil Can substitute with other neutral oils if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) Can be omitted for those not fond of garlic.
- as needed Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish (optional) Add for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all the required ingredients. Cut the lemons in half and juice them to obtain 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, straining to remove any seeds.
- In a medium-sized bowl or mason jar, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and salt and pepper. Add minced garlic if using.
- Whisk or shake the ingredients together until well combined.
- Gradually drizzle the olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. If using a mason jar, just add the olive oil and shake vigorously until emulsified.
- Taste your vinaigrette and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or sweetener.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator, shaking well before use as separation may occur.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
- Enjoy drizzled over salads, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Notes
This dressing is highly customizable. Consider varying the sweetener or adding spices like cumin for a unique twist.