Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is a simple yet flavorful dressing that brings a burst of citrusy freshness to any salad. The balance of zesty lemon juice, tangy white vinegar, and smooth olive oil creates the perfect base for a light, refreshing dressing. With the addition of Dijon mustard and pressed garlic, this vinaigrette is both savory and slightly sweet, making it a versatile addition to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re dressing a crisp green salad, drizzling it over roasted vegetables, or using it as a marinade for chicken, this lemon vinaigrette is sure to elevate your meal.

The key to a great vinaigrette is the right balance of acidity and fat, and this recipe gets it just right. The lemon juice and white vinegar provide that essential tang, while the olive oil rounds it out with its rich, smooth texture. The subtle sweetness of white sugar and the herbal touch of dried oregano make this vinaigrette an ideal complement to many different types of salads, from simple greens to hearty grain bowls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh and Zesty Flavor

The fresh lemon juice and zest give the dressing a bright, citrusy kick that complements almost any salad or dish.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this dressing in under 10 minutes.

3. Versatile

This dressing isn’t just for salads – it’s great for drizzling over roasted vegetables, as a marinade for meats, or even as a dipping sauce for bread.

4. Customizable

Adjust the sweetness, acidity, or herbs to match your personal preferences and the dishes you’re pairing it with.

5. Healthier Alternative

This lemon vinaigrette is made with olive oil, which is packed with heart-healthy fats, and it’s free from any artificial additives or preservatives found in store-bought dressings.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
White vinegar
Dijon mustard
Garlic (pressed)
White sugar
Dried oregano
Salt
Pepper

Variations

Add Honey: Swap the white sugar for honey for a natural, floral sweetness.
Use Different Mustards: Experiment with different types of mustard, like whole grain or spicy brown, for a unique flavor profile.
Add Fresh Herbs: Instead of dried oregano, use fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for a burst of green freshness.
Make it Creamy: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamy variation of this vinaigrette.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar: For a milder, slightly fruity tang, swap the white vinegar for apple cider vinegar.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a small bowl or jar, add the olive oil, lemon juice, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Whisk or Shake

Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined and emulsified. If you’re using a jar, close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing thickens slightly and becomes smooth.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more sugar or honey. For more acidity, add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar.

Step 4: Serve

Drizzle over your favorite salad, roasted vegetables, or use as a marinade for grilled meats. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Emulsify Well: To achieve a well-emulsified vinaigrette, make sure to whisk or shake it thoroughly to blend the oil and vinegar together. This will give it a smooth, creamy texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will provide the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
Adjust to Taste: Vinaigrette is highly customizable, so feel free to tweak the amounts of garlic, mustard, and sugar based on your preferences.
Double the Recipe: If you plan to make multiple salads or dishes throughout the week, double the recipe and store it in the fridge for easy use.

How to Serve

Salads: Toss this lemon vinaigrette with mixed greens, arugula, or any of your favorite salad ingredients for a refreshing and vibrant dish.
Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle over grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a light and flavorful side dish.
Marinade for Meats: Use this dressing as a marinade for chicken, fish, or pork to infuse your proteins with a citrusy, tangy flavor.
Grain Bowls: Pour it over grain bowls made with quinoa, rice, or couscous for a bright, zesty finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the oil solidifies in the fridge, simply bring it back to room temperature and shake or whisk to recombine.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this vinaigrette, as the oil may separate or change texture once thawed.

Reheating

This dressing is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a quick whisk or shake before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2. Can I substitute the olive oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any neutral-flavored oil, but olive oil provides the best flavor.

3. Is this dressing vegan?

Yes, this lemon vinaigrette is vegan as it does not contain any animal products.

4. Can I use dried garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the fresh garlic.

5. Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar will give a different flavor, but it can work if you enjoy a richer, slightly sweeter taste.

6. Can I use this as a marinade for vegetables?

Yes, this vinaigrette makes an excellent marinade for vegetables before roasting or grilling.

7. How can I make the dressing spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the vinaigrette a spicy kick.

8. Can I use this dressing for a fruit salad?

While this vinaigrette is typically used for savory dishes, it can pair well with a citrus or mixed fruit salad for a tangy dressing.

9. Can I use a different sweetener than sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the white sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia.

10. How long can I store this dressing?

This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Conclusion

Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is a simple, fresh, and versatile dressing that can transform any salad or dish with its vibrant citrus flavor. It’s quick to make, customizable, and full of wholesome ingredients. Whether you use it for salads, vegetables, or marinades, this dressing is a must-have in your recipe collection. Make it in bulk and enjoy it throughout the week for easy, flavorful meals!