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Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

A bright and zesty lemon vinaigrette made with fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This versatile dressing is quick to prepare and adds a refreshing zing to salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled dishes.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings
  • Category: Sauce/Dressing
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Lemon Vinaigrette

  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, pressed or minced garlic, and fine salt until fully blended and emulsified.
  2. Season and Adjust: Generously season the vinaigrette with freshly ground black pepper and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Taste the dressing and adjust by adding more honey or maple syrup if it’s too tart for your liking.
  3. Store Properly: Transfer the vinaigrette to a sealed container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 10 days. Note that the olive oil may solidify when chilled; let the dressing warm to room temperature for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds before using to return it to a pourable consistency.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • The vinaigrette thickens when refrigerated; simply let it warm to room temperature before use.
  • Add red pepper flakes to taste for a spicy kick.
  • Shake or whisk well before each use as ingredients may separate over time.