Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

Introduction

Learn About This Refreshing Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

The lemon vinaigrette featured on Eating Bird Food is the perfect dressing for a wide array of dishes. Its tangy and zesty flavor elevates any salad, roasted vegetables, or even grilled proteins. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this homemade vinaigrette is a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also adds a burst of life to your meals.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

What You’ll Need to Create This Lemon Vinaigrette

– Olive oil (3/4 cup)
– Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup)
– Dijon mustard (1 1/2 tablespoons)
– Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon)
– Minced garlic (1 clove)
– Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon)
– Ground black pepper (to taste)

Prep Time

Easy and Quick Preparation

The prep time for this recipe is incredibly short. All it takes is a few minutes to measure and combine the ingredients.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Quick Results: Ready In No Time

This vinaigrette requires minimal time, with no cooking involved. The total time to both prepare and mix your dressing is around 5 minutes, and this recipe yields approximately 1 cup of vinaigrette, depending on your measurements.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of this lemon vinaigrette is its simplicity and punch of flavor. It’s a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and savory components, making it versatile for different dishes. Plus, you can easily store it in the fridge for up to a week, which makes meal prepping even easier.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients needed for the lemon vinaigrette. Ensure you have fresh lemons for juicing and a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Measure out all the ingredients to ensure proper ratios.

Step 2: Juice the Lemon

Cut the fresh lemon in half and use a juicer or manually squeeze the lemon to extract the juice. Make sure to remove any seeds from the juice before adding it to the dressing.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl or a jar with a lid, add the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Whisk or Shake

If using a bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until they are fully emulsified. Alternatively, if using a jar with a tight-fitting lid, seal the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a little extra honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

Step 6: Store or Use Immediately

Use the vinaigrette immediately over your favorite salad or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Step 7: Shake Before Serving

If storing the vinaigrette, be aware that it may separate over time. Simply give it a good shake or stir before using.

Notes

Note 1: Storage

Store the lemon vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week.

Note 2: Separation

Since this dressing doesn’t contain any stabilizers, it may naturally separate over time. Be sure to shake or whisk well before serving.

Note 3: Honey Substitution

If you prefer the dressing to be vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or omit it entirely if a less sweet dressing is desired.

Note 4: Adjusting Consistency

To make the dressing thinner or thicker, adjust the amount of lemon juice or olive oil to suit your preferences. Adding a small amount of water can also thin out the consistency if needed.

Note 5: Serving Ideas

This lemon vinaigrette pairs well with a variety of salads, roasted vegetables, or as a marinade for proteins like chicken or fish.
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Cook Techniques

Shake It Up

Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and shake well. This method helps the ingredients emulsify easily and saves on clean-up.

Whisk Till Perfect

Place the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. This is a quick alternative if you don’t have a mason jar handy.

Use a Blender

Blend the ingredients together for a super smooth and creamy vinaigrette. This option is great for ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Adjust Ingredients

Taste the vinaigrette and tweak the ingredients as needed. Add more lemon for tanginess or honey for sweetness to match your preference.

FAQ

How long does homemade lemon vinaigrette last?

Homemade lemon vinaigrette can last up to one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Why did my vinaigrette separate?

It’s normal for oil and vinegar-based dressings to separate. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using.

Can I make this vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, this vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

What should I serve this lemon vinaigrette with?

This vinaigrette pairs well with salads, roasted vegetables, grilled fish, or as a marinade for chicken.

Can I make this vinaigrette vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or another liquid sweetener to make it vegan-friendly.

Can I use another type of oil?

Yes, while olive oil is preferred, you can substitute it for avocado oil or another neutral-tasting oil if desired.

Can I reduce the amount of oil?

You can reduce the oil for a lighter version, but it might slightly impact the texture and balance of flavors of the vinaigrette.

Conclusion

This tangy and refreshing lemon vinaigrette is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile—it’s the perfect way to enhance your favorite salads and dishes. With a balance of bright citrus flavor and a hint of sweetness, it’s a dressing you’ll want to keep on hand for elevating any meal. Once you try it, this could easily become your go-to homemade vinaigrette recipe!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Fresh Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion with this vinaigrette for a light and refreshing side dish or appetizer.

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over a warm or chilled quinoa salad mixed with roasted veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vibrant meal.

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Vinaigrette

Use this vinaigrette as a marinade or drizzle it over grilled chicken for added flavor and a zesty finish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes

Lightly coat roasted vegetables with the lemon vinaigrette right after cooking for a delicious, tangy-glazed effect.

Lemon Herb Pasta Salad

Mix cooked pasta with fresh veggies, herbs, and this vinaigrette for a quick and easy lemon herb pasta salad perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Simple Avocado and Tomato Salad

Combine avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and sliced onion, then dress with the vinaigrette for a deliciously fresh and creamy combo.

Grilled Shrimp or Fish

Use the lemon vinaigrette as a flavorful sauce to complement grilled shrimp or fish dishes for a burst of citrusy freshness.