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Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
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This easy Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe is a bright, refreshing dressing bursting with zesty citrus notes balanced by a touch of sweetness and tang. Made with simple pantry ingredients like fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, and a hint of garlic, this vinaigrette is quick to whip up and perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or as a light marinade. Its clean, vibrant flavor elevates any dish, is customizable, and suits a wide range of dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Fresh chopped herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of cayenne pepper for spice
  • Avocado oil (as olive oil substitute)

Instructions

  1. Squeeze the Lemon Juice: Start by freshly squeezing the juice from one or two lemons to yield about 3 tablespoons of fresh juice, avoiding any seeds.
  2. Whisk the Mustard and Sweetener: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and your choice of honey or maple syrup. Whisk them together until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the mixture, providing savory depth and enhancing the flavor.
  4. Slowly Drizzle in Olive Oil: While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the dressing, creating a creamy and well-blended texture.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Give your lemon vinaigrette a quick taste, then adjust with more salt, pepper, or a splash more lemon juice until the balance suits your preference.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Whisk vigorously or blend to emulsify and prevent separation.
  • Let the vinaigrette rest for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup to taste.
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week; shake well before reuse.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it may separate and lose flavor.
  • This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating required.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon vinaigrette, salad dressing, lemon dressing, healthy dressing, vinaigrette recipe, citrus dressing, keto salad dressing, paleo salad dressing, vegan dressing

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/lemon-vinaigrette-recipe/