This Lemon Vinaigrette is a zesty, refreshing dressing perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled seafood. Made with fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil, it strikes the perfect balance between tangy and savory—with a touch of sweetness if desired. Quick to prepare and full of bold flavor, it’s a kitchen essential you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Heart-Friendly: Made with olive oil and fresh lemon juice
Versatile: Perfect on salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and grilled fish
Quick to Make: Takes just 5 minutes—no blender or fancy tools required
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, tang, or garlic to fit your taste
Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to a week

Ingredients Breakdown:

Base & Emulsifier:

Fresh lemon juice (60 ml / 1/4 cup): Delivers a vibrant, tangy flavor that defines the vinaigrette.
Olive oil (120 ml / 1/2 cup): Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, rich base.

Flavor Enhancers:

Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle, sharp bite.
Garlic (1 clove): Minced or finely grated for a savory punch.

Optional Sweetness:

Honey or maple syrup (1 tsp): Balances acidity with a gentle sweetness (optional but recommended).

Seasoning:

Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavor.
Lemon zest (optional): Intensifies the citrus aroma and gives an extra lemony kick.

Tips and Tricks

Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled lemon juice lacks the same brightness
Grate garlic finely – It blends better and distributes more evenly
Make it creamy – Add 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt or tahini for a creamier version
Infuse extra flavor – Add fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Lemon Vinaigrette: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Citrus Blend: Replace half the lemon juice with orange or lime juice
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey
Low-Sodium: Reduce or omit salt and add more lemon zest for flavor

Pairing Suggestions

Drizzle over mixed greens, arugula, or kale salads
Toss with quinoa, farro, or couscous bowls
Use as a marinade for grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon
Spoon over steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store in a sealed container for up to 7 days
Re-mix: Shake or whisk before each use to re-emulsify
Freezing not recommended: Best made fresh or stored short-term

Lemon Vinaigrette

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 3/4 cup (6 servings) 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Lemon Vinaigrette – A vibrant, all-purpose dressing that’s equal parts zesty and smooth! Fresh lemon juice, punchy garlic, and Dijon mustard whisked with olive oil for a bright, versatile finish. Drizzle it over salads, veggies, or seafood for an instant flavor lift.

Ingredients

Scale

60 ml (¼ cup) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
120 ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced or finely grated
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl or mason jar, add:
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Honey or maple syrup (if using)
- Salt and pepper

2. Emulsify

If whisking: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously until the mixture thickens slightly.
If using a jar: Add olive oil and shake vigorously with the lid tightly sealed until fully combined.

3. Taste and Adjust

Taste the vinaigrette. Add more honey for sweetness, more lemon juice for tang, or salt and pepper as needed.

4. Serve or Store

Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Shake or whisk again before each use, as separation is natural.

Notes

For an ultra-smooth vinaigrette, blend all ingredients in a mini food processor.
This recipe makes about ¾ cup, perfect for 4–6 servings depending on use.
Great for detox salads and low-calorie eating plans.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Whisked or Shaken
Cuisine: American