Are you tired of paying a premium for store-bought salad dressings that are often loaded with unhealthy vegetable oils, artificial ingredients, and excessive calories? Do you find yourself scrutinizing lengthy ingredient lists, wishing for a simpler, healthier alternative? If so, your search ends here! This incredible homemade lemon vinaigrette recipe is precisely what you need to transform your salads from ordinary to extraordinary.

Forget the frustrations of overpriced, nutritionally questionable options. Our recipe is not only incredibly easy to whip up but also light, refreshingly healthy, and bursting with vibrant flavor. The best part? You can easily store it in a leftover jar or a dedicated dressing container in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for weeks, ready to elevate any meal. This simple creation also offers fantastic value, especially since many of us already have high-quality olive oil readily available in our kitchens, and fresh lemons are typically accessible and affordable year-round.

Why Choose Homemade Salad Dressing?

Making your own salad dressing is a game-changer for several compelling reasons. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about taking control of your health, enjoying superior taste, and embracing the joy of culinary simplicity.

Health Benefits You Can Trust

One of the primary advantages of preparing your dressing at home is having complete control over the ingredients. Commercial dressings frequently contain an array of undesirable components: cheap, highly processed vegetable oils like soybean or canola oil, excessive sugar or high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, and an array of preservatives. These additives can detract from the nutritional value of your otherwise healthy salad.

With our homemade lemon vinaigrette, you’ll use only pure, wholesome ingredients. Extra virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while fresh lemon juice offers a natural burst of vitamin C and antioxidants. By eliminating artificial elements, you ensure that your dressing supports your wellness goals, contributing positively to a balanced diet without hidden nasties.

Significant Cost Savings

Take a moment to compare the price of a small bottle of gourmet salad dressing at the grocery store to the cost of the raw ingredients for this recipe. You’ll quickly realize the substantial savings. Most of the ingredients – olive oil, lemons, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper – are pantry staples or inexpensive items you likely purchase regularly. A single batch of this vinaigrette costs a fraction of what you’d spend on a comparable store-bought product, and it yields enough to last for multiple meals. This makes healthy eating more accessible and budget-friendly for everyone.

Unbeatable Freshness and Flavor

There’s simply no comparison between the vibrant taste of a freshly made dressing and the often dull, processed flavors of store-bought versions. Fresh lemon juice provides a zesty, bright note that cannot be replicated by concentrates or artificial flavors. High-quality extra virgin olive oil offers a rich, fruity, or peppery undertone that complements vegetables beautifully. When combined, these fresh ingredients create a harmonious balance that awakens your palate and enhances every bite of your salad. Plus, the ability to customize allows you to tailor the flavor profile precisely to your liking.

Effortless Preparation and Convenience

You might think making your own dressing is a time-consuming chore, but this recipe proves otherwise. In just 5 minutes, you can have a perfect batch of vinaigrette ready to go. The process is as simple as combining ingredients and shaking them. This quick preparation fits easily into any busy schedule, making healthy eating more convenient than ever. Once made, it keeps wonderfully, providing a ready-to-use option throughout the week.

The Recipe: My Favorite Lemon Vinaigrette

This is my absolute favorite, go-to basic salad dressing recipe. It relies on a few simple pantry staples to create a balanced, flavorful, and versatile vinaigrette that you’ll want to make again and again.

My Favorite Lemon Vinaigrette

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Yield:

1
cup

Prep Time:

5
minutes

Total Time:

5
minutes

My favorite basic go-to salad dressing recipe, made with pantry staples: fresh lemon juice, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple vinaigrette is light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful, perfect for any salad.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (120 mL) fresh lemon juice (from about 2-3 medium lemons)
• ½ cup (120 mL) extra virgin olive oil (use a good quality brand for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (helps emulsify and adds tang)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
2. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking. This slow addition helps to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a leakproof jar (like a mason jar) and shake vigorously until fully combined and emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might prefer a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more lemon juice or olive oil to balance the flavors to your preference.
4. Use immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serving:
1
serving
,

Calories:
100
kcal
,

Carbohydrates:
1
g
,

Fat:
11
g
,

Saturated Fat:
1
g
,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
9
g
,

Sodium:
273
mg

Author:
Laura / A Beautiful Plate

Course:
Salads, Appetizer

Cuisine:
American, Mediterranean

Keywords:
lemon vinaigrette, homemade dressing, healthy dressing, easy recipe

Ingredient Spotlight: The Simplicity Behind Great Flavor

This vinaigrette shines because of its high-quality, simple ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one and why they’re essential.

Fresh Lemon Juice: The Zesty Star

The cornerstone of this dressing is fresh lemon juice. Its bright, tart acidity provides the perfect counterpoint to the richness of olive oil, cutting through fattiness and awakening the flavors of your salad ingredients. Lemons are also packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and a refreshing aroma. Always opt for fresh lemons over bottled lemon juice, as the latter often contains preservatives and lacks the vibrant, natural zest and aroma that fresh lemons offer. A simple citrus juicer makes extracting juice quick and effortless.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Heart-Healthy Foundation

A good quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is crucial. EVOO is not just a carrier for other flavors; it brings its own complex notes, from fruity and grassy to slightly peppery. Beyond its flavor, EVOO is renowned for its health benefits, particularly its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health. Choosing a good quality EVOO makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste and mouthfeel of your vinaigrette. Don’t be afraid to invest a little more in a reputable brand; it’s worth it.

Dijon Mustard: The Flavor Enhancer and Emulsifier

Dijon mustard plays a dual role in this recipe. First, it adds a subtle tang and a slight depth of flavor that complements the lemon without overpowering it. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it acts as a natural emulsifier. Mustard contains compounds that help water and oil, which naturally separate, to mix and stay together, creating a smooth, creamy, and cohesive dressing. Without Dijon, your vinaigrette would quickly separate into distinct layers of oil and lemon juice.

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The Essential Seasonings

Salt and pepper are non-negotiables in almost any recipe, and this dressing is no exception. Kosher salt provides a clean, pure salty taste that enhances all the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and aromatic complexity that elevates the vinaigrette. Always taste and adjust these seasonings. The right balance of salt and pepper can make or break a dressing, bringing out the best in every ingredient.

Tips for the Perfect Vinaigrette Every Time

While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can help you achieve perfection:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: This cannot be stressed enough. Fresh lemon juice and quality olive oil are the backbone of this dressing.
• Emulsify Properly: The key to a smooth vinaigrette is proper emulsification. If whisking by hand, slowly drizzle in the oil while continuously whisking. If using a jar, shake vigorously until the mixture appears homogenous.
• Taste and Adjust: Your palate is your best tool. Always taste the dressing before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your desired balance of flavors. Some prefer more tang, others more savory notes.
• Bring to Room Temperature (Optional for EVOO): If your olive oil has solidified slightly in the fridge, let the dressing sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to return to a more fluid consistency and enhance its flavors.

Customization and Creative Variations

The beauty of this basic lemon vinaigrette is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the classic, you can easily adapt it to create endless flavor variations:

• Herbs: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, chives, dill, or oregano for an aromatic boost. Dried herbs can also work, though fresh are always preferred for vibrancy.
• Sweetness: For a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of sugar. This can balance the tartness of the lemon, especially if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile.
• Garlic or Shallots: Mince a small clove of garlic or a shallot very finely and whisk it into the dressing for an aromatic, savory kick. Be mindful not to overpower the lemon.
• Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can introduce a pleasant spicy element.
• Different Vinegars: While this recipe focuses on lemon, you can experiment with other vinegars. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in place of or in combination with lemon juice for a different acidic base. Balsamic vinegar will create a richer, darker dressing.
• Mustard Varieties: Try whole-grain mustard for added texture and a more robust flavor, or a touch of honey mustard for sweetness.
• Umami Boost: A tiny splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can add a surprising depth of umami to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Salad Bowl

While this lemon vinaigrette is ideal for green salads, its uses extend far beyond a simple bowl of greens:

• Marinade: It makes an excellent marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables before grilling or roasting. The lemon juice tenderizes, and the oil infuses flavor.
• Vegetable Dressing: Drizzle it over steamed, roasted, or grilled vegetables (like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or potatoes) for an instant flavor upgrade.
• Grain Bowls: A perfect dressing for quinoa, farro, or couscous salads.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve it alongside crusty bread as a sophisticated dipping oil.
• Pasta Salads: A lighter alternative to creamy dressings for pasta salads.

Storage Best Practices

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade vinaigrette for an extended period. Store the leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container or a leakproof jar in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness and safety, especially with olive oil, refrigeration is recommended. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Before each use, give the container a good shake to re-emulsify the dressing, as the oil and lemon juice may naturally separate when cold.

Embrace the Homemade Revolution!

This simple, healthy, and incredibly versatile lemon vinaigrette recipe is truly a kitchen essential. By taking just five minutes to prepare your own dressing, you not only save money and avoid unhealthy additives but also unlock a world of fresh, customizable flavors that elevate every meal. Say goodbye to dull, expensive store-bought options and embrace the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. Give this recipe a try today, and you’ll wonder why you ever bought dressing from a bottle!