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    Home » Recipes » Salad Dressings

    Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

    Published: Mar 19, 2022 Modified: Mar 23, 2022 by Isabel Laessig

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    My recipe for Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing is light, refreshing, and so easy to make! This easy vinaigrette salad dressing recipe comes together in minutes and is packed with bright lemony flavor. Use it as a salad dressing, dipping sauce for veggies, or even as a marinade!

    lemon vinaigrette in a jar next to a plate of caesar salad
    Jump to:
    • Best Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
    • Lemon Vinegar Dressing FAQs
    • Lemon Vinaigrette Ingredients
    • What is white balsamic vinegar?
    • How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette
    • Recipe Tips
    • How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette Without Mustard
    • Variations
    • How to Serve Lemon Vinaigrette
    • More Easy Salad Dressing Recipes
    • 📌 Pin it for later!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Best Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

    Making your own homemade salad dressing is an easy way to control the nutrition of your salads, while also maximizing flavor! My easy lemon vinaigrette salad dressing is a perfect way to dress a simple green salad or boost flavor with a plate of steamed vegetables.

    I love being able to walk right past the salad dressing section of the grocery store, knowing I can mix something up at home my family will love more than anything bought in a bottle. Making homemade dressing is simple - it only takes a few ingredients and a jar to store it in.

    Vinaigrette recipes are not only easy to make, but completely versatile. The fresh lemony flavors mixed with olive oil result in a creamy consistency, creating a great sauce for grilled chicken, seafood, or veggie plates!

    caesar salad on a fork with lemon vinaigrette in a jar

    Lemon Vinegar Dressing FAQs

    What is lemon vinaigrette made of?

    My lemon vinaigrette is a combination of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, white balsamic vinegar, onion powder, and sugar. Simply mix ingredients into a mason jar and shake!

    How long does lemon vinaigrette last in the fridge?

    Homemade lemon vinaigrette lasts for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Always shake or whisk vinaigrette before using it again, as the layers tend to separate in the refrigerator.

    Is lemon vinaigrette gluten-free?

    This is a naturally gluten-free vinaigrette recipe. As always, be sure to check each product before using to ensure food safety.

    Why is my lemon vinegar dressing bitter?

    When zesting a lemon, try to avoid the white area around the fruit, otherwise known as the "pith." This is bitter in flavor and will make your vinaigrette bitter as well. Try to only zest the yellow most outer layer by continuously moving the zester around the entire surface of the lemon.

    Can I freeze lemon vinaigrette?

    Lemon vinaigrette can be frozen for up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freezing a vinaigrette can change the consistency of the dressing, so make sure to give it a good whisk or shake after it has thawed. Label the storage container with the freezing date.

    caesar salad on a plate with lemon vinaigrette in a jar

    Lemon Vinaigrette Ingredients

    • extra virgin olive oil
    • white balsamic vinegar
    • sugar
    • salt and pepper
    • lemon zest and lemon juice
    • garlic powder
    • dry mustard
    • onion powder

    What is white balsamic vinegar?

    White balsamic vinegar is very similar in flavor to regular balsamic vinegar, but with a cleaner aftertaste (it is made from a different type of grape). Regular balsamic vinegar tends to be darker, sweeter, and more syrupy in texture.

    You can find white balsamic vinegar in the oil and vinegar section of the grocery store.

    How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette

    1. Add all dressing ingredients to a jar.
    2. Screw on the lid, then shake well. Store until ready to use, and be sure to shake or whisk it again before using.
    adding lemon zest to vinaigrette in a jar

    Recipe Tips

    • To avoid a bitter dressing, only zest the yellow outer part of the lemon. Try to avoid the inner white area known as the pith.
    • Though this can be whisked in a bowl, I like to make this dressing in a mason jar for easy mixing, pouring, and storing.
    • Remember, vinaigrette is more than a salad dressing! Also try it as a sauce or marinade!

    How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette Without Mustard

    Many vinaigrettes utilize Dijon mustard as a way to emulsify a dressing, giving it a thicker consistency (this happens when the mustard reacts with a fat, typically oil). Because this recipe is made in a mason jar, shaking the oil with the balsamic vinegar creates a similar effect.

    My lemon vinaigrette recipe is an easy way to make vinaigrette without using actual mustard. Instead, I use mustard powder to mimic the tangy, sharp flavors.

    If you do not want any of the mustard flavor, simply omit the mustard powder and follow the recipe according to the instructions.

    Variations

    My recipe for lemon vinaigrette is the perfect base to make a variety of fantastic lemon dressings. Simply changing an ingredient here or there can completely change the profile of this sauce!

    Lemon Honey Vinaigrette

    1. Make the recipe as instructed, but instead of using sugar, substitute an equal amount of honey to add a floral aroma and sweet balance to this dressing. I love to use local, seasonal honey- orange blossom, wild flower, sage, or clover, to name a few!
    2. Shake, and enjoy!

    Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

    1. Make the dressing according to the recipe instructions.
    2. Cut 4-6 fresh basil leaves into thin strips.
    3. You can either add the basil directly to the dressing, or sprinkle it over the top of your salad after you pour the dressing on it.

    Lemon Caesar Vinaigrette

    1. Make the dressing according to recipe instructions, but do not add the onion, garlic, or mustard powder.
    2. With the rest of the ingredients, add one small shallot (minced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 anchovy filets (minced, optional), 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 6 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese.
    3. Shake vigorously.
    caesar salad with lemon vinaigrette on a plate

    How to Serve Lemon Vinaigrette

    My lemon vinaigrette recipe is the perfect light homemade salad dressing for an easy lunch, dinner salad, or even as a dipping sauce or marinade. Here are a few ways I like to use lemon vinaigrette:

    • Lemon Grilled Chicken: Marinate 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts for up to 3 hours (or overnight) in my easy lemon vinaigrette, then chargrill until perfectly cooked (about 5 minutes on each side, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F). If you do not want to marinade the chicken, simply grill the breasts using a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve the lemon vinaigrette overtop as a sauce.
    • Seafood: Lemon and seafood are a combination as old as time, and this lemon vinaigrette is a perfect way to marinate shrimp, scallops, or even to serve as a sauce with pan-seared salmon!
    • Vegetarian: For an easy dinner idea, make your favorite pasta and simply toss with easy lemon vinaigrette! Serve with a fresh sprinkling of parmesan cheese.
    • Drizzle over a roasted cauliflower and hummus bowl.
    • Use as a dressing for shaved brussels sprouts with pecans, wild rice, dried cranberries, and goat cheese.

    More Easy Salad Dressing Recipes

    • Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
    • Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
    • Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing
    • Vietnamese Salad Dressing Recipe

    Check out my all-time favorite sauce recipes here: Easy Sauce Recipes

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    lemon vinaigrette in a jar next to a plate of caesar salad

    Outstanding Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

    Isabel Laessig
    Learn how to make lemon vinaigrette dressing to use on salads, as a marinade, or as a sauce for veggies! Homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing is bright and flavorful!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Dressing, Sauce
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 half cup, a little over
    Calories 934 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 jar with lid

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
    • 3 teaspoons sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • zest from one lemon
    • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder

    Instructions
     

    • Add all ingredients to a jar and screw on the lid.
      ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar, 3 teaspoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, zest from one lemon, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dry mustard, ¼ teaspoon onion powder
      adding lemon zest to vinaigrette in a jar
    • Shake well until completely mixed. Use immediately, or store until ready to use (up to 1 week in the refrigerator, 6 months frozen). After storing, give it a good shake before using.
      caesar salad on a fork with lemon vinaigrette in a jar

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 934kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 0.7gFat: 101.2gSaturated Fat: 14.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 79gSodium: 1169mgPotassium: 111mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword lemon vinaigrette, lemon vinaigrette dressing, vinaigrette dressing recipe
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    About Isabel Laessig

    Isabel Laessig, better known as Family Foodie and the founder of the Sunday Supper Movement, is passionate about food and family! She is the author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook, and hosts Family Foodie Friday on WTSP's Great Day Tampa Bay along with other television appearances to spread her mission of bringing Sunday Supper back around the family table in every home.

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