The BEST Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Description: This lemon vinaigrette is a bright, zesty, and versatile dressing that elevates any salad, marinade, or side dish. Made with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of herbs, it’s a simple yet sophisticated condiment that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Unbelievably Easy: This dressing comes together in just minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand. No fancy equipment needed!
- Bright and Flavorful: The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a vibrant and refreshing flavor that awakens your taste buds.
- Versatile: Use it on salads, grilled vegetables, as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp, or even drizzled over pasta. The possibilities are endless!
- Healthy and Delicious: Made with wholesome ingredients, this vinaigrette is a healthy alternative to store-bought dressings that are often loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add a touch of honey for sweetness, Dijon mustard for tang, or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Introduction
In the world of culinary creations, some recipes stand out for their simplicity and the profound impact they have on the overall dining experience. This lemon vinaigrette dressing is a shining example. It’s more than just a salad dressing; it’s a culinary cornerstone, a flavor enhancer, and a secret weapon for transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary delights. This recipe is not just about mixing ingredients; it’s about capturing the essence of freshness, the zest of citrus, and the harmony of flavors in a single, delicious concoction.
Imagine a crisp, vibrant salad bursting with the flavors of fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. Now, imagine drizzling a generous amount of this lemon vinaigrette over it, instantly elevating the salad to a whole new level of deliciousness. The bright, zesty lemon juice awakens the senses, while the smooth, rich olive oil coats every leaf with a luscious sheen. The subtle notes of garlic, thyme, basil, and black pepper add layers of complexity, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
This lemon vinaigrette isn’t just limited to salads. Its versatility knows no bounds. Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, infusing them with a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for summer barbecues. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts to add a touch of brightness and acidity. Toss it with cooked pasta for a simple yet satisfying meal. The possibilities are endless!
What sets this lemon vinaigrette apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a dressing that rivals those found in the finest restaurants. Forget about store-bought dressings loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors. This homemade version is not only healthier but also tastes infinitely better.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. This lemon vinaigrette dressing is about to become your new favorite condiment, transforming your meals from ordinary to extraordinary with its bright, zesty, and utterly irresistible flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Preparation:
Step 1: Combine Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: In a shake-able container, such as a mason jar or a salad dressing shaker, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the extra virgin olive oil. Ensure the lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice often lacks the brightness and zest of fresh lemons.
Step 2: Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid tightly on the container and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until the lemon juice and olive oil are well combined. This emulsification process helps to temporarily bind the oil and water-based liquids together, creating a slightly creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients: Open the container and add the minced garlic, salt, dried thyme, dried basil, and freshly ground black pepper. Be sure the garlic is finely minced to ensure its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dressing. The herbs add depth and complexity to the vinaigrette, while the salt and pepper enhance the overall taste.
Step 4: Shake Again: Secure the lid again and shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This step ensures that the herbs and spices are evenly dispersed throughout the lemon vinaigrette, creating a consistent flavor profile.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the lemon flavor is too strong for your liking, add the water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of tartness. You can also add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance the acidity if preferred.
Step 6: Refrigerate and Store: Refrigerate the lemon vinaigrette in an airtight container for at least 30 minutes before using it. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the overall taste. The vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to shake well before each use, as the oil and lemon juice may separate over time.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Super Easy)
- Taste: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Versatility: 5/5 (Highly Versatile)
- Overall: 5/5 (A Must-Have Recipe)
Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle over your favorite green salads for a refreshing and flavorful dressing.
- Use as a marinade for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp to add a bright citrusy flavor.
- Toss with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and delicious side dish.
- Drizzle over pasta for a simple yet satisfying meal.
- Use as a dipping sauce for artichoke hearts or crudités.
- Drizzle over grilled halloumi cheese.
- Use in grain bowls.
- Marinate tofu and bake.
Tips:
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a bright and zesty taste.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preferences.
- Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
- For a spicier dressing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To emulsify the dressing more thoroughly, use an immersion blender or a whisk.
- Always shake well before using, as the oil and lemon juice may separate.
- For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 121.29
- Fat: 13.51 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.87 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.58 g
- Fiber: 0.07 g
- Net Carbs: 0.50 g
- Sugar: 0.12 g
- Protein: 0.06 g
- Sodium: 68.34 mg
Conclusion
This lemon vinaigrette dressing is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and careful preparation. It’s a versatile condiment that can elevate any dish, from salads to marinades to side dishes. With its bright, zesty, and utterly irresistible flavor, this dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, go ahead and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQ
Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
A: While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the brightness and zest of fresh lemons and may contain preservatives that can affect the taste of the dressing. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will provide a much more vibrant and authentic flavor.
Q2: How long does this lemon vinaigrette last in the refrigerator?
A: This lemon vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. However, it’s always best to use it as soon as possible for the freshest flavor. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and maintain its quality.
Q3: Can I substitute the dried herbs with fresh herbs?
A: Absolutely! Fresh herbs will add an even more vibrant and aromatic flavor to the dressing. If using fresh herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of each herb (thyme and basil) instead of 1/4 teaspoon of dried herbs. Be sure to chop the fresh herbs finely before adding them to the dressing.
Q4: Can I add other ingredients to customize the flavor of this vinaigrette?
A: Yes, this lemon vinaigrette is very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Some popular additions include:
- Dijon mustard for tang
- Honey or maple syrup for sweetness
- Red pepper flakes for a kick of heat
- Shallots for a subtle onion flavor
- Parmesan cheese for a savory note
Q5: The vinaigrette separates in the refrigerator. Is this normal?
A: Yes, it’s perfectly normal for the oil and lemon juice to separate in the refrigerator. This is because oil and water-based liquids naturally separate over time. Simply shake the dressing vigorously before each use to re-emulsify it. If you want to create a more stable emulsion, you can add a small amount of Dijon mustard, which acts as an emulsifier and helps to bind the oil and lemon juice together more effectively.
The BEST Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice about 2 large lemons
- 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine Lemon Juice and Olive Oil: In a shake-able container, such as a mason jar or a salad dressing shaker, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the extra virgin olive oil. Ensure the lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice often lacks the brightness and zest of fresh lemons.
- Step 2: Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid tightly on the container and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until the lemon juice and olive oil are well combined. This emulsification process helps to temporarily bind the oil and water-based liquids together, creating a slightly creamy texture.
- Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients: Open the container and add the minced garlic, salt, dried thyme, dried basil, and freshly ground black pepper. Be sure the garlic is finely minced to ensure its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dressing. The herbs add depth and complexity to the vinaigrette, while the salt and pepper enhance the overall taste.
- Step 4: Shake Again: Secure the lid again and shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This step ensures that the herbs and spices are evenly dispersed throughout the lemon vinaigrette, creating a consistent flavor profile.
- Step 5: Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the lemon flavor is too strong for your liking, add the water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of tartness. You can also add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance the acidity if preferred.
- Step 6: Refrigerate and Store: Refrigerate the lemon vinaigrette in an airtight container for at least 30 minutes before using it. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the overall taste. The vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to shake well before each use, as the oil and lemon juice may separate over time.
