Lemon vinaigrette dressing is one of those simple kitchen staples that transforms everything it touches. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a light, zesty dressing that brightens any salad, roasted veggie dish, or grain bowl.
This homemade version is vibrant and silky, with the perfect balance of citrus acidity and olive oil richness. Once you taste the freshness of this vinaigrette, you’ll never go back to bottled again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍋 Ultra fresh and tangy — real lemon juice = bright flavor
- ⏱️ Takes 5 minutes — no blender, no mess
- 🌿 Customizable — add herbs, mustard, or garlic to change it up
- 💡 Versatile — dress salads, marinate meats, drizzle over grains
- 🧊 Stores well — keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge
Looking for more dressings? Try [Related: Creamy Avocado Dressing] or [Related: Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip].
Ingredients
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1–2 lemons)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or honey for extra depth
- (Optional) 1 tsp lemon zest for more citrus pop
Instructions
- Squeeze the Lemon
Juice your lemons and strain to remove seeds. Measure out ¼ cup. - Combine the Ingredients
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add Dijon or zest if using. - Whisk or Shake
Whisk until fully emulsified and smooth, or shake in a sealed jar until creamy and blended. - Taste and Adjust
Dip a leaf or spoon in and taste. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. - Serve or Store
Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: ~4 (½ cup total)
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Course: Dressing, Sauce, Condiment
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
Tips & Variations
- 🧄 Add garlic: A clove of finely grated garlic adds punch
- 🌿 Herbs are magic: Add chopped parsley, basil, or dill for garden-fresh flair
- 🍯 Sweeten it up: Add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a softer citrus flavor
- 🥄 Creamy version: Whisk in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy texture
- 🔁 Swap citrus: Try lime, orange, or grapefruit juice for fun seasonal twists
FAQs
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! It stores beautifully for 4–5 days in the fridge. Just shake or stir before using.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and mouthfeel.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best — bottled juice lacks the vibrant flavor and natural oils from real lemons.
How can I make it more emulsified?
Add 1 tsp Dijon mustard and whisk vigorously — it helps bind the oil and lemon together.
Is this dressing vegan?
Yes! All ingredients are plant-based. Just avoid adding honey if you want to keep it strictly vegan.
Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a bowl or jar.
- Whisk or shake until fully emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Use immediately or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Shake before each use.
Notes
– For creamy dressing, add a spoon of yogurt
– Always use fresh lemon juice for best flavor
Conclusion
This lemon vinaigrette dressing is as fresh and simple as it gets — perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. It’s proof that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones with the fewest ingredients.
Whether you’re dressing a fresh arugula salad or marinating grilled veggies, this vinaigrette brings balance, brightness, and a little sunshine to your table.
Try pairing it with [Related: Roasted Chickpea Salad] or drizzle it over [Related: Mediterranean Grain Bowls] for a flavor boost.