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    Home » Recipes » Dressings & Sauces

    Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

    Published: Feb 15, 2019 · Updated: Apr 7, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 17 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A glass jar of vinaigrette.

    This lemon vinaigrette is simple, fresh, tangy and full of flavor. Because this dressing is so versatile, it tastes great on any salad, bowl, or even as a marinade. It's one of my favorite everyday go-to dressings.

    A jar of lemon vinaigrette with squeezed lemons in the background.

    Until a few years ago, I used to buy all my dressings from the grocery store. For some reason, I thought they contained magical ingredients that made them taste so delicious.

    When I started cooking at home, I realized just how simple it was to make dressings at home and taste just as delicious, if not better.

    Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

    If I had to pick my favorite dressing, this lemon vinaigrette would be it! It's:

    • Simple to make
    • Easy to store
    • Lasts a solid week in the fridge
    • It's tangy and citrusy, and if you're a fan of lemons, this dressing is for you.

    This lemon vinaigrette will enhance any salad rather than take over as some dressings tend to do.

    This dressing has the perfect balance of flavors - a little tanginess from the lemon juice, a bit of sweetness from the maple syrup and a dash of spice from the Dijon mustard.

    It taste great on salads, such as a Strawberry Arugula Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Kale Citrus Salad, or even an Italian Potato Salad! Alternatively, use it to marinate fresh vegetables before roasting or grilling them..

    A container of fresh vinaigrette.

    How to Make a Lemon Vinaigrette

    This lemon vinaigrette is so easy to make and takes only a few minutes.

    1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.

    2. Whisk ingredients: Whisk until the dressing emulsifies, about 30 seconds

    Alternatively, combine all of the ingredients in a jar. Securely tighten the lid and shake until dressing is emulsified.

    Once the dressing is ready, set it aside while you prepare the salad. When you're ready to use it, give it a little shake and drizzle it over the salad.

    Steps for making lemon vinaigrette.

    How to Store the Vinaigrette

    Refrigerate any leftover vinaigrette in a sealed container up to 7 days. I like to make a big batch during the weekend and enjoy it on salads and in bowls throughout the week.

    Tips for Making the Best Lemon Vinaigrette

    Here are my top tips on making the perfect vinaigrette every time:

    Start with ingredients at room temperature. If the lemon juice or olive oil is cold, for example, it will be a little more difficult to form the creamy emulsion

    Let the vinaigrette sit for a bit before serving. This will make it taste even better. I like to make the dressing before I start on the rest of my salad. Then I gave it a little shake and drizzle right before I want to enjoy it. This also keeps your salad from getting soggy!

    If the vinaigrette starts to lose its emulsification, simply shake it in a jar again!

    Substitutions and Variations

    The best part of homemade dressings is that you can tweak it to make it your own and you never get bored! Here are some of my favorite ways to enhance this base recipe:

    • Lemon zest - add about ½ teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest
    • Fresh herbs - add finely minced fresh parsley or cilantro (about 1 tablespoon)
    • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning - about ½ teaspoon
    A glass jar of vinaigrette.

    More Salad Dressing Recipes

    • Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing
    • Balsamic Vinaigrette
    • Avocado Lime Dressing

    I hope you love this lemon vinaigrette dressing recipe as much as I do! Sign up for email updates to receive new recipes delivered to your inbox or check out my new cookbook Plant Power Bowls.

    A jar of lemon vinaigrette dressing.

    Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Total time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 166kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    This lemon vinaigrette is simple, fresh, tangy and full of flavor. Because this dressing is so versatile, it tastes great on almost any salad or bowl. It's made with a handful of real ingredients, including extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemons, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Skip the store-bought dressing next time and make this instead!

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • ¼  cup lemon juice, approximately 2 medium lemons
    • 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • pinch of black pepper

    Instructions

    • Combine the ingredients in a bowl and whisk. If using a jar, combine ingredients and seal tightly before shaking to combine. 
    • Serve or store for later. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 166kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 204mg, Potassium: 10mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin C: 4mg, Iron: 1mg
    Course: Dressings
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!
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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lyn LeClair says

      February 23, 2021 at 7:14 am

      This lemon vinaigrette is amazing ...better than a restaurant I was at an purchased a bottle ...so fresh and not overpowering ...I used it for a marinade on my salmon ...as well as my salad .....AWESOME

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        February 23, 2021 at 11:53 pm

        So happy to hear, Lyn!

        Reply
    2. Amber says

      January 04, 2020 at 11:09 am

      This dressing is awesome!!
      Sometimes I add mayo for a creamier version or for an aioli.5 stars

      Reply
    3. Ana F. says

      November 05, 2019 at 9:35 am

      Homemade dressings are always the best! It's perfect for citrus season just around the corner. Thanks for sharing!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 9:52 pm

        Homemade is the way to go. Thanks for stopping by, Ana!

        Reply
    4. Caitlyn Erhardt says

      November 05, 2019 at 5:28 am

      this looks like the perfect salad dressing!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 9:52 pm

        Thank you, Caitlyn!

        Reply
    5. Farah says

      November 04, 2019 at 10:35 pm

      Perfect way to brighten up my daily green salad! This sounds tangy and delicious, thanks for the recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 9:52 pm

        Thank you, Farah!

        Reply
    6. Tisha says

      November 04, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      Homemade is always better, such a great recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 9:53 pm

        Thanks, Tisha!

        Reply
    7. Laura | Wandercooks says

      November 04, 2019 at 9:12 pm

      This is so easy! No more store bought dressing for me!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 9:53 pm

        So glad to hear, Laura!

        Reply
    8. Jayme says

      April 11, 2019 at 11:54 am

      I love this dressing. It's so easy to make and tastes delicious.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        April 20, 2019 at 11:47 am

        So glad to hear!! Enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Casey says

      April 02, 2019 at 5:57 pm

      OBSESSED with this dressing. I've been using it on everything.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        April 20, 2019 at 11:47 am

        So glad to hear!!

        Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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