Description
Zesty homemade lemon vinaigrette brings Mediterranean sunshine to salads with bright, tangy simplicity. Crisp ingredients and quick whisking create a versatile dressing perfect for elevating green leaves and grilled vegetables you’ll love.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Emulsifiers and Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Aromatics:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
Instructions
- Grab a clean glass jar or whisk-friendly bowl, preparing for a zesty flavor fusion.
- Squeeze fresh lemons to extract bright, tangy juice, ensuring no seeds slip into the mixture.
- Pour the lemon juice into your chosen container, creating a citrusy foundation.
- Add dijon mustard, which acts as a natural emulsifier to bind the vinaigrette smoothly.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the dressing’s depth of flavor.
- If using, mince garlic finely to release its pungent aromatics into the vinaigrette.
- Chop fresh herbs like parsley or basil to introduce a vibrant, green note to the dressing.
- Slowly stream extra virgin olive oil into the mixture while whisking vigorously or shaking the jar intensely.
- Continue emulsifying until the vinaigrette transforms into a silky, unified dressing with no oil separation.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired for perfect balance.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
- Whisk or shake again briefly just before drizzling over salads, vegetables, or grilled proteins.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra zesty kick.
- Swap olive oil with avocado or walnut oil to create unique flavor profiles and accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Use a Mason jar for effortless mixing and convenient storage, allowing quick shaking and minimal cleanup.
- Enhance nutritional value by incorporating fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or chives for added complexity and health benefits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg