Fitness / June 27, 2023

Perfect Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

Kick things up a notch and add some zest to your mealtime with the super delish Perfect Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe! This zingy combo of tangy lemon, silky olive oil, sweet honey, and fragrant fresh thyme will have your taste buds dancing.

Perfect Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe featured

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About to host your besties for lunch? Blow them away with a scrumptious salad drizzled with your homemade vinaigrette. They will sing your praises and call you a chef; you just have to sit back and accept that they just might be right. Seriously, there’s nothing like that feeling of knowing you’ve whipped up something delish and good for you.

So, if you’re ready to upgrade your go-to dressing game or just want to bring a little extra oomph to your kitchen routine, this Lemon Vinaigrette recipe has your back. Let’s get cracking on mastering this drool-worthy dressing that will have your friends begging for the recipe!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’re gonna be head over heels for this zesty, tangy, and sweet dressing – it’s perf for any salad!
Ditch the store-bought stuff and whip up your own dressing instead. It’s way healthier, with no nasty sugars or preservatives to worry about.
Bonus: that added thyme brings a to-die-for herby flavor to the party. Yum!

Is This Lemon Vinaigrette Healthy?

When you DIY, you know there won’t be any sneaky refined sugars or salts hiding in there.
The lemon juice packs a vitamin C punch for glowing skin, gorge hair, and strong nails.
Olive oil gives us heart-healthy fats, and fresh thyme brings on the antioxidants.
And let’s not forget the honey for guilt-free sweetness that won’t weigh you down post-meal.

INGREDIENTS

The recipe requires the juice of half a lemon; taste and add more from the other half if you feel the dressing needs it.

½ lemon, juiced
½ cup olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Perfect Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe ingredients

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk

In a bowl, add the lemon juice, garlic, honey, mustard, and salt and pepper. Whisk it all together while slowly drizzling in the olive oil.

Add

Pull the thyme leaves off the sticks and add them to the dressing.

Variations

Lemon-Tahini Vinaigrette: Add a bit of tahini with the classic lemon dressing and this baby will make your salads, grain bowls, and roasted veggies next-level amazing.

Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette: This version is the perfect combo of tangy lemon and sweet balsamic vinegar, perfect with mixed greens salad, toasted nuts, and shaved Parmesan.

Spicy Lemon Vinaigrette: Turn up the heat with the super zingy Spicy Lemon Vinaigrette. Simply add crushed red pepper flakes.

Lemon-Avocado Vinaigrette: This rich blend makes every salad an irresistibly indulgent treat. Combine lemon zest and smooth avocado.

Lemon-Ginger Vinaigrette: This refreshing taste sensation adds that extra kick to your meal. I love it with Asian-inspired salad like this coleslaw.

Serving Suggestions

This delish dressing works its magic on way more than just salads. Try it on roasted veggies or grilled meats, or use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp. Get creative and mix it up with different food combos – the sky’s the limit! Here are some FFF recipes that you may consider:

Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast: A simple recipe for chicken breast but if you wanted to use this dressing as a marinade, here’s one to try it on.

Chilean Sea Bass: Similar to the chicken, this is a basic recipe on how to prepare Chilean sea bass but can be marinated in the lemon vinaigrette if you wanted a citrusy taste to your fish.

Pasta Salad with Artichokes: This is a vegan, gluten-free pasta salad that features roasted artichokes, basil, Parmesan, and fits perfectly with this dressing.

FAQs

Can I use a blender to mix the dressing rather than a whisk?

Yes, you can use a blender, but it will just make you extra dishes. Use a mason jar instead. Shake it really well and then store it in the jar.

Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you could use vegetable oil instead, but olive oil is the better tasting option. If you choose to substitute it I would recommend using avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme leaves?

No fresh thyme? No problem! Use dried thyme instead – about 1/3 of what the recipe calls for since it’s stronger. You can also try other herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to make it your own.

Is it possible to substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yep, you can totally swap out the honey for other natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a simple sugar syrup. It might change the taste and consistency a bit, so adjust as needed to hit that sweet spot.

Can I make a larger batch?

Go ahead and double or triple the recipe. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for up to two weeks (see below for more).

How to Store Lemon Vinaigrette

Choose the right container – an airtight glass one, like a mason jar with a lid, keeps your vinaigrette fresh. Make sure to put it in the fridge, avoid direct light or heat, and you’re golden. Also don’t stress if your vinaigrette separates; give it a good shake or stir to get everything mixed up and perfect again.

Shelf Life and Freshness

When stored right, your perfect lemon vinaigrette can last up to two weeks. By the way, don’t forget to always use clean utensils when handling it to keep it fresh and bacteria-free.