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Bright Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

Bright Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Lemon vinaigrette sparkles with zesty citrus notes, creating a classic dressing for salads. Mediterranean ingredients blend perfectly, delivering fresh, tangy flavor profiles that complement many dishes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 120 milliliters (½ cup) olive oil
  • 60 milliliters (¼ cup) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Citrus Preparation: Energetically roll lemon on countertop to release essential oils, then extract juice with firm pressure until obtaining vibrant, zesty liquid.
  2. Foundation Blending: Combine lemon juice with Dijon mustard in mixing bowl, whisking vigorously to create emulsified base with robust flavor complexity.
  3. Aromatic Enhancement: Finely mince garlic and integrate into liquid mixture, introducing deep, pungent undertones while stirring continuously to distribute evenly.
  4. Seasoning Integration: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper, balancing acidic notes with nuanced mineral undertones that elevate overall taste profile.
  5. Emulsion Creation: Gradually stream extra virgin olive oil while whisking persistently, generating smooth, glossy vinaigrette that seamlessly binds ingredients together.
  6. Flavor Refinement: Taste and calibrate with optional honey or maple syrup, introducing delicate sweetness that harmonizes with citrus’s bright, tangy essence.
  7. Final Adjustment: Perform ultimate seasoning verification, modifying with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper to achieve perfectly balanced vinaigrette tailored to personal preference.

Notes

  • Juice Selection: Roll lemons firmly on the countertop to maximize juice extraction and release natural oils before squeezing.
  • Emulsion Technique: Whisk ingredients continuously while slowly drizzling olive oil to prevent separation and create a smooth, consistent texture.
  • Flavor Balancing: Taste and adjust seasoning gradually, adding honey or maple syrup to soften the lemon’s acidity if needed.
  • Storage Strategy: Store vinaigrette in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days, giving it a quick shake before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg