Description
Zesty lemon vinaigrette dances across salads with Mediterranean charm, bringing bright citrus notes to your plate. Whisked together from simple ingredients, this dressing delivers fresh, tangy flavor you’ll crave on crisp greens and roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Citrus Base:
- 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Oil:
- 120 ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil
Seasonings and Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced or finely grated
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather all necessary components for the lemon vinaigrette in a compact mixing vessel, ensuring a clean and organized workspace.
- Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice into the container, creating a tangy citrus base for the dressing.
- Add a dollop of Dijon mustard to provide depth and emulsifying properties to the vinaigrette.
- Mince or grate fresh garlic cloves, releasing their aromatic essence into the mixture.
- Drizzle honey for a subtle sweetness that balances the acidic lemon and pungent garlic.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Incorporate high-quality olive oil in a slow, steady stream while vigorously whisking or securely sealed in a jar.
- Continue mixing until the vinaigrette transforms into a smooth, slightly thickened emulsion with a consistent texture.
- Conduct a taste test, carefully adjusting seasonings to achieve the perfect harmony of flavors.
- Transfer the vibrant dressing to a serving container or storage vessel with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate the vinaigrette for up to seven days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Before serving, give the dressing a gentle shake or whisk to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
Notes
- Elevate the vinaigrette’s brightness by using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for a more vibrant, zesty flavor profile.
- Experiment with different honey varieties like wildflower or citrus blossom to add unique subtle undertones to the dressing.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, maintaining the same smooth sweetness and balanced consistency.
- Enhance the dressing’s versatility by adding fresh herbs like chopped basil, thyme, or parsley to introduce an aromatic dimension and complexity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 0.5 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg