Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe: How to Make Lemon Vinaigrette

A lemon vinaigrette is a light, tangy salad dressing made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and other flavorful ingredients. Traditionally, a vinaigrette has a ratio of three parts oil to one part vinegar. Swapping vinegar for citrus juice results in a bright, fruity take on the classic salad dressing.

When it comes to salad dressing recipes, lemon vinaigrette is among the easiest to make, and it has various uses in different cuisines. Here are some of the most popular dishes to serve with the tangy dressing:

1. 1. Grain bowls: Top quinoa, farro, or couscous grain bowls with the protein and toppings of your choice and finish them with a drizzle of this homemade salad dressing, which will add a boost of lemon flavor to the dish.
2. 2. Marinades: Lemon vinaigrette dressing makes an easy marinade for meat (like chicken or steak) and seafood (like shrimp or salmon).
3. 3. Pasta salad: Dress cold pasta salad with a light lemon vinaigrette and toss in some chopped veggies, fresh herbs, and cheeses for a filling weekday lunch.
4. 4. Roasted vegetables: This light lemon salad dressing pairs perfectly with a variety of caramelized roasted vegetables. Drizzle roasted carrots, squash, broccoli, potatoes, brussels sprouts, or other veggies with the vinaigrette for added tanginess.
5. 5. Salads: Home cooks commonly use this homemade vinaigrette as a salad dressing. A simple citrus vinaigrette pairs well with raw and cooked vegetables, including fennel, broccoli, celery, and leafy greens. Add in minced herbs (like chives and dill), chopped nuts (like cashews or almonds), and crumbly cheeses (like feta or goat cheese) for texture and flavor.
6. 6. Toasts and sandwiches: Add an extra layer of flavor to your avocado toast or favorite sandwich with a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, serve the dressing in a bowl alongside the toast for dipping.

Home cooks of all levels can successfully craft a tasty homemade lemon vinaigrette with minimal effort. Consider the following tips before making your first batch:

1. 1. Use fresh, ripe lemons. Always use fresh juice from ripe lemons rather than store-bought bottled lemon juice for the best version of this simple dressing.
2. 2. Swap the oil and acid. Once you’ve mastered a basic lemon vinaigrette, try using different oils and acids for the base. Swap the olive oil for avocado oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil for a more neutral flavor. For a less citrusy vinaigrette, replace a portion of the lemon juice with white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.
3. 3. Experiment with additions. Customize this simple condiment with your favorite seasonings (like red pepper flakes and lemon pepper seasoning), herbs (like dill and parsley), sweeteners (like maple syrup and honey), and alliums (like shallots).
4. 4. Store properly. Lemon vinaigrette will keep well in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake the jar thoroughly before using the dressing.