Description

Brighten your salad bowls with this fresh and tangy Lemon Salad Dressing. Made with simple pantry staples like fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic, this versatile dressing adds a vibrant citrus punch to greens, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and grilled proteins. Easy to prepare and naturally light, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a healthy, flavorful, and customizable dressing that will quickly become a kitchen staple.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)

Instructions

Step 1: Squeeze the lemons – Start by freshly squeezing the lemons to extract about 1/4 cup of juice. Fresh lemon juice will give the best vibrant flavor compared to bottled.
Step 2: Mince the garlic – Finely mince one garlic clove, which will infuse the dressing with a subtle aromatic bite without overpowering.
Step 3: Whisk the base ingredients – In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 4: Slowly add olive oil – While whisking continuously, gradually drizzle in the olive oil to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
Step 5: Add fresh herbs if using – If you’re opting for fresh herbs, gently stir them in last to maintain their bright color and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness.
Whisk vigorously while adding oil to emulsify the dressing properly.
Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week; shake well before each use.
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter texture and cause separation.
Enjoy cold or at room temperature; no reheating needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 100 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Lemon salad dressing, citrus dressing, vinaigrette, healthy dressing, vegan dressing, homemade salad dressing