Bursting with tangy flavor and a subtle sweetness, this lemon vinaigrette dressing is crafted from fresh and simple ingredients to brighten up leafy greens or roasted veggies.
Also known as lemon salad dressing, this tangy dressing is simple, healthy, and delicious. The tart and acidic flavors of fresh lemon and apple cider vinegar pair delightfully with smooth olive oil, providing robust flavor for a variety of salads and much more.
Use this dressing to marinate chicken before grilling, top roasted veggies or an asparagus salad for a flavorful side dish, or drizzle some over a homemade cobb chicken salad for a filling and healthy lunch.
Youโll even find us dipping homemade sourdough discard crackers or a pinch of this easy sourdough Italian bread in this homemade vinaigrette. It works great for dipping, though we also love this more traditional bread dipping oil recipe.
Just like my homemade honey mustard, I like to keep this lemon dressing on hand because itโs one that the whole family enjoys.
Itโs nice to have healthy homemade alternatives to your favorite store-bought salad dressing, and this simple recipe is a fun and easy one to share with friends.
You can also customize it to suit your preferences. Add a little more honey to boost the sweetness, two garlic cloves instead of one to give it more zing, or increase the fresh lemon juice to lift the citrusy tartness.
I love that a few basic ingredients can create something with such a spectacular flavor profile!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Easy to make โ Measure the ingredients into a blender, mix until smooth, and drizzle over mixed greens for flavorful salads every time. Itโs quick and easy!
Vibrant flavor โ Fresh lemon adds zest, tangy apple cider vinegar provides a bold kick, and a touch of honey is a great way to add natural sweetness.
Healthy option โ Most store-bought dressings are built on canola oil and too much sugar. When you make your own salad dressings, you get to choose high-quality ingredients that taste great and are far better for you.
Ingredients
Apple cider vinegar โ ACV adds sweet and sour fermented tanginess to the recipe. Red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar are good substitutes.
Extra virgin olive oil โ Avocado oil is also a good substitute here.
Lemon juice โ Juice from fresh lemons will provide the best flavor, but you can use 1 โ 2 drops of lemon essential oil in its place if preferred.
Mustard โ Yellow mustard adds a pungent flavor, but is still on the milder side. Use Dijon mustard for a bolder, sharper substitute.
Honey โ Honey adds natural sweetness, but you could also use maple syrup.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Tools You May Need
Immersion blender โ If you donโt have a regular blender, an immersion blender works very well.
How to Make Lemon Salad Dressing
Step 3: Pour into an airtight container, like a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, and keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips
- Local honey will provide the best flavor and health benefits.
- Olive oil and avocado oil are some of the best oil options due to their health benefits and high omega-3 content. Many store-bought dressings contain inflammatory oils like vegetable, canola, corn, or soybean oil.
- You can use one drop of essential oils in place of the lemon juice if preferred.
- Lemon zest, black pepper, or a variety of fresh herbs are tasty additions.
Recipe FAQs
Homemade lemon dressing will last longer and taste fresher if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, this may cause the oil to solidify. When youโre ready to use it, set it out at room temperature and give it a good shake (or whisk well) so the oil can soften.
Vinaigrettes, when made with high-quality ingredients, are great options because of their healthy fats and full flavor.
A classic vinaigrette is typically one part vinegar to three parts oil but varies based on personal preference.
If you leave out lemon or mustard, your dressing may be thin. Lemon juice and mustard both act as emulsifiers, breaking the olive oil down so that it is less likely to separate.
If the vinegar flavor is too strong, try diluting it by adding more olive oil, adding more lemon or a bit more honey, or making it a creamy dressing by adding some mayonnaise to tone down the acidic flavor.
More Recipes from the Farmhouse
- Homemade Cheese Sauce
- Avocado Mayo Recipe
- How to Make Sauerkraut
- Sourdough Tortillas
- Easy Homemade Herb Butter
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone.
Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
Equipment
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Local honey will provide the best flavor and health benefits.
- Olive oil and avocado oil are some of the best oil options due to their health benefits and high omega-3 content.
- You can use one drop of essential oils in place of the lemon juice if preferred.
- Lemon zest, black pepper, or a variety of fresh herbs are tasty additions.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious with a spinach strawberry salad