Lemon Garlic Dressing (Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe)

This Lemon Garlic Dressing is fresh, tangy, and packed with flavor! Made with simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil, it’s perfect for salads, roasted veggies, or grain bowls. Ready in minutes—no preservatives, just pure goodness!

There's nothing quite like homemade dressings to take your meals to the next level, and this Lemon Garlic Dressing is no exception. Bursting with the full flavor of fresh garlic and the tang of freshly squeezed lemon juice, it's rounded out by the umami of Dijon mustard and the richness of extra virgin olive oil. This super easy recipe comes together in minutes and keeps well in the fridge. It's versatile enough to pep up greens, make roasted veggies more exciting, or add life to grain bowls. Plus, by making your own lemon garlic vinaigrette, you know exactly what's going into it—no preservatives or stabilizers like those found in store-bought dressings.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations and Substitutions
• What to Serve With this Lemon Vinaigrette
• Storage Instructions
• FAQ's
• Lemon Garlic Dressing (Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe)

Ingredients

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Serves as the base of the dressing, providing richness and heart-healthy fats.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor and acidity to balance the oil.
• Finely Grated Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with vibrant citrus notes.
• Fresh Garlic: Infuses the dressing with a pungent kick and aromatic depth.
• Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier to help blend the oil and lemon juice, adding a hint of umami.
• Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and round out the flavors.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

• Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, mix together the extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed fresh garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey.
• Emulsify Dressing: Whisk or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified.
• Season to Taste: Add kosher salt and black pepper according to your preference.

Variations and Substitutions

• Roasted Garlic: Swap fresh garlic with roasted garlic cloves for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Add minced basil, parsley, mint, chervil, oregano, chives, or dill for extra freshness.
• Onion Additions: Include finely chopped shallots or green onions for an oniony twist.
• Spice It Up: Introduce spices like chili flakes, cumin, paprika, or ginger for added heat and depth.
• Alternative Oils: Substitute extra-virgin olive oil with walnut oil or avocado oil for different flavor profiles.

What to Serve With this Lemon Vinaigrette

• Dressing: Use it to dress a green salad, quinoa salad, or your favorite salad for vibrant flavors.
• Marinade: Marinate chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp before grilling for extra zest.
• Drizzle: Drizzle over grain bowls, pizzas, flatbreads, or roasted veggies for added burst of flavor.
• Toss: Mix into cooked pasta, noodles, farro, couscous, quinoa or rice to elevate simple ingredients.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store the lemon dressing in an airtight container or small mason jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Oil Solidification: Extra-virgin olive oil may solidify when chilled; let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes, and it will liquefy quickly.

FAQ's

Take your meals to the next level with this simple yet flavorful lemon garlic dressing. With its vibrant flavors and simple ingredients, it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Try this easy recipe today and take your fresh salads and favorite dishes to the next level!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.