Zesty and tangy, this Lemon Dijon Dressing will add a refreshing kick to your salads. Get ready for a taste sensation!
Save This Recipe!
Enter your email and I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Happy Healthy Mama.
Homemade salad dressings are 100% worth the effort. They enhance the taste of those greens and are so easy to make. Plus, the vast majority of store-bought salad dressing are made with inflammatory vegetable or seed oils.
Take a few minutes to make your own–not only will it taste better, but it’s better for your health! The one I’m sharing today is a personal favorite – Dijon lemon dressing.
It’s creamy and smooth with just the right kick from fresh lemon juice. Ah, I love it!
This lemon vinaigrette recipe has five simple ingredients, gets ready in less than five minutes, and is so flavorful.
I often serve this flavorful vinaigrette with a classic green salad. Arugula and kale salad with this dressing is a burst of awesome flavor. If you want it to be your delicious marinade for grilled chicken, salmon, or pork chops – go for it! It’s just that versatile.
Once you look at the ingredient list, you’ll wonder, “Wow, so there’s no cream or mayo. Then how does it taste so creamy?”
The answer is in Dijon – a natural emulsifier that becomes creamy when whizzed in an immersion blender or whisked well. So, if you prefer your dressings dairy-free, this homemade lemon Dijon vinaigrette is it.
Here we go! Let’s check out the ingredients we’ll need for your new favorite salad dressing.
Recipe Ingredients–What You Need
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
We will be using 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for this lemon salad dressing. Olive oil is the least processed oil. Plus, it is high in polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s so much better for you than canola oil, vegetable oil, and soybean oil that you usually find in store-bought dressings.
Fresh Lemon Juice
If you’re wondering where this dressing gets its vibrant flavor, fresh lemons are your answer. Lemons are ideal sources of Vitamin C and other antioxidants. Squeeze fresh lemons to get the juice for our dressing – aim for 1/4 cup in total.
If you don’t have lemons on hand but still want a mustard-based dressing, you can also use vinegar and you’ll get similar acidic flavors. It could be balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, sherry, or apple cider – pick what you like. If you ask me, apple cider with lime juice gives the best flavor.
Dijon Mustard
Here’s the star of the show. Dijon mustard is not the same as regular mustard. It’s spicier and more intense. We use a tablespoon of it in our dressing! This power player of flavors is good for bones and muscles. It can also fight cancerous cells.
Honey
Of course, there must be a sweet element that ties all the flavors together and balances the lemon and mustard. Honey is a good choice, given its healthy properties. It’s antifungal and antibacterial. Plus, it provides our bodies with essential minerals and antioxidants. Add a tablespoon of raw honey to the mix. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup is the best pick. It has a sweet flavor, and the texture is similar to that of honey.
Garlic
Who minds a dash of pungent garlic? Not me! Garlic is a must-have in this dressing. It brings a lovely, savory depth to the recipe. But we won’t overdo it. So, stick to a clove of fresh garlic. Always finely mince the garlic before adding it to the dressing. Garlic also adds some tremendous health benefits.
Salt and Black Pepper
Seasonings. Ah, the tiny details that make the difference. For this recipe, we need sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. A pinch of each should do the trick, but add it to your taste preference.
Making the Flavorful Dressing
All you have to do to make this dressing is to put everything in a small bowl and whisk.
Whisk till every bit of every ingredient mixes with the other and it’s good to go!
But, of course, there are cheat ways for those of us who like quick cuts. You can drop and pour everything into a mason jar. Now give it a good shake, like a really good shake. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also pull out your immersion blender.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Store the Dressing?
Once you’ve made your dressing, it’s best to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to five days.
Can I Add Other Herbs?
Of course. This dressing goes perfectly fine with fresh herbs like fresh thyme, parsley, and basil. Dried oregano is good, too. For more zing, add a few chopped chives.
Which Vegetables Go Best with Lemon Dijon?
This dressing is great on a cold vegetable salad, especially ones made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and green beans. It’s especially delicious on a pasta salad, too.
If you liked the recipe, and decide to give it a try, do let me know your feedback! Please leave a comment and star rating below. Share your photo on Instagram and I’ll feature you! Make sure to tag me so I don’t miss it.
If you love homemade salad dressing, scroll below the recipe card to see the other delicious options I’ve created!
PrintLemon Dijon Dressing
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 ounces 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Dijon Dressing takes minutes to prepare and is delicious as a dressing for salad, roasted vegetables, or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender or shake all ingredients together in a mason jar. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: recipes
- Method: blending
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 176
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Fat: 18.7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3.8 grams
More Healthy Homemade Salad Dressings
Save these recipes so you always have a different homemade salad dressing that your whole family will love!
Vegan Creamy Salad Dressing
This is an oil-free dressing that is delicious!
Cilantro Lime Dressing
This dressing is perfect when you need a burst of flavor with your dinner!
Homemade Italian Dressing
Italian dressing is a favorite, and it’s especially hard to find a healthier version in the stores. This recipe solves that problem!
Greek Yogurt Ranch
This ranch dressing is flavorful, yet LIGHT. Best part? It takes 2 minutes to make!
IsabelleHall says
Get lost in the beat of merge fruit, where upbeat music and the gratifying sound of successful merges combine to produce an audio experience that enhances the visual treat.
seterra says
This recipe is perfect for a morning rush for me
drift boss says
I often make lemon dijon dressing for my parents. It is really tasty
Guadalupe Parnell says
Discover the tantalizing flavor of Lemon Dijon Dressing, a vibrant and zesty condiment that adds a burst of tanginess to any salad or dish. This versatile dressing combines the refreshing citrus notes of lemon with the savory kick of Dijon mustard. Find the recipe at https://magicalkatrina.com/magiciansblog/taking-magic-to-the-streets-what-to-expect-from-a-strolling-magician.It complements a variety of ingredients and is perfect for both light and hearty salads. For a delightful culinary experience, try this recipe for Lemon Dijon Dressing and elevate your meals to new levels of deliciousness.