Lemon Dijon Dressing

Zesty and tangy, this Lemon Dijon Dressing will add a refreshing kick to your salads. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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!

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