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Equal parts lemony and savory, this Homemade Lemon Vinaigrette is a delicious way to complement salads, veggies, and protein!
lil bit of homemade goodness
I recently did a poll on my Instagram Stories regarding homemade vs. store-bought dressing. To my surprise, it was split 50/50! I was honestly SHOCKED because I am totally team store-bought. (Sorry to offend.) Buying dressing from the store is incredibly convenient, and it's one less thing to worry about when it comes to cooking.
ANYWAY...I figured I would give the other half of my followers what they want. So, I whipped up this zingy Homemade Lemon Vinaigrette. Equal parts lemony and savory, it's a delicious way to complement salads, veggies, and protein!
I highly recommend you try it with my Spinach Quinoa Salad for a delicious side dish or meal.
easy ingredients for this homemade lemon vinaigrette
Lemon Juice: Gotta use lemon for a lemon vinaigrette!
Olive Oil: This will be the base of our dressing.
Honey Dijon Mustard: This is a must have if you're going to be making dressings at home. Adds a great creamy texture, helps thicken the dressing, and adds delicious flavor!
Sage: We'll use 4 leaves.
Italian Seasoning: Great savory flavor and complements lemon so well.
Lemon Zest: For stronger lemon flavor!
Garlic: More delicious flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Add to your preference.
Just a few tools needed
To make this Lemon Vinaigrette, you'll need an immersion blender, cutting board, small bowl or jar, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, and a knife.
Let's make this homemade lemon vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, mustard, and seasonings.
- Chop fresh sage leaves into small pieces and whisk with other ingredients.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the dressing together until thoroughly mixed.
- Serve immediately with this amazingly delicious Spinach Quinoa Salad.
Why homemade dressings?
When it's so easy to buy dressing at the store, you may be wondering why you'd want to make it at home. While the store is convenient and I buy dressing all the time, making it at home allows for flavor customization—and you can use whole, healthy ingredients.
For example, if you want a little bit of a sweeter dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
You can also adjust the ratio of lemon juice to olive oil depending on what you're serving this dressing with to really get the most out of the flavor. If I'm serving this dressing over a hearty green like kale, I’ll use more olive oil with a 2:1 ratio. However, with a softer, smoother green like spinach, I'd keep the 1:1 ratio. Do what you feel is best!
I bet you have most of the ingredients needed to make this delicious vinaigrette in your pantry. Next time you make a salad, give making your own dressing a go and see what you think!
Suggestions and recommendations
How should I store this dressing?
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Do I need to use an immersion blender?
I recently purchased an immersion blender and it's an awesome kitchen tool. However, you don't need it for this recipe. A small blender would also work well. If you just use a whisk, be sure to stir until the lemon juice and oil are blended. Add 1 tsp of oil at a time until completely combined.
Is this dressing good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store in the refrigerator and use to dress your salad whenever you're ready to enjoy.
Can I freeze this dressing?
No. I don't recommend freezing this dressing. Store in the refrigerator.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes! This is a FABULOUS idea! Use to marinate chicken or salmon. You can also toss your veggies with it for added flavor.
Other delicious recipes to pair with this homemade lemon vinaigrette
Homemade Lemon Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Immersion blender
- Whisk
- Small mixing bowl or jar
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 4 sage leaves
- ⅛ cup olive oil
- ⅛ cup lemon juice
- ½ tbsp honey dijon mustard
- ½ tsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp garlic
- dash salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, mustard, and seasonings.
- Chop fresh sage leaves into small pieces and whisk with other ingredients.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the dressing together until thoroughly mixed.
Notes
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved, something that you think it might need, or just say hi!
