Take your salads to the next level with this fresh, tangy Lemon Vinaigrette recipe!  It includes just 4 ingredients, it takes minutes to make, and it may be made entirely in advance!

Lemon vinaigrette in a jar with a spoon nearby

I eat salads every day, so I change them up often to keep things interesting. While I could use my balsamic vinaigrette dressing and Greek salad dressing every day, it’s fun to create new ways to dress my salads.

This Lemon Vinaigrette recipe was inspired by the salad dressings that I experienced in Paris many years ago. It’s bursting with the flavors of bright, tangy lemon and savory dijon mustard.

This dressing transports me to the corner French bistros with the freshest, most delicious salads I’ve ever tasted.

Whether you’ve been to Paris or not, if you love lemons, this dressing will be a staple for you. 🙂

Spoon in a jar of lemon vinaigrette

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This lemon vinaigrette is fresh, tangy and bursting with bright lemon flavor.
  • It includes 4 simple ingredients, and it comes together in minutes.
  • It may be made in advance and stored for up to 2 weeks, so it’s great for salad prep.
  • There’s no added sugar, and it’s vegan, dairy and gluten-free.

Recipe ingredients

There are just 4 ingredients in this lemon salad dressing as outlined below.

Lemon vinaigrette ingredients
  • Olive oil. The olive oil adds great flavor to this lemon dressing, but you may use your favorite type. Keep in mind that type of oil that you use will change the flavor of the dressing.
  • Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice should be used in this recipe as bottled just doesn’t have that fresh, bright flavor. Any type of lemons will work well!
  • Dijon mustard. The dijon mustard adds a delicious savory flavor and acts as an emulsifier as well. It adds body and creaminess to the dressing, and there’s really nothing I would substitute it with.
  • Garlic. Fresh minced garlic is best in this recipe for it’s flavor. If fresh garlic is too pungent for you or you’re following a Low FODMAP diet, it may be omitted altogether.

How to make this recipe

This lemon vinaigrette recipe is so easy to make and comes together in a matter of minutes!

Pro tip: Juice the lemons in advance and store in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.

How to make lemon vinaigrette collage
  1. Place olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Whisk well until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If the dressing is too tangy, add 1-2 tablespoons additional oil to suit your taste.
  3. To make lemon vinaigrette in a jar, place all ingredients in a jar, secure the lid and shake well until emulsified.
Lemon salad dressing in a jar with lemons and a spoon

FAQs

How long does homemade lemon vinaigrette last?

This lemon vinaigrette recipe will keep for up to 2 weeks in an air tight container in the refrigerator, making it great for salad prep.

What is the healthiest salad dressing to put on a salad?

Vinaigrettes are some of the healthiest salad dressings as they are olive oil based. While olive oil is high in fat, it includes heart healthy fats that are part of a healthy diet when used in moderation. This lemon vinaigrette recipe includes olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic and dijon mustard, with no added sugar, making it a healthier choice!

Why did my salad dressing solidify?

Salad dressing will solidify in the refrigerator due to the cold temperature. Simply remove from the refrigerator 5-10 minutes before serving to soften, then shake vigorously to emulsify.

Ways to serve lemon salad dressing

There are so many ways to use this lemon salad dressing! It’s so versatile — there’s really no wrong answer.

Recipe notes

  • I don’t recommend using bottled lemon juice as it just doesn’t have that fresh flavor.  Pro tip: Juice the lemons in advance and store in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Lemon vinaigrette keeps for up to 2 weeks in an air tight container in the refrigerator.  When it’s cold it will solidify, so let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving, then shake vigorously to emulsify.
  • This dressing is very tangy, so add 1-2 more tablespoons of oil to tone down the tartness if desired.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs or chives for even more flavor!
Lemon vinaigrette drizzling off of a spoon

More salad dressing recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

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Lemon vinaigrette in a jar with a spoon nearby

Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

This Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe will take your salads to the next level! It's fresh and tangy, includes just 4 ingredients, and it comes together in about a minute!
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Instructions 

  • Place olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Whisk well until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
  • To make lemon vinaigrette in a jar, place all ingredients in a jar, secure the lid and shake well until emulsified.

Notes

  • I don’t recommend using bottled lemon juice as it just doesn’t have that fresh flavor.  Pro tip: Juice the lemons in advance and store in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Lemon vinaigrette keeps for up to 2 weeks in an air tight container in the refrigerator.  When it’s cold it will solidify, so let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving, then shake vigorously to emulsify.
  • This dressing is very tangy, so add 1-2 more tablespoons of oil to tone down the tartness if desired.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs or chives for even more flavor!

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon, Calories: 82kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Sodium: 58mg, Potassium: 8mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 1mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

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