Print

The Best Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

4.6 from 71 reviews

A bright and versatile lemon vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. This easy-to-make dressing is perfect for salads, vegetables, and marinades, offering a balanced tangy and herbaceous flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lemon Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, or to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic finely to ensure it blends well into the vinaigrette and releases its flavor evenly.
  2. Combine the base liquids: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until fully emulsified to create a tangy and smooth base.
  3. Add seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for balanced flavor.
  4. Incorporate the olive oil: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing, giving it a luscious and cohesive texture.
  5. Taste and adjust: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more mustard for tang, salt for seasoning, or lemon juice for extra brightness.
  6. Serve or store: Use immediately on your favorite salad or vegetables, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake or whisk before each use to recombine the ingredients.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled.
  • Adjust the Dijon mustard amount to control the level of tanginess and creaminess.
  • This vinaigrette is excellent as a marinade for chicken or fish.
  • Store in the refrigerator up to 7 days; bring to room temperature and whisk before using.

Keywords: lemon vinaigrette, salad dressing, lemon dressing, healthy vinaigrette, easy vinaigrette, homemade salad dressing, Mediterranean dressing