Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette

There’s something incredibly refreshing about drizzling a vibrant dressing over a salad, and that’s precisely what you get with Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette. I remember the first time I made this dressing; it was a sunny afternoon, and I wanted to bring some life to a simple green salad. As I zested the lemons and whisked the ingredients together, the bright aroma filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. This vinaigrette has become a staple in my home, perfect for elevating any dish, whether it’s a fresh arugula salad or grilled vegetables. It’s not just a dressing, it’s a memory maker, turning every meal into a delightful experience.

Main Ingredients for Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette

Each ingredient in the Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette plays a crucial role in forming the perfect blend of flavors. The star of the show, lemon juice, brings brightness, while extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Together, they create a harmonious balance that enhances any dish. Let’s explore these ingredients further!

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ½ cup
  This rich oil is the base of the vinaigrette, providing a smooth texture and healthy fats.
• Lemon Juice: ½ cup (about 3 medium lemons)
  Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a zesty flavor that invigorates the dressing.
• Shallot: 1 small, finely diced
  Adding a mild onion flavor, shallots enhance the dressing without overpowering it.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon
  A touch of sweetness from honey balances the acidity of the lemon.
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon
  This essential seasoning elevates the overall flavor profile.

How to Assemble Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette

Making Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful process that’s as simple as mixing a few ingredients together. Whether you’re using a food processor or a classic whisk, you’ll enjoy the transformation as they combine into a luscious dressing.

1. Gather all your ingredients. You’ll need extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, honey, and kosher salt. Having everything prepped makes the process smoother.
2. In a food processor, add the olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, and honey. The shallot adds a subtle depth to the dressing.
3. Pulse the mixture until emulsified. You want the ingredients to blend seamlessly, creating a creamy texture.
4. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries! You can use a small bowl or a mason jar. Just whisk or shake the ingredients until they are well combined.
5. Taste the vinaigrette. This is where you can adjust the flavors. If it’s too zesty, add a bit more olive oil to mellow it out.
6. Adjust the seasoning by adding more kosher salt or honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
7. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, transfer the vinaigrette to a storage container. An airtight jar works perfectly for keeping it fresh.
8. Refrigerate your Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette. It can last up to a week in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate.
9. Enjoy your vinaigrette over salads, grilled veggies, or as a marinade. The possibilities are endless!

Side Dish Ideas for Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette

When it comes to serving Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette, the options are plentiful. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Arugula Salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over a simple arugula salad topped with parmesan cheese and pine nuts for a refreshing appetizer.
• Grilled Vegetables: Use this vinaigrette as a marinade before grilling mixed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
• Fish Dishes: This dressing pairs beautifully with grilled or baked fish, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Spring Vegetable Salad: Toss fresh spring vegetables, such as peas and asparagus, with the vinaigrette for a light side dish.
• Potato Salad: Add to potato salads for a citrusy twist that contrasts the creaminess of the potatoes.
• Meal Prep: Make a batch at the beginning of the week to have on hand for quick salads throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette is not just a dressing; it’s a versatile companion that can transform your meals with its bright and zesty flavor. Whether you’re tossing a salad or marinating vegetables, this vinaigrette is sure to enhance your culinary creations. I encourage you to try it out and experience the difference it makes in your dishes. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette

The perfect balance of zest and creaminess, Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette is your go-to dressing for salads and more. It's quick to prepare, versatile in usage, and packed with health benefits. Elevate your meals with this fresh, homemade dressing tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 cup

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ½ cup Lemon Juice (about 3 medium lemons)
• 1 small Shallot finely diced
• 1 tablespoon Honey (or sugar)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Jar with lid

Method

 

1. Gather all your ingredients. You’ll need extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, honey, and kosher salt. Having everything prepped makes the process smoother.
2. In a food processor, add the olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, and honey. The shallot adds a subtle depth to the dressing.
3. Pulse the mixture until emulsified. You want the ingredients to blend seamlessly, creating a creamy texture.
4. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries! You can use a small bowl or a mason jar. Just whisk or shake the ingredients until they are well combined.
5. Taste the vinaigrette. This is where you can adjust the flavors. If it’s too zesty, add a bit more olive oil to mellow it out.
6. Adjust the seasoning by adding more kosher salt or honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
7. Once you're satisfied with the flavor, transfer the vinaigrette to a storage container. An airtight jar works perfectly for keeping it fresh.
8. Refrigerate your Everyday Lemon Vinaigrette. It can last up to a week in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate.
9. Enjoy your vinaigrette over salads, grilled veggies, or as a marinade. The possibilities are endless!

Notes

• Too Zippy? If you’re dressing is too zippy, add more olive oil to taste.
• Emulsify for Best Results: Whisking the ingredients together helps to emulsify the dressing, ensuring that the oil and lemon juice blend seamlessly. If you don’t have a food processor, use a jar with a tight-fitting lid to shake it up.
• Storage: Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before each use.
• Room Temperature: If your vinaigrette solidifies in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it. Give it a good shake or whisk to recombine the ingredients.
• Serving Suggestions: Use this zippy, lemony vinaigrette on a simple arugula salad, Summer Garden Salad, Apple, Pear and Goat Cheese Fall Salad, Easy Breezy Roast Veggie Salad or this Grilled Chicken, Vegetable and Avocado Salad to name a few.

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Meet Nora Wells

The Hearth Keeper For me, cooking is about hospitality. I want every recipe we create to make people feel welcome and safe. I love the old ways of cooking cast iron skillets, wooden spoons, and recipes passed down through generations. I work with the team to add that touch of nostalgia to our dishes. Whether we are making a modern pasta or a vintage cake, I’m there to ensure it tastes like home.