why make this recipe
This French Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is bright, fresh, and easy. It takes minutes to make and lifts any salad with clean lemon flavor and smooth olive oil. If you enjoy simple recipes, you might also like a sweet dish such as the brioche French toast casserole recipe.
introduction
This dressing is light and tart. Use it on greens, vegetables, or as a light sauce on fish or chicken. The dressing mixes fast and stores well for a few days.
how to make French Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Whisk the lemon, mustard, and garlic first. Then add the oil slowly while you whisk to make the dressing smooth and blended. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. This keeps the lemon bright and the dressing silky.
Ingredients :
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic, minced, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over your favorite salad.
how to serve French Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Drizzle over mixed greens, arugula, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. Toss the salad just before serving so the leaves stay crisp. You can also spoon a little over grilled vegetables or fish.
how to store French Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Put the dressing in a clean jar with a tight lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk again before using because the oil and lemon may separate.
tips to make French Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Add the oil slowly to help the dressing emulsify.
- Mince the garlic very fine or press it for a milder bite.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper after the dressing blends.
- Use a jar and shake if you do not want to whisk.
variation (if any)
- Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet-tart balance.
- Swap lemon for white wine vinegar for a different tang.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for more flavor.
- Use half olive oil and half neutral oil (like avocado) for a lighter olive taste.
FAQs
Q: How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
A: It keeps well for about 3–5 days in a sealed jar.
Q: Can I make this without garlic?
A: Yes. Skip the garlic for a milder, cleaner lemon flavor.
Q: Why did my dressing separate?
A: Oil and lemon juice separate naturally. Whisk or shake before each use to recombine.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice tastes best, but bottled juice will work in a pinch.
Q: Is Dijon mustard required?
A: Dijon helps the dressing emulsify and adds flavor, but you can leave it out if needed.
French Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and fresh lemon vinaigrette that enhances any salad with its clean flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over your favorite salad.
Notes
Shake or whisk the dressing before use as the oil and lemon may separate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
