Why This Recipe Works
The Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette balances acidity and richness, which enhances the flavors in your salads. When you make your own vinaigrette, fresh lemon juice creates a bright, invigorating taste that pre-packaged dressings simply can’t match. Plus, incorporating garlic and fresh herbs introduces aromatic flavors, transforming any simple dish into something worthy of a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette is quick to prepare, needing just a handful of ingredients. With minimal effort, you can elevate a variety of meals. It’s perfect for all sorts of salads, marinades, and roasted veggies. The best part? You can personalize the recipe with your favorite herbs, making it a flexible option for every season.
Ingredients for Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons (just under 1/2 cup)
- 3 large garlic cloves (crushed or minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Pepper to taste
How to Make Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette
Measure and Combine Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
Start with a medium-sized mixing bowl. Measure out 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Slowly whisk in just under 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice. This step emulsifies the mixture, creating a creamy texture that coats your greens beautifully.
Add Garlic, Dill, and Salt
Next, it’s time to bring in the flavor. Add 3 large crushed or minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of dried dill, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Whisk these ingredients well to ensure your vinaigrette is perfectly blended and full of flavor.
Adjust Seasoning
After mixing, taste your vinaigrette. This is where you can really personalize it. Add pepper to taste and adjust any seasonings as you wish. This way, you create a vinaigrette that suits your palate precisely.
Serving Suggestions
This vinaigrette can be used in several tasty ways:
- Drizzle it generously over mixed greens topped with feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. The lemon adds a zesty brightness that elevates the meal.
- Toss it with roasted vegetables to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
Tips for Success
For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice might save time, but it often leaves an artificial aftertaste. Don’t hesitate to play with different herbs like basil or parsley for a fun twist. Moreover, ensuring that your olive oil is high quality is essential, as its flavor greatly influences your dressing.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your vinaigrette:
- Swap dried dill for fresh dill or other herbs like oregano or thyme—whatever is in season.
- If you have a sweet tooth, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity.
- Consider using flavored olive oils, like lemon or garlic-infused varieties, to bring extra depth to your dressing.
Storage Tips
Make sure to store your vinaigrette in an airtight container, keeping it in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients will separate when stored. Use it within 5 days for the freshest taste and best quality.
FAQs
1. How long does Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette last?
The vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used! Just remember to increase the amount slightly, as fresh herbs are less potent.
3. What can I serve this vinaigrette with?
It’s perfect for salads, marinades, roasted vegetables, or even drizzled over grains.
4. Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the recipe?
Absolutely! Adjust the garlic based on your taste preference. More garlic means more flavor.
5. What type of olive oil is best for this vinaigrette?
For the best results, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
The Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette is more than just a dressing; it’s a culinary companion. With its bright, zesty notes, it enlivens salads and enhances various dishes. This recipe promises freshness and flexibility, allowing for multiple variations to meet your taste. Bringing homemade vinaigrette into your kitchen will undoubtedly transform your meals into extraordinary experiences. So, give it a try and savor the burst of flavor at your table!
Print
Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette combines fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs for a bright, flavorful dressing. Ideal for salads, marinating, and enhancing roasted veggies.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons (just under 1/2 cup)
- 3 large garlic cloves (crushed or minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Measure and combine olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Add garlic, dill, and salt; whisk together until blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with pepper as desired.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Experiment with herbs like basil or parsley for variety.
Store vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
