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This is how to make a lemon Dijon salad dressing with bright lemon flavor and a delicious blend of savory and sweet notes. This homemade salad dressing is a light addition to salads. And you can also use this lemon Dijon vinaigrette for chicken and pasta dishes too. The smooth texture and balanced flavors make it a tasty way to add extra flavor to simple meals. This easy vinaigrette recipe is a wonderful homemade recipe for anyone who enjoys fresh salad toppings.

I love sharing recipes that are super easy to make. This lemon Dijon dressing is a helpful recipe to keep on hand because it pairs well with a variety of fresh salads and meal ideas. The combination of lemon, mustard, and honey creates a balanced flavor that complements many salad ingredients. Homemade dressings like this make it easy to whip up so you can skip the salad dressing isle.

Lemon Dijon Dressing Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh flavor: This homemade lemon dijon dressing adds a bright, zesty taste to salads with a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Simple ingredients: Made with easy ingredients you most likely have, this dressing comes together with classic flavors that blend beautifully.
Quick to prepare: This recipe is easy to mix together and ready to add fresh flavor to your favorite salads.
Great for salads: It pairs well with leafy greens, vegetables, and a variety of salad recipes for lunches and dinners.

Ingredients For This Recipe

Olive oil: Creates the base of the dressing and adds a smooth texture with a rich flavor.
Red onion: Adds a mild savory taste and a fresh onion flavor to the vinaigrette.
Garlic: Gives the dressing a warm, savory flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright citrus flavor and helps balance the richness of the olive oil.
Lemon zest: For extra lemon flavor with a fresh citrus aroma.
Honey: Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the lemon and mustard flavors.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor and helps blend the ingredients together.
Salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors and adds the finishing touch to the dressing.

How To Make Lemon Dijon Salad Dressing

Step 1

Add the olive oil, red onion, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to a blender.

Step 2

Blend the ingredients until the dressing is smooth and the flavors are fully combined.

Step 3

Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if desired, then serve it over your favorite salad.

Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil creates the base of the dressing and gives it a smooth, silky texture. It adds a rich, fresh flavor that blends beautifully with the lemon, mustard, and seasonings while helping create a balanced vinaigrette.

Tips For Making Lemon Dijon Dressing

Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add a bright citrus flavor that makes the dressing taste fresh and vibrant.

Blend until smooth: Blending the ingredients well helps create a smooth texture and allows the flavors to mix together beautifully.

Taste and adjust: After blending, taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to match your favorite flavors.

Let the flavors mix: Letting the dressing sit for a few minutes after blending allows the lemon, mustard, and seasonings to come together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade lemon Dijon dressing last?

You can store this lemon Dijon dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. I like keeping it in a mason jar. That way I can just grab it and give it a shake before pouring it onto a salad or pasta.

Can I use this dressing on foods other than salad?

Yes, this dressing is delicious on more than just salads. You can drizzle it over roasted vegetables, pasta salads, grain bowls, or use it to add extra flavor to your favorite meals.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great recipe to prepare ahead of time. Making it in advance gives the flavors a chance to blend together, making each serving taste even better.

Why do I need to blend the dressing?

Blending helps create a smooth texture while mixing the extra virgin olive oil, lemon, dijon mustard, and seasonings together. It also helps all the flavors come together in every bite.

Recipe Variations

Add fresh herbs: Mix in herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for a fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with salads and vegetables.
Try a different citrus: Use orange juice or lime juice instead of some of the lemon for a new citrus flavor combination.
Make it sweeter: Add a little more honey if you enjoy a sweeter dressing with a softer flavor.
Add a spicy touch: Blend in a small amount of red pepper flakes for a little extra warmth and flavor.
Use shallots: Replace the red onion with chopped shallots for a milder onion flavor and a slightly different taste.

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