Description
Zesty lemon vinaigrette dances with bright citrus notes, elevating salads from ordinary to extraordinary. Whisked together in minutes, this simple dressing brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate with pure, tangy elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh lemon juice
- 120 ml (½ cup) olive oil
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Extract fresh lemon juice by rolling the citrus on a countertop to release its natural oils, then squeeze until you obtain a vibrant, zesty liquid.
- Select a small mixing vessel and introduce the lemon juice, creating a tangy foundation for the vinaigrette.
- Incorporate Dijon mustard to provide depth and emulsifying properties, whisking smoothly to integrate the ingredients and prevent separation.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic essence directly into the liquid mixture.
- Season the developing vinaigrette with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Gradually stream extra virgin olive oil into the mixture, using a continuous whisking motion to create a silky, cohesive emulsion that binds all components together.
- Evaluate the vinaigrette’s balance by tasting carefully, adjusting with optional honey or maple syrup to introduce a subtle sweetness that complements the acidic lemon.
- Fine-tune the seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper to achieve a harmonious flavor that suits your palate.
- Transfer the vibrant lemon vinaigrette to a serving container, ready to elevate crisp salad greens, roasted vegetables, or hearty grain-based dishes with its bright, zesty character.
Notes
- Maximize lemon flavor by zesting the lemon before juicing to add an extra citrusy punch to the vinaigrette.
- Create a smoother emulsion by whisking vigorously or using a blender to prevent oil separation and achieve a creamy texture.
- Customize the dressing by experimenting with different herbs like fresh thyme, basil, or parsley to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, giving it a quick shake before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg