Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette
Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette is my favorite go to salad dressing for quick weeknight dinners. So refreshing and only takes 5 mins to make. Toss it with your favorite lettuce, protein, veggies and a little avocado, you have a dream of a salad.
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Simple Herbed Vinaigrette
I was sharing with a friend yesterday that now that I am not punching a clock you would think I would have spare time to say, ummm…maybe, have a life. Hahahaha… That has not happened quite yet and I can’t seem to wrap my head fully around why. I am just baffled sometimes with where my time goes.
Granted, everyone in our house has had there fair share of flu bugs this winter and energy levels have been low. Coupled with adjusting to schedules flip flopping around and honestly, I am still learning about this thing called blogging. Just learning about social media for blogging alone is a complete hog of my time. Don’t even get me started on how often I get to the computer screen to write my blog post and I go completely brain dead. I then turn into the adolescent version of myself waisting time doing the silliest things, hoping that inspiration will be sparked.
Needless to say, my day is gone in a heartbeat and dinner still needs to be made. That is where this Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette comes to the rescue. Not only is it super fast and easy to make, but if you are a lemon lover, then you will just adore this dressing.
Salad Makings to Pair with Simple Lemon Vinaigrette:
- Protein- Baked or grilled chicken breasts, fish of any kind, shrimp, bacon and even grilled beef tastes great with this dressing.
- Fat- Diced avocados, peppitas, walnuts, almonds and olives are all wonderful.
- Dairy- Crumbled Feta, goat or blue cheese add a wonderful salty and creaminess.
- Fruit- Crispy diced apple, sliced strawberries, and whole blackberries add a ton of fun.
- Veggies- This list can go on and on. Your favorite lettuce or combination of lettuces. My favorite are romaine, arugula and spinach. Sprouts add a wonderful level of nutrition. My all time favorite are sunflower sprouts. Tomatoes, cucumbers and onions add in the traditional element. Cut up red, orange and yellow bell peppers add a burst of colors and nutrition. And I can’t forget broccoli, cauliflower, jicama, grilled yellow squash or zucchini, celery, cabbage…. The list could go on and on.
So here is a secret about my husband and I. When we don’t know what to cook, we have had an extremely long day or if we haven’t been eating that great lately, a salad with this Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette is always our choice. I can not think of one single food item that we eat as much as this. The funny thing is, we never grow tired of it. I really think the simplicity of making it, how wonderful it tastes couple with the creativity of what you can add to the salad is what brings us back every-time.
If your at the end of your day, don’t know what’s for dinner and need a little extra boost of nutrition, give a salad with your favorite fixings and Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette a try. It will be like angels singing from heaven.
Variations of the Recipe
- Honey Dijon Twist- Add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy variation.
- Herb Infusion- Experiment with other herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil to create a custom herb-infused vinaigrette.
- Citrus Blend- Combine lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a citrusy medley.
Helpful Tips and Hints
- Emulsifying Technique- Whisking the lemon juice into the olive oil gradually helps create a stable emulsion, ensuring a well-blended vinaigrette.
- Garlic Intensity- Adjust the amount of garlic based on personal preference. Crushing or mincing it releases different levels of flavor.
- Seasoning to Taste- Pepper is optional and can be added to taste. Freshly ground pepper adds a delightful touch.
- Storage Container- Store the vinaigrette in a salad dressing container or a jar with a tight-sealing lid for convenient pouring and shaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried dill?
Absolutely! Fresh dill can be a fantastic alternative. Use about three times the amount of fresh dill compared to dried for a similar flavor.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the vinaigrette?
Yes, refrigeration is essential to maintain the freshness and flavor of the vinaigrette. It will keep well for up to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute the sea salt with table salt?
Yes, you can use table salt as a substitute for sea salt. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
How can I adjust the consistency of the vinaigrette?
If the vinaigrette seems too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to achieve the desired consistency. Whisk well to emulsify.
Can I use a different type of citrus juice?
Certainly! You can experiment with lime juice, orange juice, or a combination of citrus juices for a different flavor profile.
What type of olive oil works best?
I recommend using a high quality extra virgin olive oil for the freshest flavor. Avoid light or pure olive oils.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Yes, red wine vinegar would work well and provide a nice contrast in flavor. Use about 1/3 cup of the vinegar.
How do I store this and can I freeze it?
Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using, especially if it has been stored for an extended period.
Avoid Freezing- Due to the water content in lemon juice, freezing may alter the texture of the vinaigrette. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- juice of 2 lemons *just under 1/2 cup
- 3 lg garlic cloves *crushed or minced
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Measure oil into a medium size mixing bowl and whisk in lemon juice until emulsified. Add garlic, dill and salt. Whisk to fully incorporate. Store in salad dressing container or toss immediately into favorite salad fixings. If storing make sure to shake thoroughly before using.
- Will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for other savory inspirations:
If you love quick and healthy recipe than check these out:
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I am in love with this dressing. I never enjoyed homemade salads before but this vinaigrette has made all the difference. I am truly addicted!
Oh Ann that makes me so happy to hear that you love homemade salads now! Thank you for trying it and rating the recipe.