Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is lemon vinaigrette made of? ›

Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe Ingredients

Fresh lemon juice – To make it zippy and bright! Extra-virgin olive oil – It gives the dressing body and richness. Garlic – It adds a nice kick. Dijon mustard – For tangy depth of flavor.

2 Ingredients: The basics

Traditional vinaigrette recipes call for a ratio of three parts oil to one part vinegar. However, some people—like me—prefer their dressings to pack more punch and choose a 2:1 oil-to-vinegar ratio.

For the best possible effect, the ingredients should always be freshly put together. First 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice is squeezed out and mixed with 1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil in a glass.

While lemon zest can up the lemony flavor of your vinaigrette, it will also leave it with a bitter flavor. It's best to stick with just lemon juice and skip the zest.

We recommend consuming dressings and sauces within 3-4 days to be safe. Food safety aside, we tend to prefer the taste of freshly made dressings, especially when using citrus, yogurt or garlic, and find that 3-4 days is the sweet spot.

In general, vinaigrette consists of 3 parts of oil to 1 part of vinegar whisked into an emulsion. Salt and pepper are often added. Herbs and shallots, too, are often added, especially when it is used for cooked vegetables or grains. Sometimes mustard is used as an emulsifier and to add flavour.

According to Reader's Digest, oil-based salad dressings, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing, tend to last longer than mayo-based dressings. In general, these dressings can last for up to a few weeks (via Know Your Pantry). However, once they've expired, they will give off a noticeable rancid smell.

Sweetness balances out acidity, spice, and bitterness. A salad composed of bitter greens may benefit from a sweeter dressing. But sweetness can come from sources other than one-note white sugar; consider honey, pureed dates, maple syrup, jam, or molasses as sweeteners that also add flavor and mouth-feel.

According to Hazan, "the acid of vinegar, like that of lemon, 'cooks' a salad, which explains why the oil is poured first, to protect the greens."

What does a teaspoon of olive oil before bed do? ›

Sipping olive oil before bedtime is a growing trend that goes beyond its culinary usage to provide several health advantages. Drinking olive oil before bedtime improves digestion, resulting in a smoother digestive process overnight. Its anti-inflammatory qualities may also aid with pain relief.

Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. To help prevent liver disease, enjoy four to six tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water each day.

Studies have concluded that incorporating olive oil into your diet can significantly reduce the fat deposit in your liver. A compound found in olive oil, hydroxytyrosol, has even been shown to reduce the adverse effects of fatty liver disease.

Put the mustard, vinegar and olive oil in a jar and season. Shake vigorously to mix. Store in a cool place (not the fridge) until ready to use. Use for all your salads or try one of our recipes, right.

"The higher fat, higher calorie creamy dressings such as Caesar, blue cheese or ranch pack about 110-120 calories and 12g fat per 2 tablespoons, which is almost double of some vinaigrettes," says Harris-Pincus.