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A Simple Vinaigrette Recipe
A simple vinaigrette, like this lemon mustard vinaigrette, is a great recipe to have in your back pocket. Being able to easily and quickly make a fresh salad dressing will completely change how you approach your meals. And this classic take on a vinaigrette will pair with just about any salad you whip together.
The Supplies
Ingredients
To make this lemon mustard vinaigrette recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Minced garlic
- Minced shallot
- Grainy dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the exact ingredient amounts, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Equipment
In order to make this simple vinaigrette, you’ll need the following pieces of equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk
- Microplane
- Cutting board and knife
Frequent Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! Prepare the lemon mustard vinaigrette and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the dressing for up to 3 days. Before serving, give the vinaigrette a quick shake in the container or give it a whisk to remix the ingredients together.
What should I serve with this vinaigrette?
- A: This dressing is so versatile it can go with so many different salads or dishes! It can be used an a simple mixed greens salad on its own! Mix it with greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers for a fresh summer salad. Or add chicken, avocado, shredded cheese, and a slice of crusty bread for a delicious lunch.
Vinaigrette Recipe Tips
When making this vinaigrette recipe, here are a few tips to make sure it turns out perfectly!
- If the bowl your mixing the dressing in keeps sliding while you’re whisking and pouring in the olive oil, place a slightly damp towel underneath it. It will keep the bowl from slipping away.
- A key to making sure the dressing mixes evenly is to pour the olive oil slowly. If you add too much at once it will have a hard time emulsifying. I love to use a container with a spout or using Graza, which has an easy pour spot top as a lid (and you can use code LAURALOVETOCOOK to get $5 off your first order).
Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe Details
To make this vinaigrette recipe, add minced garlic, minced shallot, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small mixing bowl. Use a small whisk to mix the ingredients together. Alternatively you can make this dressing in the salad bowl you plan on mixing the salad in. Once the dressing is prepared, you can add the salad ingredients into the bowl and toss everything together.
After the lemon mustard vinaigrette base has been mixed, you’ll begin slowly adding the olive oil. While whisking the dressing with one hand, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl with the other hand. Pause pouring the olive oil in from time to time to whisk the ingredients together, emulsifying the ingredients together. By using this method, you’re able to use the proteins in the mustard to create a unified vinaigrette. Otherwise, the oil will sit on top of the rest of the vinaigrette ingredients and not mix in.
If you’ve mixed the dressing in the bowl, add the greens and toss to coat. Otherwise, transfer the vinaigrette into a small pitcher or serving bowl and enjoy. Pair a simple salad of greens with this lemon mustard vinaigrette alongside a sheet pan chicken dinner for a perfect dinner.
If you make this lemon mustard vinaigrette, be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating – I can’t wait to hear how it goes. As always, tag me on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook in your photos. It makes me feel like we’re getting to cook together!
Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette
Description
A lemon mustard vinaigrette that’s easy to make but impactful on flavor. It’s a light dressing perfect for a simple salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small mixing bowl, or in the base of a salad bowl, add the minced garlic, minced shallot, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use a small whisk to mix the ingredients together.
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While whisking, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl. Continue to whisk until the vinaigrette has emulsified into a unified dressing.
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If you’ve mixed the dressing in the bowl, add the greens and toss to coat. Otherwise, transfer the vinaigrette into a small pitcher or serving bowl and enjoy.
