Tired of the same old salad dressings? Craving a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious addition to your meals? Then look no further! This lemon herb dressing recipe is your answer. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect for everything from salads to grilled chicken and fish. Get ready to elevate your everyday meals with this simple yet stunning homemade dressing. It’s a delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, a true quick dinner idea for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill, or a combination) – Experiment with your favorites!
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until well combined. If using, add the honey or maple syrup at this stage.
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Season: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want more lemon juice for extra zing, or a touch more honey for sweetness.
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Emulsify (Optional): For a creamier dressing, you can use an immersion blender to briefly emulsify the mixture. This isn't strictly necessary, but it does create a slightly smoother texture.
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Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips for the Best Lemon Herb Dressing:
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Fresh Herbs are Key: Using fresh herbs makes all the difference in this recipe. The bright, vibrant flavor of fresh herbs far surpasses dried herbs.
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Lemon Juice Quality Matters: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor and acidity. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
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Adjust to Your Taste: Don't be afraid to experiment with the herbs and seasonings. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or swap the honey for a balsamic glaze for a different flavor profile.
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Storage: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
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Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing: Add 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
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Garlic Lemon Herb Dressing: Increase the amount of garlic to 2 cloves for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
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Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: Reduce the amount of olive oil to 2 tablespoons for a lighter, more vinaigrette-style dressing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 1g
This homemade lemon herb dressing is a fantastic addition to any healthy meal plan. Its fresh, vibrant flavors make it a perfect complement to salads, grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, and even as a marinade for fish. Enjoy this quick and easy recipe – it's a true testament to the deliciousness of simple, homemade cooking. It's one of the best recipes you can make for a simple yet flavorful dish.