Lemon Dijon Dressing

I stood in my kitchen staring at a sad bowl of mixed greens, realizing that store-bought dressings had been letting me down for years. That afternoon, I decided to throw together whatever I had in the refrigerator. The moment I tasted that bright, creamy mixture hitting crisp lettuce, something clicked. Salad went from obligation to actually crave-worthy.

Last summer, I made a triple batch for a backyard barbecue, and my sister kept sneaking back to the kitchen to dip vegetables straight into the mixing bowl. Now she texts me weekly asking if Ive made any lately. Its become the house dressing that actually makes people excited about eating their vegetables.

Ingredients

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice simply cannot match the bright, fresh acidity that real lemons bring to this dressing
• Dijon mustard: This is the secret emulsifier that brings everything together and adds that distinctive sharp kick
• Honey or pure maple syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance all that tang and bring harmony to the flavors
• Fresh garlic: Grating it creates a paste that distributes evenly throughout the dressing without any harsh chunks
• Fine sea salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors and making the citrus pop
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff here since it makes up the bulk of the dressing and carries all those bright flavors

Instructions

Mix your base flavors:

In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined and the honey has dissolved

Create the emulsion:

Slowly drizzle the olive oil while whisking constantly, or simply add everything to a jar and shake vigorously until creamy and well combined

Taste and adjust:

Taste your dressing and tweak the balance with more honey for sweetness, extra lemon for brightness, or additional salt to bring everything together

Store for later:

Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week, bringing it to room temperature and shaking well before each use

Save

My friend Sarah started drizzling this over roasted vegetables instead of just salads, and now her kids actually ask for broccoli. Thats the kind of kitchen win that makes a simple recipe feel like magic.

Make It Your Own

I love adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil when summer gardens are overflowing. A tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs transforms this into something entirely new and even more vibrant.

Beyond The Salad Bowl

This dressing doubles as an incredible marinade for grilled chicken or salmon. The acidity tenderizes while the oil keeps everything moist, and that Dijon kick creates beautiful caramelization on the grill.

Storage And Batch Cooking

I always keep a jar in my refrigerator for quick weeknight meals. Having this ready to go makes throwing together grain bowls or simple roasted vegetables feel like a deliberate, thoughtful meal instead of a last minute scramble.

• Double the recipe and keep a jar at work for instant lunch upgrades
• Try swapping olive oil for avocado oil if you want a more neutral flavor profile
• The acid in the dressing actually helps keep cut vegetables crisp for meal prep

Save

Once you start making your own dressings, you will wonder why you ever settled for store bought versions. This little jar of brightness might just change how you feel about eating vegetables forever.

Recipe FAQs

→ How should I store this dressing?

Keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar or container for up to one week. Shake well before each use to re-emulsify.

→ Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup works well as a vegan alternative, providing balanced sweetness without changing the flavor profile significantly.

→ Will blending the ingredients change the texture?

Blending creates a smoother, creamier dressing, ideal if you prefer an even consistency without visible garlic or mustard bits.

→ What dishes pair well with this dressing?

It complements leafy salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and also works as a marinade for chicken or fish, enhancing brightness and depth.

→ Can fresh herbs be added to enhance flavor?

Yes, finely chopped parsley, dill, or other fresh herbs add extra aroma and complexity without overpowering the dressing’s bright lemon notes.