The Best Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe yields 8 servings.
- cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- teaspoon kosher salt
- teaspoon ground black pepper
- cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare the vinaigrette:
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are within reach.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly add the olive oil to the vinegar mixture, whisking constantly to combine until smooth.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and whisk again to fully incorporate.
- Transfer the vinaigrette to a screw-top jar or bottle, seal tightly, and shake well before serving.
Cook's Note
If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, you can add a small amount of honey to balance the tanginess.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 128
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 214mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 4mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 18mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This tangy lemon vinaigrette is a delicious blend of olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, and garlic for a standout dressing on your favorite salad.
Origin and History
The history of vinaigrette dates back to ancient civilizations, with early versions believed to have been created by the Romans. The term "vinaigrette" itself is derived from the French word "vinaigre," which means vinegar. The lemon version, however, became more prominent in the Mediterranean region, where citrus fruits, especially lemons, thrive. This vinaigrette, which combines fresh lemon juice with olive oil and other flavorings, has roots in both French and Italian cuisine, where the bright acidity of lemon pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of olive oil.
Regional Variations
While this vinaigrette is popular in many regions, it holds a special place in Mediterranean and French cuisines. In Mediterranean regions, particularly Greece and southern Italy, olive oil and lemon are essential ingredients. Here, vinaigrettes often reflect the local culture, using fresh herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. In France, the classic "French vinaigrette" is slightly more vinegary but shares many of the same core ingredients, with lemon being a frequent addition to brighten the dressing. Additionally, Mediterranean versions might include the use of anchovies or capers for added depth of flavor.
Distinguishing Features
What sets lemon vinaigrette apart from similar dressings is its pronounced citrus tang. Many vinaigrettes rely on vinegar as their acidic base, but this version incorporates fresh lemon juice, which imparts a bright, fresh flavor thats less harsh than traditional vinegar-based dressings. Moreover, the addition of Dijon mustard provides a smooth, creamy texture, enhancing the emulsion without overwhelming the palate. The combination of garlic and oregano further elevates the flavor profile, creating a versatile dressing suitable for many dishes.
Where Its Typically Served
Lemon vinaigrette is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dressing for a wide variety of dishes. It is often poured over fresh salads, particularly those with leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or kale. It can also be drizzled over roasted vegetables, used as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a dip for bread. In Mediterranean restaurants, its commonly found accompanying salads such as Greek salad or simple mixed greens. The freshness and zesty flavor make it a perfect complement to light, summer dishes.
Fun Facts
- Lemon vinaigrette is often considered a healthier alternative to creamy dressings due to its use of olive oil and absence of dairy.
- The Dijon mustard in the dressing not only adds flavor but also helps emulsify the oil and vinegar, making the vinaigrette smooth and stable.
- Though its popular in French and Mediterranean cuisines, the idea of combining oil and acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) to make a dressing can be traced back to ancient Roman recipes.
- If you like your vinaigrette with a sweeter profile, you can easily balance the tartness of the lemon by adding a teaspoon of honey or sugar, a common modification in many home kitchens.
FAQ about The Best Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
Comments
Justin Turner
10/01/2024 11:23:40 PM
I decided to make a smaller portion of this recipe since I was running low on red wine vinegar, but I stuck to the instructions otherwise. Being a fan of lemon, I greatly enjoyed this dish! For those who find it too tart, adding a teaspoon of honey or sugar can balance it out. I believe this would work well as a spread for sandwiches or as a salad dressing. In my opinion, this recipe gets a big thumbs up from me! Thank you, lukeder101!
Emma Phillips
06/28/2023 02:46:37 PM
My garden-fresh herbs are starting to flourish, so I added 2 tablespoons of freshly picked oregano. Perhaps I was a bit generous with the Dijon mustard too. The outcome was fantastic!
Gary Scott
11/15/2022 04:13:00 AM
AMAZING! I reduced the amount of dijon to about 1.5 tbsp and used an immersion blender to blend everything together perfectly. Say goodbye to dull salads with just oil and vinegar!
Nancy Jackson
12/10/2024 11:24:56 PM
I tried this recipe and I absolutely adore it, especially since I used fresh Greek oregano, thyme, and basil from my garden.
Michelle Mitchell
07/20/2023 08:00:17 PM
This product is incredibly tasty! I used my Oster stick mixer to emulsify it, perfect for dressings. It stays fresh in the fridge for about a week. Even my 9-year-old enjoys dipping veggies in it, which was a pleasant surprise. Just be mindful of using a too large clove of garlic.
Mark Walker
12/13/2024 04:56:47 AM
Although I enjoy this recipe, I felt that it had a strong vinegar taste and the oregano clashed with the lemon flavor. For my second attempt, I reduced the vinegar by half, swapped oregano for basil, and used lemon pepper seasoning. I also upped the oil amount to 3/4 cup and adjusted the lemon juice to my liking. I was much more pleased with the outcome after these modifications.
Debra Torres
10/06/2022 02:34:09 AM
Here is the rewritten review: "This recipe served as a great base for the marinade we used on our chicken. Apart from adding just a splash of olive oil, we increased the other ingredients slightly to suit our preference for strong, bold flavors. We also boiled the remaining marinade on the stovetop and used it for basting while cooking. Thank you for sharing this recipe."
Karen Adams
04/06/2025 04:00:23 PM
This truly is excellent! Following the recipe as instructed, we found that reducing the amount of Dijon by half and doubling the lemon juice works even better. The dressing is vibrant, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. I'm now looking forward to marinating shrimp in it before grilling.
Amanda White
11/18/2023 08:05:20 PM
Added 1 teaspoon of sugar to counteract the tartness and also incorporated the zest of one lemon for an extra touch of freshness.
William Turner
04/21/2023 10:40:42 AM
This is tasty but tangy. I think I will enhance it by adding a teaspoon of sugar to the vinegar, dissolving it first, and then incorporating the other ingredients.
Amy Williams
12/29/2024 08:18:33 AM
Recently, I enjoyed a refreshing kale salad with cherry tomatoes and red onion, dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette while on vacation. I was determined to recreate this flavorful dish at home. After tossing the salad with the dressing, making sure every leaf was coated, I was pleasantly surprised by the tangy and delicious flavors. Although I initially thought the dressing required a lot of Dijon mustard, I only used a tablespoon and a half, resulting in a tart yet satisfying taste. I decided to skip adding any sugar to the recipe, and I will definitely be making this salad again.
Joseph Phillips
09/19/2024 07:50:10 PM
Recently went on a vacation and tried a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing on a simple kale salad featuring kale, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. I was so impressed that I wanted to recreate this salad at home. I decided to toss the salad with the dressing by hand, ensuring each leaf was coated but not overly soaked. The dressing was fantastic, with a tangy twist thanks to the generous amount of Dijon mustard I used (1 and a half tablespoons). Despite not adding any sugar, the flavors were perfectly balanced. I will definitely be making this salad again!
Ruth Davis
10/24/2022 03:47:27 AM
I didn't have kosher salt, so I used sea salt instead.
Brian Hill
05/06/2024 07:35:48 PM
I highly recommend it, the taste was tangy without being too acidic.
Kelly Harris
10/04/2022 05:23:12 PM
I used a smaller amount of extra virgin olive oil because of Weight Watchers. The dish was absolutely scrumptious!
Deborah Miller
05/13/2025 04:32:02 AM
Delicate flavors that enhance the natural taste of vegetables without overwhelming them.
Jacob Lee
08/15/2022 02:37:16 PM
I absolutely adore this recipe. The lemon juice was a bit too tangy for me, so I decided to mix in two tablespoons of honey, and it turned out amazing! This homemade dressing has converted me - I'll never purchase premade dressing again.
Christine Green
11/11/2023 03:13:21 PM
Excellent simple vinaigrette, perfect for a spinach salad.
Janet Turner
10/03/2022 06:14:33 AM
Super simple to prepare. I opted for using freshly picked oregano, minced garlic, and whole grain mustard to give it an extra special touch.
Helen Moore
07/23/2024 05:38:19 AM
I followed the recipe exactly, but decided to enhance it by adding 1 tablespoon of orange juice. The result was absolutely delicious.