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Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

This vibrant Lemon Vinaigrette combines fresh lemon juice and zest with Dijon mustard, a touch of honey, grated garlic, and finely diced shallots. Emulsified with quality extra-virgin olive oil, it creates a balanced, bright, and versatile dressing perfect for elevating salads, grilled vegetables, or seafood.
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Servings: 4 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 543.1
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 tablespoons 30ml fresh lemon juice, plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest, from 1 medium lemon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 medium clove garlic grated (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot 3/4 ounce; 21g, from 1 medium shallot
  • 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt use half as much by volume
  • 1/4 cup 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

Equipment

  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Microplane or Fine Grater For lemon zest and garlic
  • 1 Chef's Knife For shallot
  • 1 Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Zest the lemon and extract the juice. Grate the garlic clove and finely chop the shallot, ensuring all ingredients are prepped.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, grated garlic, chopped shallot, and kosher salt.
  3. Whisk these initial ingredients together thoroughly until they are well incorporated.
  4. While continuously whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil in a steady stream.
  5. Continue whisking until the vinaigrette is fully emulsified, appearing slightly thickened and opaque.
  6. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, honey, or lemon juice to achieve your desired balance of sweet, savory, and tart.
  7. Serve immediately over your favorite greens, vegetables, or use as a light marinade for proteins.
  8. Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator and re-whisk or shake well before each subsequent use to re-emulsify.

Notes

For optimal emulsification, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. The quality of your extra-virgin olive oil will significantly impact the final flavor, so choose a good one. Grating garlic and finely dicing shallots ensures even flavor distribution without overwhelming the dressing. Always taste and adjust seasoning (salt, honey, lemon) before serving, as individual palates vary. If storing, give it a good shake or whisk before use, as some separation is natural.