Lemon Dijon Dressing – Peter’s Food Adventures

Making a homemade Lemon Dijon Dressing is so easy and delicious. Inspired from a Qantas Business Class flight where they served me this dressing drizzled over lettuce greens, and I was hooked. The secret for the great flavor is using the garlic press for the shallots. Perfect for any leafy salad, as a marinade or even to dip your crusty bread into!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple – only take minutes to make, all you need is a bowl, a whisk and a garlic press. No fancy equipment, perfect for beginners
• French Flavor – a sophisticated flavor, tracing roots back to vinaigrette traditions of France, perfecting oil and vinegar emulsions
• Versatile (more than just a dressing) – not only for salads, perfect as a marinade for chicken, tofu or fish, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or whisk with Greek Yogurt for a yummy lemony dip
• Budget Friendly – you already have these ingredients in your pantry (can substitute shallots), easy to double or triple recipe, far cheaper than store bought versions (tastier and healthier too)

Ingredients

• Lemon Juice – best flavor from 1 or 2 fresh Lemons
• Dijon Mustard
• Garlic Clove – small clove not to overpower flavor
• Shallot – looks like a small oval onion, mild in flavor
• Spices – Salt, Black Pepper and Sugar
• Light Olive Oil – or a neutral oil like Grapeseed, Avocado or Sunflower Oil

How to Make Lemon Dijon Dressing

1. Prepare the Base – in a small bowl, add Lemon Juice, Dijon, Sugar, Salt and Black Pepper.
2. Mince the Aromatics – peel one small Shallot and finely mince (should have about 1 teaspoon minced) and mince 1 garlic clove. Add both to the bowl/jar of Lemon Juice mixture.
3. Dissolve Seasonings – whisk (or shake if using a jar) for about 20 seconds until sugar and salt is dissolved.
4. Emulsify with Oil – slowly stream Olive Oil while whisking constantly to create emulsion. Alternatively place all the oil at once in a jar and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Dressing should be creamy and pale yellow.
5. Taste and Adjust – flavor should be bright, tangy with a dijon flavor.
   Add more lemon juice for extra brightness, a pinch more sugar to mellow acidity, or a splash more oil if it’s too sharp. Whisk or shake again to incorporate.

Ideas to Make It More Interesting

• Herb Infused – add one teaspoon of freshly chopped Tarragon, Basil or Parsley for a fresh herby flavor
• Honey Dijon Lemon Dressing – substitute Sugar with one teaspoon of Honey. This adds a floral flavor of sweetness and naturally thickens the dressing
• Spicy – add ½ teaspoon of Red Chili Flakes, or finely chop ½ teaspoon of fresh Red Chili Peppers (bonus heat points if you leave the seeds in)
• Citrus Twist – substitute one teaspoon of Lemon Juice with Orange or Lime Juice for a tropical flavor

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Room Temperature Ingredients – this allows for better emulsion when whisking
• Mustard Swap – if you don’t have Dijon, you can use Yellow Mustard but it’s milder (use 1½ teaspoons to compensate). Whole Grain Mustard can be used but might impact the emulsifying
• Double or Triple – the more the merrier, not only as a dressing but use as a marinade or drizzle for a large salad
• Fresh Dijon – best to use Dijon Mustard that isn’t old or drying out, this impacts emulsion.
• Creamier Dressing – to make it super creamy, use a Stick Blender or Immersion Blender to quickly blitz

Can I Use Onion Instead of Shallots?

Yes. However, Shallots are milder than Onions. Recommend to use Sweet Onion or White Onion, or Yellow Onion. This provides a natural zing to the dressing, be careful not to overpower. Can substitute with ¼ teaspoon of Onion Powder, but minced Onion really makes this dressing pop!

Best Oil for Salad Dressings?

Best to use mild oils, like a Light Olive Oil or neutral oils like Canola or Sunflower are commonly used. Grapeseed, Rice Bran or Avocado Oils are also used. For a nutty flavor, use Walnut Oil or a Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil.

Can I Use Reconstituted Lemon Juice Instead of Lemons?

In a pinch…. yes. However it won’t have the same taste and flavor as fresh squeezed lemons. If using bottled Lemon Juice, find a high quality 100% Lemon Juice, that isn’t from concentrate (not Realemon), without preservatives or additives like Lemon Oil. Think Trader Joe’s or Costco Sicilian Lemon Juice for best result.

Can I Make Ahead of Time?

Yes, actually preferred. Make ahead the day before as flavors improve overnight.

How Long Does Lemon Dijon Dressing Last?

Enjoy within 7 to 10 days. Best stored in glass -shake before use as separation is normal. Keep refrigerated, but bring to room temperature before serving.

Salad Dressings You’ll Love

Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette or Lemon Dijon Dressing is a classic from humble beginnings, direct to your kitchen. A versatile dressing that you’ll add to your recipe repertoire, making again and again. Transform boring salads into brilliant. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

Lemon Dijon Dressing

This bright and tangy lemon Dijon vinaigrette, comes together in minutes with fresh lemon juice, smooth Dijon mustard, and extra-virgin olive oil for a creamy emulsion that’s perfect for crisp greens or as a versatile marinade. Its zesty citrus kick balanced by subtle garlic, shallot, and a hint of sweetness makes it a simple yet gourmet upgrade to everyday salads, with easy variations for creamy dips or herb-infused twists.