Lemon Dijon Dressing

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

• French Dressing - American version
• Asian Sesame Dressing
• Blue Cheese Dressing - Gorgonzola
• Homemade Zesty Italian
• Creamy Coleslaw Dressing
• Creamy Sweet Chili Dressing
• Maroulosalata - with easy Lemon Dressing

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!

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