Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe Easy 3 Ingredient Dressing for Healthy Salads
A quick and easy fresh lemon vinaigrette made with just three simple ingredients: fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. This bright, tangy dressing is perfect for healthy salads and versatile enough to pair with many dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 45 ml)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (about 80 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt), or to taste
Instructions
- Roll the lemons firmly on the counter to loosen the juice. Cut them in half and squeeze out about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Strain if desired to avoid pulp.
- Pour 1/3 cup (80 ml) of extra virgin olive oil into a small mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Adjust after tasting if needed.
- Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt briskly using a whisk or fork until a smooth, slightly thickened emulsion forms, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture separates, keep whisking until combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: add more salt or olive oil if too tart, or a splash of water or extra lemon juice if too thick.
- Serve immediately over salad or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake or whisk before using.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil with mild, buttery notes. Whisk vigorously to create a smooth emulsion. If stored in the fridge, bring to room temperature and whisk again before serving. Optional additions include fresh herbs, garlic, honey, or mustard for flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 ml
- Calories: 120
- Sodium: 290
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 1
Keywords: lemon vinaigrette, salad dressing, healthy dressing, easy vinaigrette, lemon dressing, olive oil dressing, vegan dressing, gluten-free dressing