Zesty Lemon Herb Salad Dressing

This homemade Lemon Herb Dressing combines fresh lemon juice, a mix of fresh herbs, and extra-virgin olive oil for a bright and tangy flavor that livens up any salad or roasted vegetable dish. It’s quick to make, with simple ingredients, and adds a fresh, herbaceous twist to your salad recipes. This is a healthy, homemade dressing that’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious and fresh without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredient Notes

Fresh Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice (40 ml or about 3 tablespoons) is the best choice for a bright, citrusy flavor that really makes this dressing shine. You’ll need about the juice of one lemon, and adding the zest of that lemon is an optional but amazing flavor boost. But if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works as well. Keeping bottled lemon juice in your fridge is a helpful kitchen hack that lets you enjoy a splash of fresh lemon flavor anytime, especially when fresh lemons aren’t on hand.

Fresh Herbs

This dressing calls for a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and oregano. You’ll need ¼ cup (60 ml) total of chopped fresh herbs, which adds layers of flavor to the dressing. Don’t have fresh parsley or rosemary? Feel free to experiment with different herbs—basil, thyme, or even a bit of cilantro are great substitutions.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil (⅓ cup or 80 ml) not only adds richness but also gives the dressing a smooth, silky texture that complements the acidity of the lemon. If possible, choose a good-quality olive oil, as its flavor shines through here.

Dijon Mustard and Honey

Dijon mustard (1 ½ teaspoons or 7.5 ml) helps the dressing emulsify and brings a tangy, slightly sharp note. The honey (1 ½ teaspoons or 7.5 ml) balances out the acidity, adding a hint of natural sweetness.

Salt and Black Pepper

Salt (½ teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper bring everything together. Adjust to taste!

Instructions

For the best flavor and consistency, combine all ingredients in a blender, mini food processor, or use an immersion blender. Add 40 ml (3 tablespoons) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, rosemary, and oregano), 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons honey, and ½ teaspoon salt. Slowly add ⅓ cup (80 ml) of extra-virgin olive oil and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

This blending step really helps to fully incorporate the herbs, creating a smoother texture and maximizing flavor. If you don’t have a blender, take a little extra time to finely chop the herbs by hand before mixing. This will help release their flavors and improve the texture of the dressing.

Let the dressing sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, and don’t forget to give it a good shake or stir before serving.

How to Serve

This Lemon Herb Dressing adds fresh, tangy flavor to so many dishes. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Drizzled over leafy greens for a light and flavorful salad.
• Tossed with pasta salad for a bright, refreshing twist.
• Mixed into grain bowls like quinoa, farro, or couscous for added zest.
• On roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini.
• As a marinade for grilled chicken breasts or tofu for extra flavor.

Tips, Tricks, and Alterations

• Keep it easy: Keep jarred lemon juice and minced garlic in your pantry. This simple hack saves time and lets you whip up this dressing anytime, no fresh lemons required.
• Experiment with different herb combinations: Try basil, thyme, or cilantro in place of the parsley, rosemary, and oregano. Each herb combination gives a unique flavor profile, so this is a great way to use up fresh herbs in your refrigerator.
• Lime juice as an alternative: Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice for a Midwestern twist with a hint of tropical flavor.

Storage tips: Store this dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It may separate over time, so just give it a quick shake before serving.

Recipe

Lemon Herb Dressing

This fresh Lemon Herb Dressing adds a burst of citrusy flavor and the richness of extra-virgin olive oil. Perfect for salads, roasted veggies, or even as a marinade!

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Ingredients

  

• 40 ml 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon optional
• ¼ cup 60 ml finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, oregano)
• 1 ½ teaspoons 7.5 ml Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ teaspoons 7.5 ml honey
• ½ teaspoon 2.5 g salt
• ⅓ cup 80 ml extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a blender, mini food processor, or using an immersion blender, combine 40 ml (3 tablespoons) lemon juice, lemon zest if using, ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (try parsley, rosemary, oregano), 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons honey, and ½ teaspoon salt.
• Slowly add ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil and blend until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
• Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using.