Zesty Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads with this delightful Zesty Honey Lemon Vinaigrette. This dressing harmoniously combines the bright, tangy flavors of fresh lemon juice with the smooth richness of olive oil, while a touch of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness. Enhanced by the aromatic notes of garlic powder and green onions, this vinaigrette is perfect for drizzling over leafy greens, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or tofu. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this dressing is a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1/2 cup (extra virgin preferred)
honey
1 tablespoon (raw or organic)
cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon (unfiltered)
salt
1 teaspoon (fine sea salt)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
garlic powder
1 pinch (none)
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
sherry wine
1 dash (none)
Instructions
1
In a small jar, combine the fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is well blended.
2
In a separate small bowl, mix the honey and cider vinegar. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved, creating a smooth mixture.
3
Pour the honey-vinegar mixture into the jar with the lemon juice and olive oil. Add the remaining ingredients: salt, white pepper, garlic powder, chopped green onion, and a dash of sherry wine.
4
Seal the jar again and shake well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Alternatively, whisk in a bowl until smooth.
5
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before using.
6
Before serving, give the jar a good shake to recombine the ingredients, then drizzle over your favorite salads or vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Honey Lemon Vinaigrette?
It is a bright and tangy salad dressing that combines fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and honey with aromatic garlic and green onions.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total: lemon juice, olive oil, honey, cider vinegar, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, green onion, and sherry wine.
Is this honey lemon vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Is this recipe vegan?
No, it contains honey. To make it vegan, you could substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
How much lemon juice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of olive oil is best for this vinaigrette?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its smooth richness and flavor.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
The first step is to combine the fresh lemon juice and olive oil in a small jar and shake vigorously.
How do I incorporate the honey?
Mix the honey and cider vinegar in a separate small bowl until the honey is fully dissolved before adding it to the oil and juice.
Can I use a bowl instead of a jar?
Yes, you can whisk the ingredients in a bowl until smooth instead of shaking them in a jar.
How long should the dressing sit before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What should I do if the ingredients separate?
Simply give the jar a good shake before serving to recombine the oil and lemon juice.
Can this vinaigrette be used as a marinade?
Yes, it makes an excellent marinade for chicken or tofu.
What type of pepper is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of ground white pepper.
Is there any alcohol in this recipe?
It contains a dash of sherry wine for added flavor depth.
What kind of honey is recommended?
Raw or organic honey is suggested for the best flavor.
How much cider vinegar is required?
Only a small amount is needed, specifically 1/4 teaspoon of unfiltered cider vinegar.
Can I substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder?
Yes, though garlic powder provides a more uniform distribution of flavor without the bite of raw garlic.
What part of the green onion should I use?
You should use 1/4 cup of chopped green onion, which typically includes both white and green parts.
Is this dressing healthy?
Yes, it uses fresh ingredients and healthy fats like olive oil without artificial preservatives.
What kind of salads go well with this dressing?
It is perfect for leafy greens, grilled vegetable salads, or even grain-based salads.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled works, freshly squeezed juice provides the best zesty flavor intended for this recipe.
What is the purpose of the cider vinegar?
It adds a different layer of acidity that complements the lemon juice and helps dissolve the honey.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double all ingredient amounts if you are serving a larger group.
Does the dressing need to be refrigerated?
Yes, due to the fresh lemon juice and onions, it should be kept in the refrigerator.
How long does this homemade dressing stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days.
What if I don't have sherry wine?
You can omit it or substitute it with a tiny splash of white wine vinegar or apple juice.
Is the dressing spicy?
No, it is not spicy, though the white pepper and garlic provide a mild aromatic warmth.
Can I use this on hot vegetables?
Yes, it is delicious drizzled over warm grilled or roasted vegetables.
Why is the dressing shaken vigorously?
Shaking helps emulsify the oil and lemon juice so they don't separate immediately.