Zesty Lemon Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads and favorite dishes with this vibrant Zesty Lemon Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette. Unlike typical low-fat dressings that often lack character, this dressing is both flavorful and refreshing, making it the perfect companion for any salad. Its bright citrus notes combined with the robust flavor of Dijon mustard and the savory punch of garlic will awaken your taste buds. Quick and easy to prepare, this vinaigrette is an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter dressing without sacrificing taste. Add this delightful dressing to your collection and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
3 tablespoons (or vegetable broth)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
Splenda sugar substitute
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized jar, combine all ingredients: water (or broth), lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and Splenda (if using).
2
Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
3
Shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or Splenda if desired.
5
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
6
Shake again before serving as ingredients may settle.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant, flavorful salad dressing made with lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, designed to be a lighter alternative to traditional high-fat dressings.
What are the main ingredients for this vinaigrette?
The main ingredients include water or vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and Splenda.
How do I prepare the Zesty Lemon Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette?
Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until emulsified. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Is this vinaigrette low in fat?
Yes, it is considered a low-fat dressing option as it uses a combination of water or broth alongside a limited amount of olive oil.
Can I substitute the water in this recipe?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of water to add more depth of flavor to the dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What type of lemon juice should I use?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best, most vibrant flavor.
Why is Dijon mustard used in this dressing?
Dijon mustard adds a robust flavor and acts as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar stay blended.
Can I make this vinaigrette without Splenda?
Yes, the Splenda is optional and used to taste. You can omit it or substitute it with your preferred sweetener if desired.
How long should I refrigerate the dressing before serving?
It is best to refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Do I need to shake the jar before every use?
Yes, you should shake the jar vigorously before serving as the ingredients may settle or separate over time.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
While red wine vinegar provides a specific tang, you could substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
Is this dressing keto-friendly?
Yes, because it uses a sugar substitute (Splenda) and healthy fats like olive oil, it is suitable for a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle.
How much garlic is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, providing a savory punch.
Can I use this vinaigrette for things other than salad?
Absolutely! It works well as a marinade for vegetables or lean proteins, or as a light sauce for quinoa dishes.
Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami depth, but you can omit it if you have dietary restrictions or don't have it on hand.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Salad Dressings.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
Freshly minced garlic is preferred for the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder if necessary, adjusting the amount to taste.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Most ingredients are gluten-free, but check your Worcestershire sauce label, as some brands contain barley malt vinegar which has gluten.
How should I store the vinaigrette?
Store the vinaigrette in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Can I use a blender to mix the ingredients?
Yes, if you prefer a very smooth texture, you can pulse the ingredients in a blender instead of shaking them in a jar.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the dressing after shaking and add more salt, pepper, or Splenda until it reaches your desired flavor profile.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vinaigrette, salad dressing, low fat, healthy dressing, lemon, garlic, dijon mustard, easy recipes, and homemade dressing.
Does this dressing contain sugar?
No, it uses Splenda sugar substitute to provide sweetness without adding traditional sugar.
What is the flavor profile of this dressing?
It features bright citrus notes, robust mustard flavor, and a savory garlic punch.
Can I use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its high quality and rich flavor in dressings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, ensure you use vegetable broth and a vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce (as traditional versions contain anchovies).
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the jar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients total, including optional items like Splenda.
Can I add fresh herbs to this recipe?
Yes, adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano would be a delicious way to customize this vinaigrette.