Homemade Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing Recipe

Bright, refreshing Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing that comes together in minutes from simple pantry ingredients. Ideal for salads, roasted or raw vegetables, and as a quick marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp.

I keep a jar of this dressing in the fridge at all times. The combination of bright lemon, tangy Dijon, a touch of honey, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a balanced vinaigrette that lifts simple greens and roasted vegetables alike. It’s versatile enough to use as a salad dressing, a quick marinade, or a finishing drizzle for grain bowls. Homemade dressings are convenient, cost-effective, and far fresher than most store-bought options — and this one is truly effortless to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple lemon vinaigrette requires only a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what goes into it:

• Lemons – Fresh lemon juice gives the dressing its bright, citrusy backbone. For extra brightness, grate in a teaspoon of lemon zest if desired.
• Olive oil – A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds body and flavor. It doesn’t need to be expensive; choose one you enjoy the taste of.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives a savory bite. If you prefer, use a small pinch of garlic powder or dried minced garlic in a pinch.
• Dijon mustard – Adds tang and helps emulsify the dressing so it stays combined longer.
• Honey – Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness. To make the dressing vegan, swap in maple syrup.
• Shallot – Finely minced shallot brings a mild, sweet onion flavor that blends well into the vinaigrette.
• Fresh herbs – Finely chopped thyme and rosemary are used here, but parsley, basil, or oregano would also work. Dried herbs may be substituted, though fresh is preferable.
• Salt and black pepper – To taste, to round and enhance the other flavors.

How to Make Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing

Making this dressing takes about five minutes. Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced shallot, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl and whisk until smooth. For a quicker, extra-creamy texture, blend the ingredients in a small blender or immersion blender, then stir in any delicate herbs to keep their fresh color and texture.

If you prefer a shaken dressing, add all ingredients to a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds. Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator; it will keep well for up to 5 days. Before serving, gently shake or whisk to recombine any separation that naturally occurs.

Ways to Use Lemon Dijon Dressing

• As a dressing for mixed green salads, grain bowls, or wraps
• Drizzled over sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado
• Tossed with warm or cold pasta salads
• As a quick marinade for chicken breasts, shrimp, or white fish
• Stirred into cooked quinoa, farro, or other grain bowls for brightness
• Tossed with roasted or canned chickpeas for a tangy snack

Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing — Recipe

Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing

Bright and fresh Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing made in minutes with a few simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for salads, vegetables, and marinades.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp shallot, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and shallot in a medium bowl or mason jar.
2. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and slightly emulsified. Alternatively, blend briefly in a small blender or use an immersion blender for a creamier texture. If using a blender, add the fresh herbs after blending so they retain their bright color.
3. Stir in the chopped thyme and rosemary, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk again before using if separation occurs.

Notes & Tips

• For more pronounced lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs and let the dressing sit for a few hours to meld.
• Swap olive oil for avocado oil if you prefer a milder oil flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
• This dressing is great both chilled and at room temperature; when used as a marinade, allow the protein to sit for 15–30 minutes before cooking for best flavor (avoid long marinating times with citrus to prevent texture changes in delicate fish).

Nutrition (per 2 Tbsp)

Serving: 2 Tbsp | Calories: 94 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.8 g | Protein: 0.1 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 1.3 g | Sodium: 53.7 mg | Sugar: 3 g

Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide.

More Favorite Dressings

• Greek Salad Dressing
• Healthy Caesar Dressing
• Easy Italian Dressing
• Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing
• Lemon Tarragon Salad Dressing
• Maple Balsamic Herb Dressing

Hope you enjoy this Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing — it’s one of my go-to staples. If you try it, please leave a rating or comment to share how you used it!