Bright and fresh Lemon Tarragon Salad Dressing made in minutes with just a few simple pantry ingredients! Perfect for salads, roasted vegetables, marinades, and more.
There’s no need to buy bottled dressings when a bright, homemade vinaigrette comes together in minutes. This Lemon Tarragon Salad Dressing combines fresh tarragon, zesty lemon, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for balance. It’s light, versatile, and works wonderfully on mixed greens, grain bowls, grilled vegetables, and as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp. Ready in about five minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Dressing
- Bright, fresh flavor with vibrant lemon and aromatic tarragon.
- Quick and simple—made in about 5 minutes using pantry staples.
- Tarragon brings a distinctive, slightly anise-like note that elevates simple salads.
- Extremely versatile: use it as a dressing, drizzle, or marinade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a few basic ingredients. Measure and adjust to taste.
- 1/2 cup olive oil — choose a good quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil if possible for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar — adds tang; apple cider or champagne vinegar can be used instead.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice — freshly squeezed for brightness; optional lemon zest for extra citrus aroma.
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard — adds a mild heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 tsp honey — balances the acidity; substitute maple syrup for a vegan version.
- 1 Tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped — fresh is preferred; if using dried tarragon, use about 2 tsp.
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper — to taste.
How to Make Lemon Tarragon Dressing
Homemade vinaigrettes are effortless. Whisk or blend the ingredients and you’re done:
- Combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, jar, or small blender.
- Whisk until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened. If using a blender, stir in the chopped fresh tarragon after blending so the herb retains texture and visual appeal.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon for brightness or a touch more honey if you prefer a sweeter balance.
- Store the dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use, as separation may occur.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Servings: 8 (about 2 Tbsp per serving)
Instructions (Quick)
- In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped fresh tarragon. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to five days. For the best texture and flavor, allow the dressing to come to room temperature and shake or whisk before serving. If you plan to make the dressing several days ahead, add the fresh tarragon just before serving to preserve its bright flavor and color.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegan: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Herb swaps: If you don’t have tarragon, try fresh dill or basil for a different but complementary flavor profile.
- Mustard options: Whole-grain mustard adds texture and a nuttier taste.
- Oil alternatives: Avocado oil can replace olive oil for a milder flavor.
Ways to Use This Dressing
- Toss with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for a bright salad.
- Drizzle over sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or roasted vegetables.
- Use as a quick marinade for chicken, shrimp, or white fish before grilling or roasting.
- Mix into grain bowls, quinoa salads, or pasta salads for a fresh finish.
- Toss with canned chickpeas for a simple, flavorful snack or salad base.
Other Dressings You Might Enjoy
- Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing
- Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Champagne Vinaigrette
- Honey Poppy Seed Dressing
- Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette
- Sweet Basil Vinaigrette
Nutrition (Approximate per 2 Tbsp)
Serving: 2 Tbsp | Calories: 125 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.9 g | Fat: 13.5 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 100.1 mg | Sugar: 0.8 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a general guide.
Hope you enjoy this Lemon Tarragon Salad Dressing. If you try it, consider rating the recipe or sharing a photo of your version—it’s always fun to see how readers use this simple, flavorful dressing.