Bright, fresh Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing ready in minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for salads, roasted or raw vegetables, marinades for chicken, fish, or shrimp, and more.
I love keeping a jar of homemade dressing in the fridge at all times — this Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing is one of my favorites. It combines bright lemon juice, tangy Dijon mustard, a touch of honey, garlic and fresh herbs to create a versatile vinaigrette. It’s easy to make, healthier than many store-bought options, and can be tailored to your taste. Use it as a classic salad dressing, drizzle it over roasted or raw vegetables, toss it with grains or beans, or use it as a quick marinade for proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple lemon vinaigrette uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. The amounts below make about 12 servings (2 Tbsp per serving).
- 1/4 cup lemon juice – about 2 lemons; add a little lemon zest if you want more citrus aroma.
- 1/2 cup olive oil – extra virgin for best flavor, but use what you prefer.
- 2 Tbsp honey – balances the acidity; substitute maple syrup to make the dressing vegan.
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard – adds brightness and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – or 1/4 tsp garlic powder if needed.
- 2 Tbsp shallot, minced – optional but adds a mild, sweet onion flavor.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped – fresh herbs are preferred.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped – adjust to taste or substitute parsley, basil, or tarragon.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste.
How to Make Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing
Homemade vinaigrettes are quick and forgiving. Follow these easy steps:
- In a medium bowl or a mason jar, combine the lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic and minced shallot.
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and slightly emulsified, or add the oil and blend briefly for a creamier texture.
- Stir in the chopped thyme and rosemary, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and chill. Shake or whisk again before using if the oil separates.
Prep time: about 5 minutes. Total time: about 5 minutes. Makes roughly 12 servings (2 Tbsp each).
Ways to Use Lemon Dijon Dressing
- Toss with mixed greens, baby spinach or a crunchy chopped salad.
- Drizzle over sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or grilled vegetables.
- Use as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, salmon or firm white fish before grilling or roasting.
- Toss with warm or cold pasta for a light pasta salad.
- Mix into grain bowls with quinoa, farro or rice for added brightness and flavor.
- Toss with chickpeas or white beans to make a quick, flavorful bean salad.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Make this dressing your own with small tweaks:
- Vegan option: swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
- Less oil: reduce the olive oil and add a splash of water to thin the dressing if you prefer fewer calories.
- Creamy version: stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a small amount of mayonnaise for a creamy texture.
- Stronger herb flavor: use more fresh herbs or replace rosemary with basil or tarragon for a different herb profile.
- Spice it up: add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Storage tip: leave the fresh herbs and shallots slightly larger if you’d like more texture, or strain them out for a smooth vinaigrette.
- Acidity adjustment: if the dressing tastes too tart, add a little more honey; if too sweet, add a touch more lemon or a splash of vinegar.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store the dressing in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days. Because this dressing contains fresh herbs, shallot and garlic, it’s best used within that time for optimal flavor and freshness. Before serving, bring the jar to room temperature for a few minutes and shake well to re-emulsify.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing pairs especially well with crisp green salads that contain apple slices, shaved fennel, or toasted nuts. It complements roasted root vegetables, grilled asparagus, and Mediterranean-style grain bowls. Use it to marinate chicken breasts or shrimp for a quick weeknight meal — the bright acidity helps brighten the natural flavors of the protein without overpowering them.
Nutrition (Approximate 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: 54 mg | Sugar: 3 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used only as a guideline.
If you enjoy this Lemon Dijon Herb Dressing, try adjusting the herb combination or sweetness to match your favorite salads. Homemade dressings are a simple way to make eating vegetables and grains more enjoyable and flavorful.