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I always have fun when I decide to make my own salad dressings. Homemade dressings are free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, allowing you to control ingredient levels and customize flavors, making them a healthier and often more economical choice compared to store-bought options. This simple honey lemon vinaigrette strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. While bottled citrus juice works in a pinch, fresh lemons give you that vibrance that really makes this salad dressing recipe shine. Pour out the store-bought dressing and create your own homemade version that is not only healthier but also bursting with freshness.
Don’t just limit it to salads—this versatile dressing works wonderfully on grilled vegetables, grilled fish, chicken, and even as a marinade for tofu. Plus, making your own dressing at home is healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought options.
What is Honey Lemon Vinaigrette?
Honey Lemon Vinaigrette is a delightful salad dressing that marries the honey's sweet profile with the tanginess of fresh lemon juice. This versatile condiment can elevate a variety of dishes, from salads and veggies to grain bowls and pasta. The classic recipe features a harmonious blend of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. The beauty of this blend lies in its flexibility—you can tweak the ratio of acid to oil to suit your taste, and even add extra ingredients like lemon zest or thyme for a more interesting profile. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh salad or using it as a marinade, Honey Lemon Vinaigrette is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Want more salad dressings? Try Miso Dressing next!
What Makes It Special
This vinaigrette combines the natural sweetness of honey with bright, citrusy lemon for a refreshing profile. Made with simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard, it’s both delicious and nutritious—perfect for anyone who values taste and health. Dressings that you design and make yourself, allow you to control the ingredients and customize flavors, making them a healthier choice.
This dressing is delicious when made with our Sweet Clover Honey
Ingredients
- Honey (mild varieties work best)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Olive oil (regular olive oil keeps flavors balanced, though extra virgin olive oil works too)
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Different types of honey have different flavors
Creative Variations: Vinaigrette Dressing
Homemade salad dressings are the best, especially because they give you creative freedom over the flavors! Make it your own with these simple twists:
- Try different honey varieties like Wildflower or Buckwheat for subtle flavor changes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Swap citrus juice for apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lime juice
- Mix in some grated ginger or garlic for extra depth
- Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary
- Include some lemon zest for intense citrus flavor
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile
Quick and Easy Preparation
This dressing comes together in minutes:
- Gather all ingredients
- Combine everything in a non-reactive bowl or a mason jar
- Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified
- Use immediately or store
Storage tip: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.
This Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon, and Honey Detox contains a lot of the same ingredients
Health Benefits
Beyond its delicious taste, this vinaigrette dressing recipe offers several health advantages:
- Rich in antioxidants from both honey and lemon
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports digestive health through honey's prebiotic fibers
- No propylene glycol or other preservatives for color and shelf-life
- More sustainable salad dressing and less waste
- Helps boost immune function thanks to honey's antimicrobial qualities
Additionally, homemade salad dressings are free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, making them a healthier option.
Our Allergy Support Honey Set is here to help get you through the changing seasons
Beyond Salads: Other Uses for Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
While Honey Lemon Vinaigrette is a fantastic salad dressing, its uses extend far beyond the salad bowl. Here are some creative ways to incorporate this zesty dressing into your meals:
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle Honey Lemon Vinaigrette over steamed, roasted, grilled vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a burst of tangy flavor that complements their natural taste.
- Grain Bowls: Add a splash of Honey Lemon Vinaigrette to grain bowls featuring quinoa, brown rice, or farro. It adds a refreshing tang that ties all the ingredients together.
- Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a quick and easy summer pasta dish that’s light and flavorful.
- Marinades: Use Honey Lemon Vinaigrette as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. It not only adds flavor but also helps keep them moist and tender.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve Honey Lemon Vinaigrette as a dipping sauce for grilled or fried foods like chicken tenders or fried pickles. Tangy and sweet notes are a perfect match for crispy, savory bites.
If you like the taste of honey and lemon, you have to try our Lemon Honey Lollipops
Tips for Customizing Your Vinaigrette Recipe
The basic Honey Lemon Vinaigrette recipe is delicious on its own, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tips to help you create your perfect mason jar dressing:
- Adjust the Ratio of Acid to Oil: If you prefer a more tangy or milder profile, tweak the ratio of lemon juice to olive oil. A higher ratio of juice will give you a more pronounced tang, while more olive oil will mellow it out.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a unique flavor to your vinaigrette. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also give it a spicy kick.
- Use Different Types of Vinegar: Instead of white wine vinegar, try using apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. Each type of vinegar brings its own unique taste to the dressing.
- Add a Sweetener: If you prefer a hint of natural sugar in your dressing, consider adding a touch more honey or swapping it with maple syrup for a unique taste.
- Use Different Types of Oil: While olive oil is a classic choice, you can experiment with other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil to see how they change the flavor and texture of your vinaigrette.
Make a Summer Tomato Salad with this dressing
Common Questions About Vinaigrette Dressing
Here are some common questions about vinaigrette dressing, answered to help you get the most out of your homemade creations:
What is the difference between vinaigrette and salad dressing?
Vinaigrette is a type of salad dressing made with oil and acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. It’s typically lighter and more fluid than creamy dressings.
Can I make vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can make vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before using.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is preferred for its brighter flavor and better texture.
Can I use vinaigrette as a marinade?
Absolutely! Vinaigrette can be used as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables, adding both flavor and moisture.
How do I store vinaigrette?
Store your vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent spoilage and maintain its fresh flavor.
Like the taste of citrus? Try our Sunrise Tea iced with Florida Orange Blossom Honey!
Serving Ideas
The versatility of this homemade dressing is what makes it a kitchen staple:
- Drizzle over green, pasta, grain, or kale salads
- Toss with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes
- Use as a finishing touch for grain bowls
- Toss with pasta for a light, zesty sauce
- Marinate sliced red onions for a quick pickle-like topping
- Use as a marinade for fish or chicken
- Sauté vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli
Perfect Pairings
This dressing works especially well with fish dishes, tacos, or crab cakes for a complete meal. Check out these recipes to try with this tangy dressing:
- Fresh-Caught Fish Dish
- Rockfish Tacos with Homemade Slaw
- Easy Maryland-Style Crab Cakes
Make-Ahead Tips
For convenience:
- Prepare a large batch for the week
- Store in a mason jar for easy shaking before use
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below
- Use within a week for optimal flavor
Updated 3/24/2025
