Whole Lemon Vinaigrette

Whole Lemon Vinaigrette

This whole lemon vinaigrette uses the whole lemon — rind, pith, and juice — in a blender alongside herbs, Dijon mustard, and olive oil for a bright dressing for salads, chicken, or vegetables.

Ingredients

  • lemon

    scrubbed

    1 medium
  • extra-virgin olive oil
    ¾ c
  • mixed fresh tender herbs

    such as chives, dill, and basil

    ¼ c
  • rice vinegar
    2 tbsp
  • dijon mustard
    1 tsp
  • garlic clove

    smashed

    1 small
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp
  • black pepper
    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Cut off and discard ends of lemon. Cut lemon into quarters; remove and discard seeds. Transfer lemon to a food processor or blender, and process until finely chopped, about 1 minute. Add oil, herbs, vinegar, mustard, and garlic; process until mostly smooth and well combined, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer vinaigrette to a small bowl, and whisk in salt and pepper.

    Step 1
Whole Lemon Vinaigrette

Whole Lemon Vinaigrette

4.8(24)1739 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 24 ratings

foodandwine.com
4.8(24 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Tired of one-note dressings? This Whole Lemon Vinaigrette offers a burst of vibrant flavor, perfect for elevating salads, chicken, or roasted vegetables with a unique, zesty twist. You'll love how this simple addition transforms your meals.

What sets this vinaigrette apart is its ingenious use of the entire lemon—rind, pith, and juice—blended with fragrant herbs and classic vinaigrette components. This technique extracts maximum citrus essence, adding a depth and complexity that traditional dressings, made with juice alone, simply can't achieve.

Prepare for a remarkably bright and invigorating dressing. You'll experience the full spectrum of lemon flavor, from its intense tartness to the subtle bitterness and aromatic oils of the rind, beautifully balanced by fresh, tender herbs like chives, dill, and basil. The blending process ensures a smooth, emulsified texture that clings perfectly to your favorite greens or proteins, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.

Customization & Serving

Feel free to experiment with the fresh tender herbs to suit your palate. While chives, dill, and basil are suggested, consider swapping in parsley or cilantro for a different aromatic profile. You could also adjust the amount of garlic to your liking for a milder or more assertive kick.

This versatile Whole Lemon Vinaigrette shines as a brilliant dressing for a crisp green salad, a flavorful marinade or drizzle over grilled chicken, or a lively finish for steamed or roasted vegetables. It's an ideal choice for enhancing everyday meals or bringing a touch of gourmet flair to any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions