Learn how to make the BEST Honey Lemon Salad Dressing! This simple vinaigrette has an amazing sweet and tangy flavor you'll crave. Best of all, you only need a few ingredients and about five minutes to make it!
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I love making homemade salad dressings. They're really quick and easy to prepare, use simple ingredients (no mystery additives), and the taste is so much better than store bought!
This Lemon Olive Oil Salad Dressing has been a fave with me and with Hello Little Home readers, like you! Which is not surprising, because the ingredient list is very short and the flavor is super bright and sunny. So I thought it would be fun to create a few different versions of that recipe, starting with this yummy Honey Lemon Salad Dressing. Which just might be my new favorite!
You are going to love this simple Lemon Honey Vinaigrette! Just like that original recipe, the ingredient list is short. No one will ever guess that though, because the dressing has a wonderful sweet, tangy flavor that's absolutely irresistible.
The recipe is also super versatile ... you can use it for everything from green salads to grain bowls (and more). Best of all though, it's so simple to make. If you've got five minutes, you can easily throw this delightful dressing together!
Ready to get started? Keep reading for all the recipe details, plus lots of helpful tips!
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Ingredients
This easy vinaigrette recipe uses just a few simple ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Honey - The star ingredient! There are many varieties of honey. Any kind will work, and each will give the dressing a different flavor. For the best taste and most health benefits, use raw honey (locally made, if you can find it). You can easily adjust the sweetest of the recipe by using more (or less) honey ... I think two tablespoons is the perfect sweet spot!
- Lemon - Fresh lemon juice is a must. You will need about one to two lemons, depending on how large and juicy they are.
- Olive Oil - Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. The oil balances the vinaigrette's tartness and adds a fruity, peppery flavor.
- Salt + Pepper - Finally, you'll need some salt (I recommend using kosher salt) and freshly cracked pepper to season the dressing.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and nut free!
You'll Also Need
To make the recipe, you'll need a lemon juicer (this affordable juicer works perfectly), measuring cups and spoons, and a jar with a lid or a small bowl. If you mix everything together in a bowl, you also need a whisk. I prefer to use a jar (mason jars work great for this), because it allows you to make and store the dressing in the same container ... which also means less cleanup!
How to Make Honey Lemon Salad Dressing
This easy Honey Lemon Vinaigrette couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a super quick overview of the steps:
- Combine ingredients. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to a jar with a lid or a small bowl.
- Emulsify. Next, cover your jar with the lid, then shake the ingredients together until they're combined. The dressing should look thick and creamy when you're done. If you're using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together instead.
- Season to taste. Before using your homemade salad dressing, make sure to taste it, then add additional salt and pepper, if needed. I like my dressings a little on the salty side, because you're usually combining them with unseasoned ingredients (like lettuce and fresh veggies). But everyone has a different salt preference, and you can (and should) adjust the recipe to your taste.
So quick and simple, right? And delicious. With just one taste, you'll want to add this vibrant Lemon Honey Dressing to your salad rotation!
Tip: When you emulsify a dressing, you are combining two ingredients that don't usually mix: oil and water (or in this case lemon juice). As you shake or whisk, the oil separates into tiny drops and becomes suspended in the liquid.
Variations
This recipe is fun to customize! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Citrus - Substitute different citrus juices (or use a combination), like lime, orange, or grapefruit.
- Sweetener - Swap out the honey for maple syrup (a great vegan option) or another sweetener of your choice.
- Spicy - Use hot honey for a spicy twist.
- Herbs - Mix in your fave fresh or dried herbs, like basil, parsley, chives, thyme, or my current obsession, herbes de provence. Tip: If you use dried herbs, make the dressing a little in advance. That way, the herbs have time to soften.
- Shallots - Add a finely chopped shallot.
- Garlic - Include a minced garlic clove.
- Mustard - Blend in a teaspoon of dijon or whole grain mustard.
Tip: If you do add other ingredients, you may need to use more olive oil or lemon juice to balance all the flavors. Make sure to taste the dressing, then add more if needed.
How to Use the Vinaigrette
There are so many creative ways to use this delicious dressing:
- Salads - Starting with the obvious! I used this recipe to make this scrumptious Nectarine Salad and this tasty Arugula Quinoa Salad, but you can use it in all sorts of salads. Try pairing it with my Garden Salad or easy Green Salad for starters, or toss it with this Pomegranate Salad, Caprese Freekeh Salad, Kale Cranberry Salad, or this yummy Watermelon Salad.
- Veggies - Drizzle over fresh, steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor. Or add it to a raw veggie tray and use it as a dipping sauce.
- Grains - Stir it into with couscous, quinoa, rice, or other grains to jazz up their flavor. Serve the grains on their own, or use them to make a veggie bowl.
- Sandwich - Add it to a veggie sandwich for a pop of sweet and sunny flavor. It would be super tasty on this Tomato and Avocado Sandwich!
- Beans - Mix with your favorite beans and veggies for a simple bean salad. I'm thinking chickpeas, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers would be delish together!
- Pasta - Create an easy pasta salad by mixing the dressing with cold pasta, veggies, and cheese. So simple.
Storage
Store any leftover Honey, Lemon, and Olive Oil Salad Dressing in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. This dressing can also be made in advance. It will separate as it sits though, so make sure to shake (or whisk) it again before dressing your salad.
Related Recipes
Looking for more easy salad dressings and topping ideas? You'll love these recipes, too:
- Simple Lemon Olive Oil Dressing - A favorite with Hello Little Home readers!
- Tahini Dressing - My fave way to use tahini.
- Classic Red Wine Vinaigrette - This one's a popular basic for a reason. Yum!
- Maple Salad Dressing - Super delicious, especially if you love maple syrup.
- French Vinaigrette - A zest dressing that perfect with simple salads.
- Sour Cream Salad Dressing - If you looking for a light, yet creamy dressing, you'll love this one!
- Pesto Vinaigrette - A must try for pesto lovers.
- Easy Crouton Recipe - The best and totally customizable!
- Sourdough Bread Croutons - Perfect way to use up extra sourdough.
Make sure to check out all of my Salad Recipes for even more inspiration!
Lemon Honey Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey (see note)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground)
Equipment
Instructions
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to a jar (or bowl).
- Cover jar and shake vigorously until ingredients are combined and dressing looks thick and creamy (or whisk together if using a bowl).
- Taste dressing, then adjust seasoning with additional honey, salt, and / or pepper, if desired.
- Use vinaigrette immediately or store in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
