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    Home » Recipe » Salad » Lemon Olive Oil Dressing

    Lemon Olive Oil Dressing

    Published Aug 27, 2022 · Updated Jul 2, 2025 by Ginnie · 6 Comments

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    This delightful Lemon Olive Oil Dressing is the perfect addition to any salad! It's made with minimal ingredients, ready in minutes, and has a delicious, sunny flavor you're sure to love!

    A spoon drizzling Lemon Olive Oil Dressing into a jar.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Meet my go-to salad dressing! This Lemon Olive Oil Dressing is a simple recipe that I find myself turning to again and again.

    This basic vinaigrette is super versatile and has a wonderful fresh taste that perks up any salad. It reminds me of the bright flavors of Mediterranean cooking!

    If you've never made homemade salad dressing before this, this recipe is a great place to start! It uses just a few basic ingredients, and it only takes five minutes to prepare.

    You'll find all the easy details below ... just keep scrolling!

    A jar of the finished recipe with a salad in the background.

    Ingredients

    This recipe is a easy version of classic Lemon Vinaigrette, however it's simplified and made without mustard, garlic, and other typical ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

    • Lemon - Because it provides most of the flavor, fresh lemon is a must! Best of all, you only need a single lemon (as long as you choose a large, juicy one).
    • Olive Oil - Using a high quality extra virgin olive oil for this recipe is also important. The oil balances the tart lemon while adding fruity, peppery flavor.
    • Salt and Pepper - For best results, use kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.

    This Lemon and Oil Dressing is naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, and gluten free ... which means everyone at your table can enjoy it!

    You'll Also Need

    To prepare this recipe, you'll need a jar with a lid or a small bowl. If you're mixing by hand 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 (less cleanup).

    Lemon dressing ingredients arranged on a marble counter.

    How to Make Lemon Olive Oil Dressing

    This is pretty much the easiest vinaigrette with the shortest ingredients list ever! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

    1. Add extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a jar (or bowl).
    2. Shake or whisk to combine. If you're using a jar, put the lid on and shake. Otherwise, use a whisk to combine the ingredients. Shaking (or whisking) emulsifies the oil and lemon juice, two ingredients that normally don't mix, to create a thicker, creamier texture.
    3. Season to taste. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

    And that's all there is to it ... your homemade Lemon Olive Oil Dressing is ready to enjoy. Pretty simple right? This is one of these recipes that's so useful and easy to make that you'll want to keep it in your back pocket!

    I recommend making a big batch, then using it on different salads all week. Just keep in mind that the dressing will separate as it sits, so make sure to give it another shake (or whisk) right before using.

    Tip: This Lemon Dressing uses a 2:1 ratio, meaning two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice. However, you can play around with these proportions. Use more olive oil for a milder taste, or more lemon for a sharper, tarter flavor.

    A photo collage showing how to make lemon dressing in two steps.

    Variations

    Once you've mastered this very basic Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing, you can experiment by adding different ingredients. Try mixing in:

    • Fresh or Dried Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Chives, Thyme, Oregano, etc.)
    • Finely Chopped Shallots
    • Minced Garlic
    • Dijon Mustard or Whole Grain Mustard
    • Sweetener (Maple Syrup or Honey)
    • Red Pepper Flakes

    Tip: If you do add other ingredients, you may need to add more oil or lemon juice to balance the other flavors. Just taste the dressing as you go, then adjust the oil or juice as needed.

    A jar of the finished recipe surrounded by lemons and lettuce.

    Serving Suggestions (How to Use)

    There are so many ways to use this bright, sunny salad dressing! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

    • Salads - Let's start with salads! My Garden Salad, Pomegranate Couscous Salad, Chopped Salad, Lemony Chickpea Salad, Freekeh Salad, and Brussels Sprout Salad all use this dressing (or a version of it). Try substituting it for the dressing in one of my other salad recipes (like this simple Green Salad), too.
    • Veggies - Spoon a little over steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables before serving. Or dip fresh vegetable in it for a tasty appetizer.
    • Grains - Mix with couscous, quinoa, rice, or other grains to perk up their flavor. Serve these jazzed up grains alongside your dinner, or use them to make a veggie-grain bowl.
    • Sandwich - Drizzle over the veggies in a sandwich for extra flavor.
    • Beans - Stir into a bowl of your favorite beans for a simplified bean salad.
    • Pasta - Toss with pasta and fresh veggies for vibrant, easy pasta salad.
    Two wood spoons in a bowl tossing salad with dressing.
    This vibrant dressing is the perfect way to liven up a Garden Salad!
    A couscous salad and yellow napkin on a marble counter.
    Try this dressing on this scrumptious Pomegranate Couscous Salad.

    Storage

    Store leftover vinaigrette in your refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using. If the olive oil solidifies in your fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about half an hour before using.

    Related Recipes

    If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out my other dressing and salad topping recipes next:

    • Honey Lemon Salad Dressing - A delicious twist on this recipe!
    • Maple Vinaigrette
    • Red Wine Vinaigrette
    • French Vinaigrette
    • Tahini Dressing
    • Basil Pesto Dressing
    • Homemade Croutons
    • Sourdough Croutons

    And don't miss my other sauces and salad recipes!

    A spoon drizzling the dressing into a jar.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Need more info? Checked out these frequently asked questions about this recipe!

    What is the difference between salad dressing and vinaigrette?

    Salad dressing is a sauce that is served on, or tossed with, salads. Its base can be an oil or cream, like mayonnaise, heavy cream, or yogurt. A vinaigrette is a type of dressing that's made with oil and acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice).

    What is the correct ratio for vinaigrette?

    The standard ratio for vinaigrette is 3:1, or 3 parts oil to 1 part acid (vinegar, lemon juice, etc.). However, you can play around with these proportions to suit your own tastes. This recipe uses a 2:1 ratio for example.

    Is vinaigrette healthy?

    Vinaigrette is a healthier choice for salads when compared to creamy dressings. It is made with oil, so enjoy in moderation, of course!

    Can I use bottled lemon juice?

    While you can use bottled lemon juice for dressing in a pinch, I don't recommend it. Fresh lemon juice is best for this simple recipe.

    Closeup of the finished lemon and olive oil salad dressing in a jar on a marble counter.
    A jar of Lemon Olive Oil Dressing, lemons, and salad greens on a marble counter.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 46 votes

    Lemon Olive Oil Dressing

    This simple Lemon Dressing couldn't be easier to make ... keep a batch in your refrigerator to enjoy all week long!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 163kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper (or to taste)

    Equipment

    • Mason Jar

    Instructions

    • Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a jar (or bowl).
    • Cover jar and shake vigorously until ingredients are combined (or whisk together if using a bowl).
    • Taste dressing, then adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
    • Use immediately or store in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Servings - This recipe makes about ¾ of a cup or 6 servings (2 tablespoons per serving).
    Salt - This recipe was developed using kosher salt. If you're using regular table salt, make sure to add it to taste. Otherwise, the vinaigrette may end up too salty.
    More Tips - Make sure to check out the info before this recipe card for lots of helpful tips, variations, and ways to use the dressing!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love hearing from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!
    A jar of Lemon Dressing with whole lemons and a bowl of lettuce behind it.
    Lemon Olive Oil DressingLemon Olive Oil Dressing
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

    5 from 46 votes (42 ratings without comment)
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    6 Comments
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    Molly
    4 months ago

    5 stars
    This is the exact dressing that a family owned Italian restaurant uses for their arugula salad and I can’t get enough of it

    0
    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    4 months ago
    Reply to  Molly

    I'm so glad you're enjoying the dressing, Molly! I love it on an arugula salad, too 🙂

    0
    Reply
    Ellen
    10 months ago

    5 stars
    Perfect!!! Delicious!!! Simple!!!

    0
    Reply
    Ellen
    10 months ago

    5 stars
    This is the delicious and simple!

    0
    Reply
    Jean
    2 years ago

    5 stars
    What a great and light dressing! I used it on Penne left over rotisserie chicken, with carrots, onions, and fresh herbs.

    1
    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    2 years ago
    Reply to  Jean

    Hi, Jean! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

    0
    Reply

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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