Ina Garten Lemon Salad Dressing

Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing is a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette that adds a bright, refreshing touch to any salad. Made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a hint of garlic, this dressing is light, tangy, and incredibly versatile.

What is Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing?

Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing is a zesty vinaigrette made with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic. The balance of acidity and richness makes it the perfect complement to salads, grain bowls, and even roasted vegetables.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Steakhouse Steaks
• Ina Garten Balsamic Dressing
• Ina Garten Béchamel Sauce
• Ina Garten Hot Dogs in Puff Pastry

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing

• Bright and tangy flavor – Fresh lemon juice gives the dressing a refreshing citrus kick.
• Simple and quick to make – Ready in under 5 minutes with pantry staples.
• Versatile for multiple dishes – Works on salads, roasted veggies, and proteins.
• Healthier than store-bought – Made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
• Customizable to taste – Adjust acidity, sweetness, or texture to your preference.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove (minced)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing

1. Whisk the lemon juice and Dijon – In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Slowly add the olive oil – While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until emulsified.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste – If needed, add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a slightly sweeter balance.
4. Transfer to a jar – Pour the dressing into a small jar or bottle for easy storage.
5. Shake before serving – Since the oil and lemon juice may separate, give it a quick shake before using.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing?

Mixed Green Salad

A simple mix of arugula, spinach, and romaine pairs beautifully with the citrusy dressing.

Grilled Chicken or Salmon

Drizzle over grilled proteins for a fresh, bright finish.

Roasted Vegetables

Toss with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a zesty twist.

Quinoa or Farro Bowls

Use as a dressing for grain bowls with feta, nuts, and dried fruit.

Tomato and Avocado Salad

A refreshing summer salad with juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing

Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, fresh taste needed for this dressing.

Whisk Slowly for Emulsification

Adding oil gradually while whisking helps the dressing stay smooth and creamy.

Adjust the Acidity

For a milder dressing, add a bit more olive oil or a touch of honey.

Use High-Quality Olive Oil

A good extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor and richness.

Make It Creamier

Blend in Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a thicker, creamier dressing.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing

Garlic-Herb Lemon Dressing

Add chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives for a herby twist.

Spicy Lemon Dressing

Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Parmesan Lemon Dressing

Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese for extra umami and depth.

Honey Lemon Dressing

Increase the honey or maple syrup for a sweeter balance.

Tahini Lemon Dressing

Blend in tahini for a nutty, creamy consistency.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing

Refrigerate Properly

Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Shake Before Using

Separation is natural—shake well before drizzling over salads.

Avoid Freezing

The dressing doesn’t freeze well due to the oil content, which can separate when thawed.

Use Fresh Ingredients

For the best flavor, make fresh batches rather than storing for too long.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing

• If solidified in the fridge: Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then shake well.
• For a warm dressing: Heat gently in a pan over low heat for a minute before serving.

FAQs

How do you prevent lemon dressing from separating?

Whisk the dressing thoroughly or shake in a jar before each use. Adding a bit of Dijon mustard helps stabilize the emulsion.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always best for the brightest, most authentic flavor. Bottled juice may have preservatives that alter the taste.

What type of olive oil is best for this dressing?

Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, as it adds richness and depth to the dressing.

How can I make lemon salad dressing less tart?

If the dressing is too tart, add more olive oil, a pinch of sugar, or a teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Lemon Salad Dressing is a bright, tangy, and versatile vinaigrette that enhances everything from greens to grilled meats and roasted vegetables. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation, this dressing is perfect for everyday meals. Try it today and elevate your salads with fresh, zesty flavors!

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