Citrus and Herb Salad Dressing
A bright and tangy salad dressing combining half the usual amount of oil with fresh citrus juice and herbs for a lighter, flavorful finish. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 5 minutes blends Fresh lemon juice, Extra virgin olive oil, Honey into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped Fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until the mixture emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley along with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, mixing until well combined.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then drizzle over your favorite salad greens or vegetables just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus and Herb Salad Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus and Herb Salad Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus and Herb Salad Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus and Herb Salad Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus and Herb Salad Dressing?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
