Lemon-Vinegar Herb Vinaigrette
A bright, tangy dressing that transforms simple greens into a vibrant salad with a perfect balance of sharp acidity and herbal freshness. This mediterranean-inspired salads (gluten-free) ready in about 5 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 95 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, finely mince the garlic clove and whisk it into the lemon juice, vinegar, and Dijon mustard until the mustard dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 2: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies and becomes glossy.
- Step 3: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, and black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning until the tartness and saltiness are perfectly balanced.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Vinegar Herb Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Vinegar Herb Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Vinegar Herb Vinaigrette?
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 Lemon-Vinegar Herb Vinaigrette 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.
Is Lemon-Vinegar Herb Vinaigrette gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.