Lemon-Vinegar Herb Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 95 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies and becomes glossy.
  3. 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.

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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.

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