Barefoot Contessa’s Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

Zesty lemons burst with vibrant flavor in this Barefoot Contessa lemon vinaigrette dressing that will brighten any salad.

Light and tangy, this simple recipe captures the essence of fresh ingredients blended with expert precision.

Ina Garten’s style shines through every drop of this dazzling dressing.

The perfect balance of citrus and herbs creates a mouthwatering companion for crisp greens and delicate salad mixes.

Whisking together these ingredients takes mere minutes, delivering restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Summer meals deserve a splash of sunshine, and this vinaigrette delivers exactly that.

You’ll return to this foolproof recipe again and again, making it a staple in your culinary collection.

How to Prepare Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Step-by-Step

• Citrus Fusion

In a cozy kitchen corner, grab a small bowl and prepare for a zesty flavor adventure. Fresh lemon juice will dance with smooth olive oil, creating a vibrant base for your culinary masterpiece.

• Seasoning Symphony

Sprinkle in kosher salt and black pepper, transforming the simple liquid into a magical blend that will elevate any salad or dish. Give everything a playful whirl with your whisk, watching the ingredients mingle and embrace.

• Taste and Celebrate

Take a moment to sample your creation. Let your taste buds guide you – maybe a touch more salt or a whisper of pepper will make this vinaigrette sing. Your homemade dressing is now ready to turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Pro Tips and Variations for Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Grate fresh lemon zest into the vinaigrette for an extra citrusy punch that elevates the entire dressing's brightness.
• Chop fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill and sprinkle them into the mixture to create a more complex and garden-fresh taste profile.
• Store the vinaigrette in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, giving it a quick shake before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.
• Replace lemon juice with other citrus like lime or orange for a unique twist that complements different salads and dishes.
• Use a blender or immersion blender to create a more emulsified and creamy consistency if you prefer a smoother dressing texture.

How to Serve Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Dress Fresh Greens: Drizzle this zesty vinaigrette over crisp mixed salad greens, creating a bright and tangy base that elevates simple vegetables to restaurant-quality.
• Marinate Grilled Favorites: Use the vinaigrette as a quick marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables before grilling, infusing them with bright lemon flavor and tenderizing the proteins.
• Enhance Mediterranean Dishes: Splash this versatile dressing over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or as a finishing touch for grilled seafood, bringing a burst of citrusy freshness that complements Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store the lemon vinaigrette in an airtight container or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Shake Before Serving: Before using, give the dressing a vigorous shake or whisk to recombine the separated ingredients and restore its vibrant texture.
• Keep Ingredients Fresh: Use fresh, high-quality lemons and extra virgin olive oil to maintain the dressing's bright, zesty flavor profile throughout storage.
• Avoid Room Temperature: Never leave the vinaigrette at room temperature for extended periods to prevent potential bacterial growth and maintain its optimal taste and safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty foundation that delivers a tangy punch and helps emulsify the dressing, choose fresh lemons with vibrant color and firm texture for maximum flavor intensity.

• Olive Oil: Silky smooth carrier that creates a luscious texture and provides rich undertones, select extra virgin olive oil for superior quality and authentic Mediterranean character.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Dynamic duo that elevates and balances the dressing's overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for robust aroma and kosher salt for clean, pure seasoning that dissolves smoothly.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Small bowl or measuring cup: Essential for mixing and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a silky dressing.
• Measuring spoons: Helps precisely add kosher salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.

Bright Barefoot Contessa Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing elevates simple salads with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Whisked olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard create a light, tangy complement you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 60 ml (2 fl oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 120 ml (4 fl oz) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Citrus Fusion: In a compact mixing vessel, merge freshly extracted lemon juice with premium extra virgin olive oil, creating a luminous base for the vinaigrette.
2. Flavor Calibration: Introduce kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently sprinkling these seasonings to elevate the dressing’s depth and complexity.
3. Emulsification Technique: Utilize a wire whisk or fork to vigorously blend the ingredients, transforming the liquid components into a silky, cohesive dressing with a harmonious texture and vibrant character.
4. Flavor Refinement: Conduct a nuanced taste test, making subtle seasoning adjustments to ensure a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that will complement and enhance your culinary creation.

Notes

• Squeeze Fresh Lemons: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for maximum brightness and flavor, avoiding bottled lemon juice which can taste flat and artificial.
• Whisk Thoroughly: Emulsify ingredients completely by whisking vigorously to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that prevents oil separation.
• Quality Matters: Select high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich, authentic taste that elevates the entire vinaigrette’s flavor profile.
• Taste and Adjust: Always sample the dressing before serving, making subtle salt and pepper tweaks to achieve perfect balance and harmony.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg