Dijon Mustard Lemon Salad Dressing (Easy 5-Minute Recipe)

Add a little zing to your salads with this Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing, made with just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have at home. This easy dressing comes together in minutes, offering the perfect balance of zesty lemon, tangy mustard, and a hint of sweetness. It's a versatile vinaigrette you'll reach for time and time again!

Jump to:

• Homemade Salad Dressing That's Versatile Beyond Belief
• Ingredient Notes
• Step-By-Step Method
• But What Is Emulsification?
• Tips For Best Results
• Storage and Leftovers
• Other Salad Dressing Recipes
• Dijon Mustard Lemon Salad Dressing

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Homemade Salad Dressing That's Versatile Beyond Belief

We only use a handful of ingredients in this Lemon vinaigrette recipe, but there are LOTS of different ways you can use it. Dress different salad combinations (fresh veggies, like lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes and cucumber) with this vinaigrette, use it in pasta salad or use it as a delicious marinade for poultry or pork!

Here are some of our favourite recipes to use this Dijon Lemon Dressing:

• Kale Salad With Apples and Walnuts
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Balsamic Green Beans With Cherry Tomatoes
• Couscous Grain Bowl With Halloumi and Mandarin Segments
• Rocket and Pear Salad (Arugula Salad)

Ingredient Notes

Here's everything you will need to make this Dijon Mustard and Lemon Vinaigrette:

• lemon juice: freshly squeezed. Or try lime juice for a more tropical twist!  
• garlic clove: minced. Or ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder, if you've run out of fresh garlic. 
• Dijon mustard. 
• clear honey: can be replaced with maple syrup for plant-based recipes. Whilst sweetener can be skipped in this lemon mustard vinaigrette dressing, I find that the dressing tastes too tangy for my liking. 
• salt and black pepper. 
• extra-virgin olive oil. 

Find the ingredient list, complete recipe and nutritional information on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

Step-By-Step Method

1. Place fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and black pepper into the mason jar (or a jam jar with a matching lid), and mix everything well with a spoon.

2. Add the extra virgin olive oil, screw the lid on, and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the dressing is well emulsified.

3. Use immediately, or store in the fridge. Take the dressing out of the fridge for 15-20 minutes to come to room temperature, give it a good shake and use it with your favourite salad recipes. 

But What Is Emulsification?

Emulsification is the process of combining two liquids, like oil and lemon juice (or vinegar), that don't naturally mix. In this Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing, Dijon mustard acts as a natural emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and lemon juice into a smooth, cohesive dressing. Lemon juice replaces vinegar in this recipe, providing a milder acidity that still supports emulsification while adding a bright, zesty flavour. A quick shake or whisk is all it takes to achieve that perfectly creamy consistency!

Tips For Best Results

• Always use fresh lemons, not bottled lemon juice. 
• Finely chop fresh herbs like fresh thyme or dried oregano and add them after emulsification to infuse the dressing with extra flavour without disrupting the smooth texture.
• If you're craving a tangier dressing, swap the lemon juice for white wine vinegar to give it a sharper bite that pairs beautifully with hearty salads.
• For a super thick and creamy vinaigrette, use an immersion blender or a small food processor to really emulsify the ingredients and create that luxurious texture.
• Adjust ingredient amounts to match your taste preference-add more honey for a sweeter dressing, or a bit more Dijon mustard if you like it punchier with a stronger tang. Find your perfect balance!

Storage and Leftovers

You can store your lemon Dijon dressing in the jar that you emulsified it in (or any other airtight container) in the fridge. Leftover dressing will last for up to 1 week. 

When you're ready to use it again, take it out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. You might notice the oil has solidified (turned white and hard), but it will soften in a warm environment. Make sure to shake the dressing again before using it. 

Other Salad Dressing Recipes

If you're loving this Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing, why not take it a step further and explore even more ways to create your own dressings that will elevate any salad to the next level?