Easy Homemade Recipe: Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to a new recipe that will revolutionize your salad game. This recipe is simple, vegan-friendly, and most importantly, delicious. I present to you the Easy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette.
This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy their salads. It’s also ideal for busy people who don’t have much time to prepare complicated dressings. With just a few ingredients and five minutes of your time, you can whip up a tangy and fresh vinaigrette that will elevate any salad.
The star ingredient in this vinaigrette is the Meyer lemon. Unlike regular lemons, Meyer lemons have a sweeter and more floral flavor profile that makes them perfect for dressings. Their unique taste creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity that complements any salad greens or vegetables.
If you’re tired of boring and uninspiring salad dressings or if you’re looking for something new to try, look no further than this Easy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette. It’s flavorful, healthy, and easy to make. So come along and join me on this culinary journey as we explore the wonderful world of Meyer lemons!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in a rush but still want to have a healthy and delicious meal? Then, you’ll love the Easy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette (Vegan Friendly) Recipe! This recipe is perfect for anyone who is looking for a salad that does not require much preparation time.
What’s unique about this recipe is that it uses Meyer lemons, which are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, creating a more balanced flavor. The vinaigrette also has a creamy texture that coats the salad nicely without being too heavy.
This vegan-friendly recipe doesn’t use mayonnaise or dairy products, which means you can enjoy all of the flavors without guilt. It’s a perfect way to add zest to your salads with its perfectly balanced blend of fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and dijon mustard.
Moreover, this recipe allows for substitutions and variations if you want to change things up. You can experiment with different types of vinegar or add a touch of honey for natural sweetness without adding too many calories.
In just five minutes or less, you’ll have an easy and healthy dressing that will satisfy both your taste buds and your body. You can toss it with spinach, arugula, kale or any other greens you prefer to create effortless yet impressive salads.
Try the Easy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette (Vegan Friendly) Recipe today and taste why it’s one of our customers’ top choices!
Ingredient List
To make this easy Meyer lemon vinaigrette recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, minced
Note that using Meyer lemons in this recipe will provide the vinaigrette with a sweeter and more fragrant flavor than regular lemons. You can also substitute white wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for an additional depth of flavor.
Make sure to mince the garlic and shallot as finely as possible for a smoother dressing, and use kosher or fine sea salt for better dissolving.
Next up is making the vinaigrette, which takes only five minutes!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know what ingredients you need, it’s time to learn how to make the Easy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe.
Step 1: Gather and prepare ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand before starting. Wash and dry the Meyer lemons properly, then juice them.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in a bowl or jar
In a mixing bowl, combine Meyer lemon juice, minced shallot, garlic clove, Dijon mustard, honey, maple syrup, and fine sea salt. Mix well using a whisk or fork.
Step 3: Add olive oil
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil into the mixing bowl while continuously whisking the mixture. Do this until you’ve added in all the oil.
Step 4: Mix thoroughly
Whisk or blend until everything is mixed together completely.
Step 5: Test taste and adjust seasoning
Taste your vegan-friendly vinaigrette and add more salt, honey or lemon juice as needed. Keep in mind that this mixture should be tart, so make sure not to add too much honey or maple syrup.
Congratulations! Your Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette is ready in just five minutes.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this easy vegan Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette recipe is that it can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some substitutions and variations you may want to consider:
– Olive oil: While extra virgin olive oil is the preferred oil in this recipe, any high-quality oil will do. Try avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a lighter taste.
– Lemon juice: If you can’t find Meyer lemons, regular lemons work just as well. Just note that the vinaigrette may be slightly tangier.
– Sugar: Swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan sweetener option.
– Garlic clove: If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
– Shallots: Don’t have shallots? Swap them out for red onion or skip them altogether.
– Vinegar: You can add a little extra acidity to the vinaigrette by swapping out the white wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
– Creamy Vinaigrette: Add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or vegan substitute for a creamy twist.
– Dijon Mustard: If you don’t have dijon mustard at home, try using a different kind like spicy brown mustard or leave it out entirely.
This versatile vinaigrette adds brightness to any green salad, roast veggies or drizzled over grains. Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize it according to your palate.
Serving and Pairing
Once your easy Meyer lemon vinaigrette is ready, it’s time to pair it with some delicious foods. This vegan-friendly recipe complements a variety of dishes, adding a citrusy punch to any salad or vegetable plate.
When serving this zesty dressing, consider pairing it with a simple green salad, as it blends with freshness and earthy flavors. You could also opt for arugula salad, or drizzle it over a bed of spinach leaves for a healthy lunch. Pairing the vinaigrette with roasted vegetables also enhances their natural sweet flavor– especially cauliflower, broccoli or asparagus.
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap traditional balsamic vinaigrettes in pasta salads with the Meyer lemon alternative. The creamy texture of the dressing makes it perfect for mixing with other ingredients such as quinoa, chickpeas and feta cheese creating rich earthy textures with an extra tang of citrus flavor.
For more bottomless bites options, try this on grilled chicken or salmon; the bright acidity of the Meyer lemon juice will perfectly balance out the smoky flavors from the grill. Besides dressing salads and roasted vegetables and meats, I recommend trying this dressing in place of lime in tropical recipes for an irresistible island-style different tastes.
No matter how you choose to enjoy this easy Meyer lemon vinaigrette, this recipe will make up for its simplicity with flavor-filled elegance during dinner time.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Fret not, the Meyer lemon vinaigrette can be made well ahead of time without compromising its flavor or texture. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week. The best way to maintain its taste and freshness is to keep it in an air-tight container.
If you intend to make the dressing for a large gathering or party, you can double the recipe and store it in advance. This dressing conveniently pairs with many salad recipes, such as arugula, kale, spinach, and bottomless bites.
When you’re ready to serve the dish, remove the container from the fridge before reheating or whisking it again. If you want to add some extra flavors, give it a good shake with some minced shallot or dijon mustard.
If you decide on a creamy Meyer lemon dressing, feel free to refrigerate it- undisturbed- for up to a whole week. You may notice separation in these dressings over time due to olive oil content which typically solidifies at low temperatures- this doesn’t affect their taste or texture. Before re-serving, remove from the fridge and whisk together until smooth.
It’s worth mentioning that regular lemon juice can be used as a substitution if Meyer lemons are not readily available. Honey vinaigrette version goes well little with wine vinegar while balsamic vinegar adds that extra depth to vinaigrette salad dressings.
Enjoy this healthy recipe in its intended zestiness and tanginess by making it ahead of time, storing it correctly and reheating when necessary!
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette is an art. With a little bit of practice and attention to detail, you can take your vinaigrette to a whole new level. Here are some important tips that will help you get the most out of your vinaigrette:
1. Watch the Ratio:
The ratio of oil to acid in vinaigrette is very important. The classic ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part acid but in our recipe, we call for 2 parts oil to 1 part acid with one of the acid parts derived from Meyer Lemon zest. Stick to this ratio and adjust accordingly if needed.
2. Quality Ingredients:
Fresh, quality ingredients are crucial for a flavorful vinaigrette. Use only high-quality extra virgin olive oil (my personal favorite) and fresh-squeezed lemon juice for best results. Also, make sure your garlic clove and shallot are minced finely enough so they don’t overpower the dressing.
3. Whisk it Good:
For a perfect emulsification (where the oil and vinegar don’t separate), remember to whisk everything together really well. If it starts separating immediately, keep whisking until it all comes together smoothly.
4. Salt Taste:
Make sure to season your vinaigrette with Fine Sea Salt gradually until it reaches the taste you prefer especially because different ingredients like mayonnaise end up contributing salt too.
5. Flavor Infusions:
Add additional herbs and spices for an extra punch of flavor depending on what you will be pairing with your salad such as dijon mustard or shallots minced glove along several possible other ingredients depending on preference when making this recipe which contributes that different extra flavor
6. Let It Sit:
Allow your dressing to rest for at least an hour before serving this helps flavours combine well.
By using these tips, you’ll be able to create a high-quality Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette that will make any salad sing!
Bottom Line
In summary, this Easy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette recipe is a must-try for those who are looking for a delicious and healthy salad dressing that’s vegan-friendly. With its balance of sweet and tangy flavors, it is sure to enhance any salad or even a simple vegetable dish.
The best part about this recipe is that it requires just a few simple ingredients and takes only 5 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Plus, with the various substitutions and variations you can make, the possibilities of using this recipe are endless. You can swap the Meyer lemons for regular lemons, use balsamic vinegar instead of white wine vinegar, or add some maple syrup for an extra sweetness boost!
Overall, this Easy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette recipe is not only tasty, but also versatile and customizable. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to incorporate more healthy and dairy-free options into their diet. So go ahead and give it a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Easy Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette (Vegan Friendly) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 meyer lemon, zest of
- 2 tablespoons meyer lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise (I'm sure plain yogurt, milk or cream, creme fraiche, sour cream, etc. would do if you're in a bind)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
Instructions
- In a non-reactive bowl whisk the ingredients together until smooth.
- Vinaigrettes taste better if they are prepared at least 1 hour in advance of serving.
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Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.