Lemon Dressing
Lemon Dressing Recipe - Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly
Introduction
Lemon dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to any dish, adding a bright and tangy flavor that complements a variety of ingredients. This simple dressing is easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways, from drizzling over salads to marinating meats and vegetables.
History
Lemon dressing has been a popular condiment for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs has been used in Mediterranean cuisine for generations, adding a burst of flavor to dishes.
Ingredients
- 0.25 tsp coarse salt
- 1.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice (3 lemons)
- 2.38 tbsp chopped scallions (white and light green parts)
- 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
How to prepare
- In a small bowl or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the ingredients. Whisk or shake until they are well blended.
- Use the mixture as a dip, for the salad, or as the marinade. Keep the fruit-based dressing in the refrigerator for later use.
Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute lime juice for the lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor in your dressing.
- Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste preferences.
- Store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Drizzle over a mixed green salad.
- Use as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish.
- Toss with roasted vegetables before serving.
Cooking Techniques
Whisk or shake the ingredients together until well blended.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use any type of vinegar in place of the lemon juice.
- Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey.
Make Ahead Tips
This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the dressing in a small pitcher or jar for a rustic presentation. - Drizzle the dressing over the dish in a decorative pattern.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this lemon dressing with grilled shrimp or scallops.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Allow the dressing to come to room temperature before using.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
204
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugars: 1.1g
Fats
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 0.2g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 12.6mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 0.3mg
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Summary
This lemon dressing is low in carbohydrates and protein, but high in healthy fats from olive oil. It also provides a good amount of vitamin C.
Summary
Lemon dressing is a simple and flavorful addition to any dish, adding a bright and tangy flavor that complements a variety of ingredients. This versatile dressing can be used in a variety of ways, from drizzling over salads to marinating meats and vegetables. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dressing that will elevate any meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was at a small farmers market in the south of France, where the air was filled with the scent of fresh herbs and ripe fruits. I stumbled upon a stall run by an elderly woman who was selling homemade dressings and sauces. Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she handed me a sample of her lemon dressing.
As soon as I tasted it, I knew I had to have the recipe. The tangy sweetness of the lemon, the sharpness of the vinegar, and the richness of the olive oil all combined to create a symphony of flavors on my taste buds. I begged the woman to share her secret with me, and after much cajoling, she finally relented.
She told me that the key to her lemon dressing was in the quality of the ingredients. She used only the freshest lemons, squeezed by hand to extract every last drop of juice. The vinegar she used was a special blend aged in oak barrels, giving it a depth of flavor that ordinary vinegar could never match. And the olive oil, oh the olive oil! It was a cold-pressed, extra virgin variety that she imported from a small farm in Tuscany.
I scribbled down the recipe on a scrap of paper, my heart racing with excitement. I couldn't wait to recreate this magical elixir in my own kitchen. As soon as I got home, I set to work gathering the ingredients and following the instructions to the letter.
The first step was to whisk together the lemon juice and vinegar, slowly drizzling in the olive oil as I stirred. The mixture emulsified beautifully, creating a creamy, golden dressing that glistened in the sunlight streaming through my kitchen window. I added a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, tasting as I went until the balance of flavors was just right.
I poured the dressing over a simple green salad of mixed lettuces, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers. With a flourish, I tossed the salad, making sure every leaf was coated in the tangy goodness of the lemon dressing. I took a bite and closed my eyes in ecstasy, savoring the burst of flavor on my tongue.
From that moment on, lemon dressing became a staple in my kitchen. I drizzled it over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and even used it as a marinade for seafood. Friends and family marveled at the vibrant taste of my dishes, and I shared the recipe with anyone who asked.
Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a touch of honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor. But the core ingredients remain the same, a testament to the wisdom of that elderly woman at the farmers market so long ago.
Now, as I look back on all the meals I have shared with loved ones, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover the magic of lemon dressing. It is a reminder that sometimes the best recipes come from unexpected places, passed down through generations like treasured heirlooms.
So if you ever find yourself at a farmers market in the south of France, keep an eye out for a stall run by a mysterious old woman with a twinkle in her eye. You just might stumble upon the recipe for lemon dressing that will become a beloved tradition in your own kitchen, as it has in mine.
Categories
| Fruit Juice Recipes | Fruit Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Herb Recipes | No-cook Recipes | Olive Oil Recipes | Quick And Easy Recipes | Salad Dressing Recipes | Scallion Recipes | Two-step Recipes | Vegan Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | World Recipes |