Making really good salad dressings is kind of a superpower of mine. The right balance of oil and vinegar matters and it’s important that the seasonings act in a supporting role and don’t take over.

Balsamic salad dressings especially are some of my favorites. And this lemon balsamic dressing is one of the best.

a clear bottle with lemon balsamic dressing in it on a black plate with half a lemon and a spoon with dressing on it
Shallots bring sweetness to lemon salad dressing perfect for arugula.

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It’s got it all… a fresh tang thanks to the lemon, a bit of sweetness from white balsamic. It’s understated in the best way and worth being at the front of your favorite salad dressings recipe file.

p.s. Want more salad dressing know-how? I’ve got a tutorial on how to make salad dressing from scratch that’ll tell you all you need to know.

Ingredients needed

Ingredients for lemon balsamic dressing including lemons, mustard, garlic, white balsamic, shallots on a wooden board with gray checkered backsplash

I love simple grocery lists…especially one like this you probably already have most everything!

  • Lemon. Make sure to compare lemons in the store. You want a heavy one with not too thick of skin. Those are the juiciest!
  • White balsamic vinaigrette. Ok—this one you might have to buy but maybe you already did because you’re obsessed with my white balsamic dressing recipe? It’s lighter in intensity when compared with traditional balsamic vinegar.
  • Shallot. They’re slightly variegated, purple and look like elongated mini-onions. And they’re so sweet!
  • Really good olive oil. One of my favorites is Olio Santo from California or any 100% Italian olive oils.

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How to make lemon balsamic vinaigrette

Garlic and lemon minced for lemon balsamic dressing on wooden board.
Finely mince garlic and shallot.
a white bowl with a whisk mixing ingredients for lemon balsamic salad dressing.
Whisk mustard and olive oil in with vinegar, shallots and garlic. Season.
  • Minced the shallot and garlic very finely.
  • In a medium bowl, glass measuring cap or Mason jar, pour in the vinegar and lemon juice.
  • Add the shallot and garlic (can do this ahead so they absorb lots of flavor).
  • Whisk in the mustard until combined followed by the olive oil. If using a Mason jar, screw a lid on tightly and shake until combined.
  • Season, whisk or shake again. Taste and adjust for seasoning.

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a lemon, a spoon with dressing and a clear bottle of lemon salad dressing sit on a black plate
5 from 1 vote

5-Minute Lemon and White Balsamic Dressing

If you are a fan of tangy salad dressings, you're going to love this lemon and white balsamic dressing. With big zesty flavor, thanks to shallots and garlic, this dressing is used on my roasted veggie panzanella salad and also is perfect for simple greens.
Makes 1 1/3 cup

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Print RATE PIN
Prep Time:5 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes
Servings 1.3 cups
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Ingredients
 

Instructions

  • Mince the shallots and onion very finely and add to vinegar and lemon juice in a measuring cup or bowl.
    ⅓ cup white balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons chopped shallots, 1 teaspoon chopped garlic, 1 lemon juiced and zested
  • Whisk in mustard, olive oil and seasoning until blended. Or add to glass jar with a lid and carefully shake until blended. Taste and correct seasoning as needed.
    ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black ground pepper

Notes

Make ahead tips
    • The dressing can be made a few days ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.
  •  
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Lori Murphy
Like this? Leave a commentI love hearing from you and I want to hear how it went with this recipe! Leave a comment and rating below, then share on social media @josieandnina and #josieandnina!
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About Lori Murphy

Lori has over 30 years in the food industry as a marketing strategist, culinary instructor and chef for three kids with discerning palates. As the chief content creator at Josie + Nina, Lori is dedicated to helping home cooks create food memories through fresh ingredients and Italian flavors.

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5 from 1 vote

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