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Fresh Classic French Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe Easy Homemade Tangy Dressing with Tarragon

French lemon Dijon vinaigrette - featured image
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A bright, tangy French vinaigrette featuring fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and aromatic tarragon. This easy homemade dressing emulsifies beautifully and adds a fresh, sophisticated lift to salads and veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon, seeds removed)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh finely chopped tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch or two freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Roll the lemon on the counter a few times to loosen the juice, then cut in half and squeeze about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) into a small mixing bowl. Remove any seeds.
  2. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard into the lemon juice until fully combined.
  3. If using, add 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup and mix well.
  4. Whisk the lemon-mustard mixture vigorously while slowly drizzling in 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil to form a smooth, creamy vinaigrette.
  5. Stir in 1 small clove of finely minced garlic if desired.
  6. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch or two of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Fold in 1 teaspoon fresh chopped tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon.
  8. Let the dressing sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld (optional but recommended).
  9. Whisk again before serving if the vinaigrette separates.

Notes

Slowly drizzle the olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a stable emulsion. Fresh tarragon is preferred but dried works well at half the amount. Letting the vinaigrette rest for at least 10 minutes enhances flavor melding. If separated, whisk again before use. Substitute maple syrup for honey to make it vegan. Use avocado oil for a milder taste. Variations include adding shallots, red pepper flakes, or swapping tarragon for basil or chervil.

Nutrition

Keywords: vinaigrette, lemon dressing, Dijon mustard, tarragon, French dressing, salad dressing, homemade vinaigrette, tangy dressing, easy dressing

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/fresh-classic-french-lemon-dijon-vinaigrette-recipe-easy-homemade-tangy-dressing-with-tarragon/