Lemon-Herb Dressing

This bright, herbaceous dressing is a perfect way to add flavor to any salad or roasted vegetables. The lemon juice provides a tart backbone, while the olive oil rounds out the flavor and adds richness. The fresh herbs add a bright, peppery flavor that complements the lemon and olive oil perfectly. It's also incredibly easy to make, and can be customized to your own taste preferences.

This recipe was inspired by a trip to Italy, where I had the pleasure of eating some of the most delicious salads I've ever tasted. The dressings were always simple, but they were always packed with flavor. I knew I had to recreate them at home, so I started experimenting with different combinations of ingredients until I came up with this one. It's the perfect balance of acidity, richness, and herby freshness.

Prep time: 5 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, cilantro, basil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
3. Drizzle over salads, vegetables, or use as a marinade.

Why It Works

• The lemon juice adds a bright, tart flavor that balances out the richness of the olive oil.
• The fresh herbs add a bright, peppery flavor that complements the lemon and olive oil perfectly.
• The Dijon mustard adds a bit of tang and creaminess, which helps to emulsify the dressing and make it smooth and creamy.
• The salt and pepper help to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and round out the dressing.
• The red pepper flakes add a bit of heat, which gives the dressing a nice little kick.