Lemon Chive Vinaigrette
A vibrant, homemade lemon chive vinaigrette that's incredibly easy to prepare and far superior to store-bought options, perfect for elevating any green salad or roasted vegetables.
For 4 servings
Gather all ingredients. Finely chop the fresh chives and juice the lemon.
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the salt is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking. Continue whisking until the vinaigrette is emulsified and appears creamy and uniform.
Stir in the finely chopped fresh chives. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Serve immediately over your favorite salad greens or roasted vegetables.
Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Whisk or shake well before each use as separation may occur.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Quality Ingredients Matter: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Store-bought lemon juice often lacks the brightness of fresh.
- 2Emulsification is Key: Whisking slowly while adding the oil helps create a stable emulsion. If it separates, a quick re-whisk or shake will bring it back together.
- 3Adjust to Taste: Always taste your vinaigrette before serving. Lemon juice acidity can vary, so you might need to adjust salt, pepper, or add a tiny bit more honey for balance.
- 4Beyond Salads: This versatile vinaigrette isn't just for salads! Drizzle it over steamed asparagus, roasted chicken, grilled fish, or use it as a marinade for vegetables.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Swap
Replace chives with other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, tarragon, or a mix of fine herbs for a different aromatic profile.
Citrus TwistCitrus Twist
Substitute half of the lemon juice with fresh orange or lime juice for a sweeter or tangier citrus note.
Garlic InfusionGarlic Infusion
Mince 1 small clove of garlic and whisk it into the vinaigrette for a pungent, savory kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Vitamin C Boost
Fresh lemon juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes skin health.
Antioxidant Rich
Chives contain antioxidants like quercetin and sulfur-containing compounds, which may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Vinaigrettes are an emulsion of oil and water-based ingredients. Separation is natural over time. Dijon mustard helps stabilize it, but a quick whisk or shake before serving will bring it back together.
