Savory Spirulina Vinaigrette
A vibrant, emerald-green vinaigrette that packs an umami punch from spirulina powder, balanced by bright lemon juice and a hint of garlic. Perfect drizzled over grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or crisp salads for a quick, nutrient-dense boost.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Measure and prep all ingredients.
1.Juice the lemon to get 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.2.Peel and finely mince the garlic clove.3.Measure out the olive oil, spirulina powder, dijon mustard, and honey. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk together all ingredients except oil.
1.In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, spirulina powder, minced garlic, dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.2.Whisk vigorously until the spirulina powder is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. - mix · ~2 min
Emulsify the vinaigrette with olive oil.
1.Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously.2.Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth, glossy, and fully emulsified.TIPA steady, thin stream of oil while whisking fast creates the best emulsion. - mix · ~1 min
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Dip a leaf of lettuce or your finger into the vinaigrette. Add another pinch of salt, pepper, or a drop of lemon juice if needed to balance the flavors.
- serve
Serve immediately or store for later.
Drizzle over your favorite salad, grain bowl, or roasted vegetables. If storing, pour into a sealed jar and refrigerate. The vinaigrette may thicken slightly when chilled; let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes and shake before using.
TIPThis dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best emulsion, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before whisking.
- 2If the vinaigrette tastes flat, add a tiny pinch of salt — it amplifies the earthy spirulina notes.
- 3Let the vinaigrette sit for 5 minutes after whisking to allow the spirulina flavor to meld.
- 4If the dressing thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it.
- 5Use a glass jar with a tight lid for storage — shake vigorously before each use to re-emulsify.
- 6For a milder garlic flavor, steep the minced garlic in the lemon juice for 5 minutes before mixing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Replace 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 3 tablespoons of water or unsweetened almond milk; the vinaigrette will be thinner but still flavorful, ideal for lower-calorie dressings.
herb infusedHerb-infused
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for extra freshness and color complexity.
spicySpicy
Whisk in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a gentle heat that complements the earthy spirulina.
veganVegan
Substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar — the sweetness remains balanced, and it stays plant-based.
citrus swapCitrus-swap
Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly more tart, tropical edge that pairs well with avocado and corn salads.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Spirulina powder is a concentrated source of phycocyanin and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Good Source of Plant Protein
Spirulina provides a small but meaningful amount of complete plant protein per serving, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil delivers monounsaturated fats, which are linked to better cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
Contains Essential B Vitamins
Spirulina is naturally rich in B vitamins, including B12 (often hard to get from plants), which support energy metabolism.
Low in Added Sugars
With only 1/2 teaspoon of honey per batch, this vinaigrette keeps added sugar minimal while still balancing acidity.
Frequently asked questions
Spirulina can taste bitter if overused or if the powder is old; stick to 1 teaspoon and use fresh, high-quality spirulina. Balancing with lemon juice and honey also masks any off-notes.
