This homemade lemon thyme vinaigrette combines the freshness of lemon with the earthy notes of thyme, creating a versatile dressing that pairs well with salads, grilled veggies, or as a marinade for proteins. Plus, it's dairy-free and made without butter or cream.
Jump to:
Why you'll love this recipe
Salad Dressing. This vinaigrette elevates any salad, from simple greens to hearty grain bowls. Try it with our Balsamic Maple Dressing or Creamy Orange Dressing for variety.
Lemon. The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright, tangy flavor that complements a variety of dishes. If you're a lemon lover, don't miss our Lemon Mustard Sauce or Lemon Chicken.
5-Minute Sauce. Short on time? This vinaigrette comes together in just 5 minutes. For other quick sauces, check out our Garlic and Soy Sauce, Greek Yogurt Dill Dip or Honey Mustard Sauce.
Versatile. Beyond Salads, use this vinaigrette as a marinade for Chicken, Seafood, or tofu, or drizzle it over Mediterranean Vegetables for added flavor.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Olive Oil. I recommend opting for a good quality extra virgin olive oil as this recipe has minimal ingredients. .
Lemon Juice & Zest. Fresh is preferred. Zest is optional, but adds a good kick.
Fresh Thyme. Imparts an earthy, aromatic note. If unavailable, dried thyme can be used, but fresh is recommended. You could substitute with other fresh herbs like dill, basil or even oregano.
Garlic Cloves. Adds depth and a subtle pungency. I recommend fresh due to the minimal ingredients, but you can use jarred if it's all that's available.
White Sugar. Balances the acidity of the lemon. Honey or maple syrup can be substituted for a different sweetness profile.
Please check the recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantity.
Top Tip
More flavour. Let the vinaigrette sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. This is why it's great for meal preps.
Hack. Make a double batch and use it as a marinade for proteins or a drizzle over roasted vegetables throughout the week.
What can you serve lemon thyme vinaigrette with?
You can serve this as a Salad dressing like on top of a summer salad like Vietnamese Beef, or a Thai Squid Salad.
You could also use it to marinate a Butterflied Chicken or a Barramundi.
How long can you store this dressing?
Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If the olive oil solidifies, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and shake well before use (or give it a quick 10 second blitz in the microwave and shake).
As it can be stored for a couple of weeks, it's great for meal prepping and adding on top of Salads, Vegetables or your favourite proteins to mix-and-match your flavours.
If you want more meal prep information, check out my Meal Prep for Beginners post and my Meal Prep Basics E-Book.
FAQs
Yes, but use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated
Yes, as long as you use white sugar or a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.
Absolutely! It's great for marinating your favourite proteins like Chicken, Seafood - even Pork and Tofu.
It complements fresh leafy salads like Peach and Prosciutto Salad, or you can pour it on top of roasted vegetables like Mediterranean Vegetables for a refreshing touch.
Other sauces and vinaigrettes?
Or, you can have a browse through my Sauces category for more delicious eats.
Recipe
Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette
Save Recipe?
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, see note 1
- ¼ cup lemon juice, see note 2
- 1 tablespoon lemon rind, see note 2
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, see note 3
- 2 garlic cloves, minced, see note 4
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine fresh ¼ cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon rind, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon white sugar, ¼ cup water
- Slowly whisk in ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is emulsified. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Leave a Reply