Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This vibrant Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette offers a fresh, zesty flavor that elevates any salad or dish.
Discover the refreshing taste of Meyer lemons combined with honey and thyme in this delightful vinaigrette. Perfect for brightening up your favorite salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing citrus flavor
- Natural sweetness from honey
- Versatile for salads, marinades, and more
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
This Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette is a culinary delight that combines the natural tartness of Meyer lemons with the sweetness of honey. The result is a dressing that is both bright and refreshing, making it the perfect addition to any salad. Whether you're tossing together a simple green salad or a more complex dish with roasted vegetables, this vinaigrette will enhance the flavors beautifully.
The fresh thyme leaves add an earthy herbal note that complements the citrus and honey. Thyme is not only aromatic but also known for its health benefits, including antioxidant properties. This vinaigrette provides a well-rounded flavor profile that can elevate even the simplest of meals.
Versatile Uses
One of the best aspects of this vinaigrette is its versatility. While it’s fantastic on salads, it can also serve as a marvelous marinade for grilled chicken or fish. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to tenderize the meat, infusing it with flavor while keeping it moist during the cooking process.
You can also use this vinaigrette drizzled over roasted vegetables or as a dipping sauce for fresh bread. Its bright notes can transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience, making it a go-to dressing for any occasion.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Preparing this Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette is incredibly simple and requires just a few minutes. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dressing in no time. The process of whisking the ingredients together not only combines the flavors but also creates a lovely emulsion that clings to your salads and dishes beautifully.
Making your own vinaigrette at home not only allows you to control the ingredients but also ensures that you are using fresh, high-quality components. This homemade dressing is free from preservatives and additives, allowing you to enjoy a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredients
Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, honey, and thyme leaves until well combined.
Add Olive Oil
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
Season
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
Serve
Drizzle over your favorite salads or use as a marinade for grilled dishes.
Storage Tips
To keep your Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week, although you may find that the flavors intensify over time. Before using, give it a good shake to re-emulsify any separation that may occur.
If you find that the dressing has thickened after refrigeration, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using. You can also add a splash of water or extra lemon juice to adjust the consistency if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with a variety of salads, including mixed greens, spinach, or even grain-based salads like quinoa or farro. Consider adding nuts or seeds for an extra crunch, or toss in some dried fruits for a hint of sweetness that complements the vinaigrette perfectly.
For a refreshing summer dish, try drizzling this dressing over a watermelon and feta salad. The sweet and savory combination will leave your taste buds dancing, making it a standout dish for summer gatherings or picnics.
Nutritional Benefits
Meyer lemons are known for their unique flavor and nutritional benefits. They are a great source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin. The honey in this vinaigrette not only adds sweetness but also provides antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties.
Olive oil is another star ingredient, rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Together, these components make this vinaigrette not just delicious, but also a nutritious addition to your meals.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?
Yes, but the flavor will be more tart. You might want to adjust the amount of honey.
→ How long can I store this vinaigrette?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
→ What can I use this vinaigrette on?
It's great on salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken and fish.
→ Is this vinaigrette gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free.
Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette
This vibrant Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette offers a fresh, zesty flavor that elevates any salad or dish.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 1 cup
What You'll Need
Meyer Lemon Honey Thyme Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, honey, and thyme leaves until well combined.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
Drizzle over your favorite salads or use as a marinade for grilled dishes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 0g