Plated in Season

“Sunshine in a Jar: Your Go-To Fresh Lemon & Herb Summer Dressing”
Date: June 26, 2025

Why Our Homemade Lemon Dressing Is Your Healthier Summer Secret!
Summer is all about fresh flavors, vibrant produce, and meals that make you feel light and energized. But often, the quickest way to add flavor – a bottled salad dressing – can secretly sabotage your healthy intentions. Packed with hidden sugars, unhealthy oils, artificial flavors, and preservatives, those store-bought options can turn a crisp, wholesome salad into a calorie and chemical bomb.
That’s where this Fresh Lemon & Herb Summer Dressing comes in! Forget the questionable ingredients; this homemade gem is bursting with natural goodness. It delivers a fresh lemon zing with a hint of sweetness from local honey, perfectly balanced by fragrant basil and the subtle bite of shallots. It’s not just a dressing; it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients, made healthier, easily, right in your kitchen.

• No Hidden Sugars: Many bottled dressings list “sugar,” “corn syrup,” or “fructose” among their top ingredients. I use just a touch of natural honey for balance, letting the fresh lemon shine.
• Quality Fats: use high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a fantastic source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, unlike the highly processed, inflammatory seed oils often found in commercial dressings.
• Pure, Fresh Ingredients: You control every single ingredient. No artificial colors, flavors, or questionable stabilizers. Just pure, wholesome goodness from fresh lemons, aromatic herbs, and savory shallots.
• Nutrient-Rich: Fresh lemon juice provides a boost of Vitamin C, while olive oil offers beneficial compounds. You’re adding real nutrition, not just empty calories.
• Tailored to Your Taste: Adjust the salt, sweetness, or tang to perfectly suit your palate – something you can never do with a bottle from the store!

Sunshine in a Jar: Fresh Lemon & Herb Summer Dressing
Yields: Approx. 12 oz (1.5 cups)
Prep time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:

• 4 oz (approx. ½ cup) fresh squeezed lemon juice (from 2-3 large lemons)
• 8 oz (approx. 1 cup) high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp freshly minced shallots
• 1 tsp local honey
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1.5 tbsp fresh chopped basil for an even more vibrant flavor!)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
  INSTRUCTIONS:
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a measuring cup, bowl, or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the fresh squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced shallots, local honey, dried basil (or fresh basil), sea salt, and onion powder.
• Whisk or Shake: Whisk vigorously or shake the jar well to fully combine these initial ingredients.
• Emulsify with Oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking or shaking the jar. Continue until the dressing is beautifully emulsified and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Taste & Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might prefer a tiny bit more salt, or a touch more honey if your lemons are particularly tart.
• Store: Pour into an airtight container or jar and store in the refrigerator.
  TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS & STORAGE:
• Freshness Matters: The quality of your lemon juice and olive oil makes all the difference in the final taste. Opt for freshly squeezed lemons over bottled juice.
• Shake Before Use: The dressing may separate slightly in the fridge; just give it a good shake before each use.
• Bring to Temperature: If the olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator, simply let the dressing sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and shake again before serving.
• Shelf Life: This dressing will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
  Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Summer Zest!
  This versatile dressing is your new secret weapon for healthy, flavorful summer meals. Here are just a few ideas:
• Vibrant Salads: The obvious choice! Drizzle over mixed greens, spinach, or kale with your favorite summer veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
• Grilled Vegetable Perfection: Toss with warm grilled veggies for a bright, herbaceous finish.
• Light Protein Marinade: Use as a quick marinade for chicken breast, fish (like salmon or cod), or shrimp before grilling or baking.
• Healthy Potato Salad: A fantastic, lighter alternative to mayo-based potato salads. Toss with cooled, cooked potatoes, chopped celery, and fresh herbs.
• Grain Bowls: Elevate your weekly meal prep by drizzling over a bowl of quinoa, farro, or brown rice packed with roasted veggies and chickpeas.