Lemon Mustard Tarragon Vinaigrette

A bright, herbaceous vinaigrette balanced with Dijon, fresh lemon, and orange blossom honey. Finished with finely chopped tarragon for an anise-tinged lift.

Why You'll Love Lemon Mustard Tarragon Vinaigrette

This is the dressing that makes a simple salad feel composed. The mustard builds body, the lemon keeps it sharp, and the tarragon brings a soft anise note that pairs with just about anything green. It comes together in under five minutes and holds in the fridge - ready to pour over roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a pile of butter lettuce. One of those quiet workhorses that elevates whatever it touches.

Tips and Tricks

• Whisk the mustard into the acid before adding oil - it's the emulsifier that keeps everything stable.
• Pour the oil in a slow, steady stream while whisking for a thicker, creamier emulsion.
• Use fresh tarragon, not dried - the flavor is a different animal.
• Taste and adjust at the end. Lemon varies in acidity, so trust your palate.

Variations

• Swap tarragon for fresh dill or chervil for a different herbal profile.
• Add a small minced shallot for body and bite.
• Stir in a spoon of crème fraîche for a creamy version.

Substitutions

• Orange blossom honey → regular honey or maple syrup
• Dijon mustard → whole grain mustard for more texture
• Olive oil → a neutral oil like grapeseed for a milder finish

Best served with

• Butter lettuce or little gem salads
• Grilled asparagus or blanched green beans
• Roasted chicken or seared white fish

How to Store Leftovers

Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. The oil may solidify when cold - let it come to room temperature and shake well before using.

Common Questions

Lemon Mustard Tarragon Vinaigrette

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A bright, herbaceous vinaigrette balanced with Dijon, fresh lemon, and orange blossom honey. Finished with finely chopped tarragon for an anise-tinged lift.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course: Dressing/Condiment, sauce

Cuisine: Californian, French Inspired

Calories: 1017

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

• 1 lemon zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon tarragon
• 1 teaspoon honey orange blossom honey
• ½ cup olive oil
• kosher salt
• black pepper

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Microplane or zester
• airtight jar for storage

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, zest, Dijon, tarragon, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream until fully emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Drizzle over salad greens, grilled vegetables, or roasted chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonCalories: 1017kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 110gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 80gSodium: 337mgPotassium: 262mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 315IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

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