The Honey Lemon Dressing is a light, refreshing, and versatile dressing that pairs beautifully with a variety of salads, from leafy greens to fruit salads. Its delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors can also make it a great marinade for chicken or fish. Here's how you can prepare this simple yet flavorful dressing:
Ingredients:
- Creamed Honey: 1/4 cup. Creamed honey's thick consistency blends well with the other ingredients, providing a smooth, sweet base.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup. The juice from about 1-2 lemons, depending on their size and juiciness. Lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the honey.
- Olive Oil: 1/2 cup. A quality extra virgin olive oil will add a fruity, peppery background note to the dressing.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the overall flavor profile of the dressing.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adds a slight heat and complexity.
Instructions:
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Mix Honey and Lemon Juice:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the creamed honey and fresh lemon juice until well combined. The acidity of the lemon juice will help to soften the consistency of the creamed honey, making it easier to mix with the oil.
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Emulsify with Olive Oil:
- While whisking continuously, slowly pour the olive oil into the honey-lemon mixture. This gradual addition and constant whisking will help emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and cohesive blend. The emulsion process is crucial for preventing the oil and lemon juice from separating.
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Season:
- Once the oil is fully incorporated, season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk again to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
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Adjust to Taste:
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a bit more creamed honey. For more tanginess, a squeeze more lemon juice. The dressing should have a pleasant balance of sweet and sour flavors, complemented by the richness of the olive oil.
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Serve or Store:
- The dressing can be used immediately, or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the olive oil solidifies or the ingredients separate while in the fridge, let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes and then shake or whisk it well before using.
This Honey Lemon Dressing is incredibly easy to make and can elevate any salad or dish it accompanies. Its natural sweetness and acidity can enhance the flavors of your ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for healthy and delicious meals.