There’s just something about summer salads, right? All those crisp veggies, juicy fruits, and bursts of color make you feel instantly refreshed. But the truth is, what really makes a salad shine is the dressing. This summer salad dressing has become my go-to because it’s light, tangy, and slightly sweet in the best way. It goes with everything leafy greens, grilled veggies, or even a simple fruit salad. Once you make it, you might not go back to store-bought again.
Recipe Details
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: Makes about 1 cup (enough for 4 salads)
Calories: About 120 per serving (2 tablespoons)
Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad Dressing
- It’s fresh and light, perfect for warm days.
- Comes together in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Tastes amazing on all kinds of salads or grilled dishes.
- Keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill
How to Make It
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
- Slowly add the olive oil while whisking until the dressing blends smoothly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if you’re using them.
- Taste and adjust to your liking. Want it tangier? Add more lemon juice. Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more honey.
- Serve right away or store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.
Serving Ideas
- Drizzle it over a strawberry spinach salad for a fresh twist.
- Toss with roasted or grilled veggies for extra flavor.
- Mix into a pasta or quinoa salad for a light, zesty touch.
Fresh Summer Salad Dressing Recipe
Difficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill
Directions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
- Slowly add the olive oil while whisking until the dressing blends smoothly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if you’re using them.
- Taste and adjust to your liking. Want it tangier? Add more lemon juice. Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more honey.
- Serve right away or store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.

