If you love fresh and tangy salad dressings, you will enjoy this Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe. It is light, zesty and full of bright lemon flavor.
I first tried this dressing at Pita Jungle and loved how it made simple salads taste exciting. This Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe is easy to make at home.
Today I will show you exactly How to make Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Why I Love Making This Lemon Vinaigrette
Lemon vinaigrette always feels fresh and cheerful. It adds a bright flavor to any salad or roasted vegetables. I remember using this dressing for a summer family lunch.
Everyone loved the tangy freshness it brought to greens and grilled veggies. Making it at home allows me to adjust the lemon and olive oil balance perfectly.
Inspired by the light, healthy cooking style of Pita Jungle, this vinaigrette is simple, healthy and delicious. It is one of my go-to dressings for busy weeknights.
Equipment List
- Small mixing bowl or jar with lid
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Lemon squeezer or juicer
- Fine grater or zester
- Airtight container for storage
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette
- Servings: About 1 cup (8 servings)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Course: Dressing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Calories: About 90 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Juice the Lemon
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Remove seeds. Fresh lemon juice makes the vinaigrette bright and tangy.
2. Add Mustard and Honey
Add Dijon mustard and honey into the lemon juice. Whisk gently until the mixture is smooth. This balances the tang and sweetness.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Stir to mix evenly. The garlic gives mild warmth without overpowering the citrus flavor.
4. Whisk in Olive Oil
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly. This helps emulsify the dressing. The mixture becomes smooth and slightly thick.
5. Add Fresh Parsley
If using parsley, stir it in at this stage. It adds color and a mild fresh taste. Mix gently to combine.
6. Taste and Adjust
Taste your vinaigrette carefully. Adjust salt, honey or lemon juice if needed. Whisk again for even consistency. Your Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette is ready to use.
Read More: El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Substitute honey with agave or maple syrup for vegan option.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for mild heat.
- Use a blender for extra smooth emulsification.
- Try with lime juice for a different citrus twist.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Vinaigrettes have been popular in Mediterranean cooking for centuries. Lemon and olive oil are classic ingredients in Greek and Italian cuisine.
Pita Jungle modernized this simple concept with a bright, fresh and balanced dressing.
Lemon vinaigrette is versatile and adds freshness to salads, grilled vegetables and even fish. Its popularity has grown in healthy eateries across the US.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
This Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe pairs perfectly with fresh mixed greens. It also works well on roasted vegetables or quinoa salad.
Drizzle over grilled chicken or fish for light flavor. Try it on Mediterranean bowls with hummus, olives and pita bread. It brightens simple dishes without overpowering them.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Lemon vinaigrette is perfect for summer lunches. It works well for picnic salads and potluck dishes. I often use it for weekday dinners to quickly dress greens.
It is also ideal for light brunches or healthy family meals. The bright flavor makes any dish feel fresh and cheerful.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to seven days.
- Shake or whisk before each use to recombine ingredients.
- Do not heat as it can separate the oil and lemon juice.
- Keep away from direct sunlight or warm areas for best freshness.
- Add extra lemon juice before serving if dressing thickens too much.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Health Benefits
This lemon vinaigrette is low in calories and full of healthy fats. Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Lemon juice adds vitamin C and antioxidants.
Garlic contributes small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Using natural sweeteners instead of sugar keeps it lighter.
This dressing can enhance salads without adding extra heavy calories. It is perfect for a balanced and healthy diet.
Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
Juice the Lemon
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Remove seeds. Fresh lemon juice makes the vinaigrette bright and tangy.
Add Mustard and Honey
- Add Dijon mustard and honey into the lemon juice. Whisk gently until the mixture is smooth. This balances the tang and sweetness.
Add Garlic and Seasonings
- Add minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Stir to mix evenly. The garlic gives mild warmth without overpowering the citrus flavor.
Whisk in Olive Oil
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly. This helps emulsify the dressing. The mixture becomes smooth and slightly thick.
Add Fresh Parsley
- If using parsley, stir it in at this stage. It adds color and a mild fresh taste. Mix gently to combine.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste your vinaigrette carefully. Adjust salt, honey or lemon juice if needed. Whisk again for even consistency. Your Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette is ready to use.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Substitute honey with agave or maple syrup for vegan option.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for mild heat.
- Use a blender for extra smooth emulsification.
- Try with lime juice for a different citrus twist.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
FAQs about Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette
1. Can I make Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it one day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before serving. The flavors actually blend better after resting for a few hours.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch but may taste less vibrant. Adjust sweetness or seasoning if using bottled juice.
3. How can I make this vinaigrette creamy?
Add one tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise while whisking. This gives a smooth and creamy texture without losing the citrus flavor.
4. Are the Ingredients for Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette easy to find?
Yes, the Ingredients for Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette are simple. Olive oil, lemon, garlic and mustard are pantry staples. Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice touch.
5. What salads work best with this dressing?
It pairs well with green salads, quinoa bowls, Mediterranean salads and grilled vegetables. Light leafy greens like spinach and arugula taste especially fresh with this vinaigrette.
Final Thoughts
This Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe is fresh, tangy and full of bright flavor. Now you know exactly How to make Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette at home.
The Ingredients for Pita Jungle Lemon Vinaigrette are easy and affordable. Try it on salads, bowls or roasted vegetables. It will add a cheerful and healthy touch to your meals.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.