First Watch Lemon Dressing Recipe

Have you ever been to First Watch and fallen in love with their fresh, delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing? This bright and tangy dressing is the perfect complement to any salad or veggie side.

With fresh lemon juice, zesty preserved lemon, honey, thyme, and olive oil, this easy 5 minute copycat lemon dressing recipe or First Watch will bring the flavors of First Watch lemon dressing into your very own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This First Watch Copycat Lemon Dressing

There are so many reasons to get excited about this light and citrusy lemon vinaigrette:

• It’s super quick and easy to make, with only 7 ingredients you likely have on hand. You’ll have this dressing whisked up in only 5 minutes!
• It’s fresh, bright, and packed with lemon flavor. The combination of fresh lemon juice and briny preserved lemon provides a wonderful citrus one-two punch.
• It’s versatile – drizzle it over salads, roasted veggies, fish, chicken – you name it! The options are endless.
• It’s customizable. Don’t like thyme? Leave it out. Want more zing? Add more lemon juice. Tailor the dressing to your taste.
• It’s healthy and light. With no cream or eggs, this dressing lets the fresh flavors shine. Olive oil and lemon provide healthy fats and antioxidants.

With just a few minutes and simple ingredients, you can create a delightful lemon dressing worthy of your favorite breakfast and brunch spot. Let’s get to the how-to!

How Does This Lemon Dressing Taste?

This easy homemade dressing truly captures the spirit of First Watch lemon dressing or lemon vinaigrette. It strikes the perfect balance between tart, bright lemon and smooth, fragrant olive oil. The preserved lemon adds a pleasant briny, salty pop that interacts beautifully with the honey and fresh thyme.

Each component brings something special to the party:

• Lemon juice provides mouthwatering tartness and acidity to balance the oil
• Preserved lemon gives an intriguing salty, fermented complexity
• Honey adds subtle sweetness to round out the acidity
• Thyme provides woodsy, heady fragrance that complements the citrus
• Olive oil lends a rich, smooth mouthfeel and fruitiness

Together these simple ingredients create a harmonious symphony of flavors. Every bite of salad or veggie drenched in this dressing will sing!

How to Make Lemon Dressing Like First Watch

Recreating the First Watch lemon dressing at home is so easy, with just 7 ingredients and 5 minutes of whisking. Here’s the simple process:

Ingredients:

• Preserved Lemon, minced – 2 Tbsp (rind only)
• Lemon Juice, fresh – 3 Tbsp
• Honey – 1 Tbsp
• Thyme Leaves, fresh – 1 tsp
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1⁄2 cup
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – to taste
• Xanthan Gum – a small pinch (optional thickener)

Tools:

• A food Processor or Blender

Step by Step Instructions

Step 01: Add All Ingredients

First, begin by adding all the ingredients except olive oil into the food processor (use a blender if you don’t have one). It’s best to use a spoon for pouring.

Step 02: Blending

Now plus the food processor a few times and break down the ingredients.

Step 03: Adding Olive Oil

Drizzle in the olive oil while the machine is running. This will thicken the vinaigrette a little bit.

Step 04: Add Xanthan Gum

At the same time, add a pinch of Xanthan gum in the dressing which will stabilize it.

Step 05: Storing

After mixing for a while, pour the dressing in a squeeze bottle at room temperature.

Step 06: Serving

Now serve with any salad you like. Just mix vegetables and fruits, shake the dressing & add it to your salad.This will taste like same as first watch lemon dressing

Special Notes:

• Use high quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor
• Adjust lemon juice to taste – add more for more puckery tartness
• Try minced shallot or garlic for extra flavor (let sit 10 mins before using)
• Thin with water or oil if dressing becomes too thick

Now that you know how easy it is to recreate this delightfully bright dressing at home, let’s explore some serving ideas!

Tantalizing Ways to Use Up This Addictive Lemon Dressing

This versatile lemon vinaigrette livens up so many dishes beyond just salads. Its bright, citrusy flavor pairs wonderfully with all kinds of ingredients. Get creative with these suggestions:

• Green salads – spinach, kale, arugula, mixed greens. The classic!
• Grain bowls – drizzle over quinoa, farro, wheat berries, brown rice.
• Roasted veggies – potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, asparagus.
• Grilled or baked chicken/fish – brush on or drizzle over any lean protein.
• Sandwiches/wraps – use as a tangy spread or drizzle in lieu of mayo.
• Tacos – drizzle on shrimp, fish or chicken tacos for a burst of citrus.
• Buddha bowls – use as dressing for nutrient dense bowls with veggies, grains etc.
• Burgers – unique tangy replacement for traditional burger toppings.
• Potato/pasta salad – wake up mayo-based salads with a splash of this.
• Avocado Toast – drizzle over Avocado Toast.

Storing and Reheating Leftover

Like any homemade dressing, proper storage is key to enjoying this zesty vinaigrette all week long after making a batch. Follow these tips:

• Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• If dressing separates, simply re-whisk or blend briefly before using again.
• For longer shelf life, consider storing in a sterilized glass jar or bottle.
• To freeze, pour into ice cube trays or muffin tins. Pop out cubes and store in freezer bags. Thaw as needed.

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, consider these reheating methods:

• Let dressing sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to re-emulsify, then whisk or blend briefly.
• For faster reheating, place container in a warm water bath for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• For frozen cubes, thaw in fridge overnight or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Lemon Vinaigrette

Here are some common FAQs:

What kind of lemon juice works best?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled is okay too. Use regular or Meyer lemons!

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, substitute 1⁄4 tsp dried thyme leaves for the fresh. Reduce amount if using ground dried thyme.

What oil is ideal for homemade dressings?

Good quality extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor, but any lighter oil like grapeseed or sunflower also works.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this dressing keeps for up to 1 week refrigerated.

Can I make a big batch and freeze it?

Yes! Freeze dressing in ice cube trays or muffin tins, then store cubes in bags for easy thawed dressing anytime.

Can I add other ingredients like garlic or herbs?

Absolutely! Minced garlic, shallot, basil, oregano, chives all make great additions.

Continue to Content

First Watch Lemon Dressing Recipe

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Recreate the addictively tangy First Watch Lemon Dressing Recipe with this easy 5-minute homemade dressing recipe.

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Ingredients

• Preserved Lemon, minced - 2 Tbsp (rind only)
• Lemon Juice, fresh - 3 Tbsp
• Honey - 1 Tbsp
• Thyme Leaves, fresh - 1 tsp
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 1⁄2 cup
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper - to taste
• Xanthan Gum - a small pinch (optional thickener)

Instructions

1. First, begin by adding all the ingredients except olive oil into the food processor (use a blender if you don't have one). It's best to use a spoon for pouring.
2. Now plus the food processor a few times and break down the ingredients.
3. Drizzle in the olive oil while the machine is running. This will thicken the vinaigrette a little bit.
4. At the same time, add a pinch of Xanthan gum in the dressing which will stabilize it.
5. After mixing for a while, pour the dressing in a squeeze bottle at room temperature.
6. Now serve with any salad you like. Just mix vegetables and fruits, shake the dressing & add it to your salad.This will taste like same as first watch lemon dressing.

Notes

Remember, these measurements are approximate, and you might need to adjust based on your preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 70Total Fat: 4.6gSaturated Fat: 05gTrans Fat: 0gSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g

Did you make this recipe?

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Conclusion

First Watch lemon dressing is the perfect balance of bright, acidic citrus and smooth, fragrant olive oil – and it’s so easy to make this light and flavorful dressing at home. With just 7 simple ingredients, 5 minutes, and 1 bowl, you can recreate that crave-worthy restaurant flavor to elevate salads, veggies, chicken, fish and more. So skip the takeout and enjoy this homemade masterpiece anytime – your tastebuds will thank you!