Brighten Up Your Plate with Hillside Homesteader’s Lemon Herb Dressing (and Marinade!)

If you’re looking for a quick way to add a burst of fresh flavor to your meals, Hillside Homesteader has created the perfect recipe: Lemon Herb Dressing. It’s not just a vibrant dressing for salads — it also doubles beautifully as a marinade for chicken or pork. Light, zesty, and herb-packed, this versatile recipe is one you’ll want to keep handy all year long.

Why We Love It
What sets this dressing apart is its bright lemony base balanced with aromatic herbs and the subtle bite of Dijon mustard. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and brings a fresh, homemade touch to anything you drizzle it over. Plus, with a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s a quick win for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend grilling sessions.

Lemon Herb Dressing (or Marinade)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (Feel free to add any other fresh herbs you love — basil, thyme, or dill are great choices!)
1 shallot, finely diced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Juice and zest of ½ a lemon
⅓ cup olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a jar or small bowl, combine the shallot, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper.

Vigorously shake the jar (or whisk if using a bowl) until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth dressing.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — add a bit more lemon juice if you want an extra zing.

Just before serving, stir or shake in the chopped fresh herbs to keep their flavors vibrant and fresh.

Yields: About 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Tips for Using It as a Marinade:
For Chicken: Marinate boneless breasts or thighs for 1–2 hours before grilling or roasting.

For Pork: Try it with pork chops or tenderloin for a juicy, flavorful finish — marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for even bolder flavor.

Pro Tip: Reserve a little of the dressing before marinating to drizzle over your cooked meat for a fresh finish.

Final Thoughts
Whether you’re tossing a salad, dressing roasted vegetables, or prepping dinner for the grill, Hillside Homesteader’s Lemon Herb Dressing brings a pop of sunshine to the table. Simple, fresh, and so delicious — it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen too.

Give it a try and let the flavors of summer shine through every dish!