State Fare Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Give any salad a tangy, flavorful boost with this easy-to-make but memorable lemon vinaigrette dressing with roots at a Houston-area chain.

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State Fare Lemon Salad Dressing

One of the best ways to amp up any salad is with a vibrant vinaigrette dressing. Those who’ve dined at the Houston-area chain State Fare Kitchen & Bar know this particularly well, thanks to the restaurant’s unique yet uncomplicated lemon vinaigrette salad dressing.

Whether you’re far from their Texas locations or simply want to avoid the time and expense of a dinner out, we’ve recreated it with just a few everyday kitchen ingredients. 

Why this recipe works

Like any vinaigrette, the appeal of this mouthwatering dressing comes from the contrast of the oil and the acidic lemon juice. Meanwhile, a few common spices unite with a hint of sweetness to create a surprisingly sophisticated flavor profile.

At the same time, it’s also highly versatile and can be used on all sorts of salads, in addition to marinades and other dishes. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and low carb which fits in with many dietary preferences.

What makes this the best recipe for lemon vinaigrette dressing

Whether your salad is a side or bulked up as a main course, few people want to spend a lot of time making dressing. This recipe certainly checks that box, requiring just seconds to bring together and lasting for extended periods.

In addition, all of the ingredients are long-lasting pantry or fridge staples, making it easy to keep them on hand for whenever you need a quick boost of flavor. Finally, it costs only pennies, far less than store-bought dressing or more complicated homemade ones.  

Ingredients

Here’s the short list of ingredients you’ll need for this quick, tasty, and easy lemon vinaigrette recipe:

• Canola or vegetable oil
• Lemon juice from fresh lemons
• Sugar
• Salt
• Dry mustard
• Paprika

How to make lemon vinaigrette dressing

If you’re expecting a long or complicated process, think again. It takes just seconds to go from ingredients to final, finished product:

1. Combine ingredients in a jar, Tupperware, or other sealable container with a tight-fitting lid. 
2. Give it a good shake to combine.

That’s all that’s required — no need for any fancy equipment or sophisticated techniques.

What goes well with lemon salad dressing

Naturally, this tangy, delicious dressing is most at home tossed with a simple green salad filled with a variety of veggies and other fillings of your choosing. In addition, you can drizzle it on sandwiches for a unique boost of flavor.

However, the uses don’t end there. Lemon vinaigrette also serves as a tasty choice for marinating grilled meats or vegetables or drizzling over pasta salad and grain bowls.

How to store

State Fare dressing can be conveniently stored in the same airtight container it was mixed in, such as a mason jar or Tupperware. It should be refrigerated when not in use. The dressing will remain at best quality for one to two weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best flavor.

It’s not recommended to freeze this dressing for a variety of reasons, including the simplicity of mixing up a new batch.  

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Favorite restaurant salads

Check out more of my easy salad dressing recipes and the best copycat recipes right here on CopyKat!

State Fare Salad Dressing

You are going to love this easy to make lemon vinaigrette salad dressing that tastes just like the one they serve at the State Fare restaurant.