Do you want to add a massive burst of flavour to your meals? Then this ladolemono recipe, a beautiful Greek olive oil and lemon sauce, is for you! Get ready to take your meals to the next level.
You can enjoy it by drizzling it over salads, grilled meats, or even using it as a marinade! However you decide to use it, its zesty tang and smooth texture will elevate your food.
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What is Traditional Ladolemono?
Traditional ladolemono is a simple Greek sauce made with just a few core ingredients, which are olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. This primary combination has been a staple in Greek cuisine for generations and works well!
While this traditional version is fantastic for its minimalism, many people across Greece like to add twists. My recipe includes extra ingredients like garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest to enhance the flavour even more. You can choose to keep it classic or try this elevated version.
Why you will love this Ladolemono Recipe
- Incredibly Versatile: Trust me, whether you drizzle it on salads, meats, or vegetables, it will make everything taste better.
- Full of Flavour: The combination of olive oil, lemon, garlic and mustard creates an unbeatable taste.
- Super Quick & Easy: This sauce will be ready in under 10 minutes! Perfect for those busy days.
- Healthy & Fresh: Made with healthy olive oil and zesty lemon juice, it's both delicious and good for you!
Ingredients overview
Here’s a quick look at the fresh ingredients that make this sauce so tasty. The exact amounts are in the recipe card below!
The first photo highlights the traditional ingredients used in classic ladolemono. The second photo showcases the additional ingredients I love to add for extra flavour.
- Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil: I always recommend using high-quality Greek olive oil for the best flavour.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the perfect tang. Nothing beats fresh lemons!
- Oregano: This Mediterranean herb brings an earthy, slightly peppery flavour that ties everything together.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic but essential for balancing the flavours. Adjust them to taste!
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a good kick and an extra layer of depth to the sauce. Again, start with a little and add more as you go!
- Dijon Mustard: A little Dijon mustard gives the sauce a creamy texture and extra tang that blends beautifully with the olive oil and lemon.
- Lemon Zest: I love adding lemon zest for an extra burst of citrusy freshness. It brightens the whole sauce and takes it up a level again.
Ladolemono Recipe Step-by-step instructions
Here are the exact instructions for making this ladolemono sauce. Just follow along with the photos below!
- Whisk the Base Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is the base of the ladolemono sauce.
- Add the Flavour Boosters: Now, stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together until the mixture thickens slightly and emulsifies — that's when you know it's ready!
- Jar Method Option: Toss all the ingredients into a small jar with a tight-fitting lid for a quick and mess-free option. Shake it vigorously until everything is well combined and emulsified. It’s super easy, and you won’t even need a whisk!
- Serve & Enjoy: Now for the best part! Drizzle your ladolemono over salads, grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for making and using ladolemono
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil. Trust me, it makes all the difference in the flavour! Bottled lemon juice doesn't have the same zesty punch.
- Taste as You Go: Everyone's taste buds are different, so don't hesitate to taste the dressing as you make it. Add more salt, lemon, or even mustard, depending on your preference. Enjoy more garlic? Add another clove!
- Emulsify for Best Results: If you notice the oil and lemon juice separating, don't worry! Give it another good whisk or shake, and it'll come back together, ready to use again.
Serving suggestions
This Ladolemono recipe can go with almost anything, and trust me, you'll find yourself pouring it over everything! Here are a few of my favourite ways to serve it:
- Drizzle over Grilled Meats: It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb, or pork. The tangy lemon and rich olive oil bring out the best in the meat's natural flavours. I especially love using it when eating souvlakia!
- Toss into Salads: Add this to your favourite salads! It's the perfect alternative to heavy dressings. You can even use it on your Greek salad, giving it an extra kick.
- Perfect for Seafood: Whether added over grilled fish or used as a marinade, this sauce complements seafood perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Are you roasting vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or capsicum's? Pour some Ladolemono on top before serving for an added burst of Greek flavour!
FAQs
You can store ladolemono in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember, the oil and lemon juice may separate while sitting, but don't worry — a quick shake or whisk will bring it right back to life!
Ladolemono is pronounced as lah-tho-LEH-mo-no. The "Lado" comes from the Greek word for oil ("ladi") and is pronounced with a soft "th" sound, while "Lemono" refers to lemon.
Now that you've learned how to make this beautiful ladolemono recipe, it's time to try it in your kitchen! Whether you drizzle it over a fresh salad, grilled meats, or seafood, I'm sure this sauce will become a favourite in your household, just like mine. Remember to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. After all, that's the beauty of cooking at home!
📖 Recipe
Ladolemono Recipe (Greek Olive Oil & Lemon Sauce)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Greek olive oil
- ¼ cup Lemon juice roughly 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground pepper
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Lemon zest
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a measuring cup or small bowl until combined.
- Add the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly and emulsifies.
- Alternatively, place all ingredients in a small jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
- Drizzle the dressing over grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, or salads, and enjoy!
Notes
- Traditional vs. Enhanced: Traditional ladolemono is typically made with just olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. The additions of garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest in this version take the flavour to the next level and give it that extra "wow" factor!
- Jar Method: If you prefer a mess-free option, place all ingredients in a small jar and shake vigorously until well-emulsified. It’s a quick and easy way to make the dressing without whisking.
- Serving Suggestions: This dressing works beautifully as a marinade for fish, chicken, and roasted vegetables or to liven up salads with its fresh and tangy taste. Always mix/ shake before adding as it separates as it sits.
- Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality Greek olive oil and fresh lemons will make a big difference in flavour.
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