First Watch Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe

Back in my college days, my roommate and I went to First Watch almost every Sunday morning. We couldn’t get enough of their fresh salads topped with that bright lemon dressing. The zesty flavor turned even the simplest greens into something special.

When I later moved to a city without a First Watch, I really missed that dressing.

A few years later, I tried First Watch again and fell in love all over with that same lemon dressing. It brought back memories of those happy college meals.

Now, I make my own version right at home. It takes only five minutes and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

This homemade dressing gives any salad that same sunny, fresh taste I loved back then.

Why this Homemade Version Outshines the Restaurant Option

Making the First Watch Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe at home lets you control every detail. The fresh juice and zest give a brighter flavor than bottled or pre-mixed dressings.

There are no hidden preservatives, and you can balance the tanginess, sweetness, or salt just the way you like.

It’s also faster and cheaper than buying small bottles or ordering out. Plus, it’s easy to adjust for special diets or flavor preferences.

With only a few pantry staples and fresh citrus, this dressing feels restaurant-quality but is made right in your own kitchen.

First Watch Lemon Dressing Ingredients

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (6 tablespoons/90ml) – This creates the base of the dressing. Extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor and smooth texture. You can substitute with regular olive oil, but the taste won’t be as rich. Avocado oil works as another option.
• White Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons/30ml) – Adds the tangy kick that balances the oil. White wine vinegar is mild and clean-tasting. Apple cider vinegar can substitute, but it will add a slightly sweeter note to the dressing.
• Fresh Lime Juice (from 1 whole lime) – Brings bright citrus flavor that makes the dressing pop. Always use fresh lime juice, never bottled. Bottled juice tastes flat and artificial.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (from half a lemon) – Works with the lime to create the signature citrus blend. Fresh lemon juice is essential for the right taste. You can use a whole lemon for extra tartness.
• Fresh Orange Juice (1 tablespoon/15ml) – Adds sweetness and rounds out the citrus trio. Fresh orange juice is much better than store-bought. Mandarin orange juice works as a substitute and adds extra sweetness.
• Orange Zest (1 tablespoon) – Provides citrus oils and aromatic flavor. Use a fine grater or zester. Lemon zest can substitute but gives a different flavor profile. Never use dried zest – it lacks the bright oils.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the other flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt work best. White pepper can substitute black pepper for a cleaner look.

Kitchen Essentials for This Recipe

1. Medium mixing bowl – For combining ingredients
2. Wire whisk – Creates smooth emulsion
3. Fine mesh grater/zester – For orange zest
4. Sharp knife – Cuts citrus fruits cleanly
5. Cutting board – Protects counter surface
6. Measuring spoons – Ensures accurate amounts
7. Small storage jar – Keeps dressing fresh

How To Make First Watch Lemon Salad Dressing

Step 1 | Gather All the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your fresh citrus fruits and letting them come to room temperature. This helps you get more juice from each piece. Roll the lime and lemon on your counter while pressing down. This breaks up the pulp inside and releases more juice.

Step 2 | Make the Base

Pour the extra virgin olive oil into your mixing bowl. Add the white wine vinegar next. These two ingredients form the base of your dressing.

Step 3 | Add Fresh Citrus Juices

Cut your lime in half and squeeze all the juice into the bowl. Remove any seeds that fall in. Cut your lemon in half and squeeze juice from one half only. Again, pick out any seeds.

Step 4 | Add Orange Flavor

Add the fresh orange juice to the mixture. Use a fine grater to zest your orange. Be careful to only grate the colored part of the peel, since the white part underneath tastes bitter. Add about one tablespoon of the fresh orange zest to your bowl.

Step 5 | Season the Dressing

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with about half a teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper. You can always add more later.

Step 6 | Whisk It Together

Take your wire whisk and start mixing everything together. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds. The mixture should look smooth and well blended. The oil and vinegar will combine into a creamy emulsion.

Step 7 | Taste and Adjust

Taste your dressing and adjust as needed. Add more lemon juice for extra tartness. More orange juice makes it sweeter. More salt brings out the citrus flavors. More pepper adds a tiny kick.

Step 8 | Final Touch

Once you like the taste, give it one final whisk. Your homemade First Watch–style lemon salad dressing is ready to use right away or store for later.

Chef Tips + Notes

1. Fresh is Best: For the brightest flavor, always use freshly squeezed citrus juice. The bottled kind can taste dull and processed.
2. Emulsify Well: Don’t be shy with whisking or shaking! You want the oil and vinegar to fully combine for the best texture.
3. Let it Rest: Letting the dressing sit for 15-20 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to double if you want to have extra ready in the fridge for the week.

How to Serve This Lemon Salad Dressing

This dressing tastes great on mixed greens, spinach, or arugula. It also works as a quick marinade for chicken or seafood before grilling.

For a full meal, toss it with grain bowls, pasta salads, or roasted vegetables.

At First Watch restaurant, this lemon dressing is usually served chilled over crisp greens, paired with fresh fruit or breakfast-style salads.

At home, it can be poured over any salad right before eating, drizzled lightly, or served on the side for dipping bread and veggies.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: This is an excellent dressing to make ahead of time. In fact, making it a few hours before you need it gives the flavors time to get to know each other, making it even more delicious.

How to Store: Pour any leftover dressing into an airtight jar or bottle with a lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The olive oil will solidify when cold, which is completely normal.

Just take the dressing out about 30 minutes before you need it and give it a good shake to return it to its perfect consistency.

First Watch Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe FAQs

1. My dressing tastes too sharp and tangy. What can I do?

This is an easy fix! The tanginess comes from the citrus and vinegar. To balance it out, you can whisk in a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup. Start with just half a teaspoon, whisk it in, taste it, and add a little more if you think it needs it.

2. How can the dressing be made creamier?

Blend the finished dressing in a small blender or add a spoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. This creates a thicker, smoother dressing while keeping the citrus flavor.

3. Why does my dressing separate and how do I fix it?

Separation is completely normal with oil-based dressings since oil and vinegar naturally repel each other. This does not mean your dressing has gone bad.

Simply shake the container vigorously or whisk it again before each use. The separation actually shows you made it fresh without artificial emulsifiers.

4. Can I make this dressing sweeter?

Yes, adding a small amount of honey, agave, or maple syrup will balance the tangy citrus flavors. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

5. How do I know if the dressing has gone bad?

Check for changes in smell, color, or texture. If the dressing smells sour (beyond the normal citrus tang), looks cloudy, or develops an off taste, it’s time to toss it.

When stored properly in the fridge, it lasts up to a week. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and extend its shelf life.

I love how this simple recipe can brighten up any meal. It’s my secret for turning a basic bowl of greens into something everyone loves.

I hope this First Watch Lemon Salad Dressing Recipe becomes a trusted favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.