I love making Citrus Vinaigrette. This condiment adds a bright and refreshing flavor to my salads. The combination of zesty lemon and tangy orange juice creates a perfect salad dressing.
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Citrus vinaigrette recipe
Citrus vinaigrette is a vibrant dressing with a harmonious blend of zesty citrus fruits, smooth oils, and tangy vinegar. It is known for its bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. These flavors make it a popular choice for enhancing salads, vegetables, and grain bowls.

This citrus dressing is easy to make. Its fresh flavors make it ideal for warm-weather meals or as a zesty addition to brighten up heavier dishes.
It’s perfect for simple greens or more complex combos like spinach, arugula, and kale with fruits such as oranges, strawberries, or avocados. It also enhances quinoa, couscous, or farro salads, as well as roasted or raw veggies like asparagus and beets.
As a marinade, it works great with chicken, fish, seafood, tofu, or tempeh. You can drizzle it over roasted veggies, tacos, and grain bowls or toss it with potatoes. It also adds zest to main dishes like grilled meats or cold pasta salads, and can even be used as a dipping sauce.
Here is how to make the citrus vinaigrette:

Citrus Vinaigrette
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, Optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, stir in the chopped fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using.
Notes
Variations
Citrus vinaigrette can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes and dishes. Here are some common variations:
- Citrus Variations use different citrus fruits such as lemon, Meyer lemon, lime, blood orange, grapefruit, tangerine, or mandarin.
- Ingredient Substitutions
- Replace shallots with finely minced garlic or garlic paste for a stronger flavor.
- Swap olive oil with lighter oils like avocado or vegetable oil for a milder taste.
- Experiment with different vinegars such as champagne vinegar, red wine vinegar, or sherry vinegar to alter the tanginess.
- Flavor Enhancements
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, parsley, or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Incorporate Dijon mustard to create a thicker, creamier vinaigrette and enhance the tangy flavor.
- Creative Variations
- Asian-Inspired Versions add ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a flavor suited to slaws or noodle salads.
- Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette blends in mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt for a richer texture. It reduces the oil proportionately.
- Spicy Versions include a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
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