If you love the tangy flavor of citrus vinaigrette but crave a touch of sweetness, you must try orange apricot vinaigrette! This delightful dressing perfectly balances the bright, zesty notes of orange with the natural sweetness of apricots.

Orange apricot vinaigrette recipe

Orange apricot vinaigrette is a flavorful dressing that combines the sweetness of apricots with the citrusy brightness of orange juice. This fruit-based dressing has gained significant popularity in recent years. Its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of dishes have made it a favorite among home cooks and chefs.

The flavor balance is crucial in crafting the perfect orange apricot vinaigrette. You need to harmonize the sweetness of apricots the tanginess of oranges and a savory element to create a well-rounded flavor profile. This is how to make the apricot orange vinaigrette.

Apricot orange vinaigrette

A delightful blend of sweet apricot preserves and zesty orange juice. With just a few simple ingredients, this vinaigrette offers a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, making it an ideal choice for summer salads or as a marinade for grilled meats.

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Prep Time 5

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

1/4 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, fresh orange juice, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Gradually drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Homemade apricot vinaigrette can typically last in the refrigerator for about 4 to 7 days.

Keyword apricot orange vinaigrette, fruit based vinaigrette, healthy condiment, homemade condiment, homemade salad dressing, homemade vinaigrette

You can adjust the sweetness levels to suit individual preferences:

Add honey or maple syrup for a sweeter profile
Reduce sweeteners and add more vinegar for a tangier taste
Use riper fruits to naturally enhance sweetness
Incorporate a pinch of stevia, for a low-calorie sweet boost

Gradual adjustments, allow for, fine-tuning of the flavor profile to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

Variations

Spicy version

Spices can transform the flavor profile of apricot orange vinaigrette. Depending on your desired intensity consider these spice additions:

Mild:

Pinch of cinnamon
Dash of vanilla extract
Grated ginger

Medium:

Red pepper flakes
Smoked paprika
Cumin

Bold:

Chipotle powder
Cayenne pepper
Harissa paste

Spice incorporation should be done gradually to avoid overpowering the fruit flavors. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

Creamy variation

Creamy additions transform the texture and flavor of the orange apricot vinaigrette. To create a richer more indulgent dressing, you can add:

Greek yogurt:
- Adds tanginess and protein, while, creating a creamy consistency
- Start with, 2 tablespoons per cup of vinaigrette, and adjust as needed
Avocado:
- Contributes healthy fats, while, creating a velvety texture
- Use 1/4 ripe avocado, blended, per cup of vinaigrette

Dietary restrictions

If you need a special diet, these versions can suit you:

Low-Fat Version:

Replace oil with vegetable broth or apple juice
Use pureed fruit to add body without extra fat
Incorporate xanthan gum for emulsification without oil

Vegan Version:

Substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup
Use aquafaba as an emulsifier, instead of mustard
Incorporate nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy

Herb variations

Seasonal herbs enhance the flavor profile of apricot orange dressing. You can try different herbs, according to the season:

Spring: Fresh mint adds a cooling note
Summer: Basil contributes an aromatic sweetness
Fall: Sage imparts an earthy depth
Winter: Rosemary infuses a pine-like warmth

Or you can use herb-infused olive oil:

Rosemary-infused oil adds an aromatic depth
Basil-infused oil contributes a sweet peppery note

How to use

1. Salad Pairings

Apricot orange vinaigrette elevates various salad compositions. Its fruity notes complement both leafy greens and heartier grain-based salads. Some exceptional pairings I’ve discovered include:

Arugula and goat cheese salad with toasted almonds
Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and feta
Spinach and strawberry salad with candied pecans

2. As a Marinade

This salad dressing serves as an excellent marinade for proteins. The acidity in the dressing tenderizes the meat while infusing it with fruity flavors. Marinating chicken or pork for 2-4 hours results in succulent flavorful dishes.

Try this simple marinade recipe:

Mix 1/2 cup orange apricot vinaigrette with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme
Pour over 4 chicken breasts or pork chops
Marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours
Grill or roast as desired

3. Enhancing Flavors of Seafood without overpowering them. It pairs exceptionally well with:

Grilled salmon
Pan-seared scallops
Poached white fish

4. Grilled Vegetable Accompaniment

The dressing caramelizes creating a delicious glaze when brushed on vegetables during grilling. Brushing the vinaigrette during the last few minutes of grilling prevents burning and results in a flavorful caramelized exterior.

Bell peppers
Zucchini
Eggplant
Asparagus

5. Other Uses

Orange apricot vinaigrette versatility extends beyond traditional uses, such as:

Dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings
Drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes for added zing
Mix with Greek yogurt to create a fruity sandwich spread
Use as a glaze for roasted carrots or parsnips
Incorporate into fruit salads for a tangy twist

Contents

Orange apricot vinaigrette recipe