This Orange Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe combines fresh orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, and white wine vinegar to make a simple and tasty three ingredient orange vinaigrette.
Bursting with bright flavor, this easy salad dressing is perfect for adding a fresh twist to your favorite salads — especially if you’re looking for something light. Plus, it comes together in just minutes with ingredients you may already have on hand.
While I love a good store-bought salad dressing, I also enjoy making homemade dressings that are quick, easy, and full of fresh flavor. This orange dressing is perfect on my Green Salad with Beets and Goat Cheese or any salad, really.
If you’re looking for something a little more complex, I also make a simple citrus vinaigrette with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and shallots that’s perfect when you want something with a little extra zing.
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This post was originally published in December 2016 and updated in June 2025 to include ingredient notes and fresh, new photos.
Ingredient Photo
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Orange: You’ll get plenty of fresh orange juice and orange zest from just one orange. Navel and Cara Cara oranges are both great options, use whatever you have on hand.
- Olive Oil: I use classic olive oil, but anything from extra virgin to light tasting will work. If you don’t have olive oil, you can swap in canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil — they all blend beautifully with the citrus flavor.
- Vinegar: I prefer white wine vinegar for its clean, mild tang, but feel free to use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or even plain white vinegar. All of these work great in a homemade vinaigrette.
Step-By-Step Instructions (with photos)
See recipe card below for complete directions with amounts.
Step 1: Zest the orange using a fine grater or microplane. Juice the orange — you should get more than enough from just one.
Step 2: Combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, and vinegar in a small jar. Shake well until the dressing is fully mixed and emulsified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store it in an airtight container, like a mason jar or small bottle, in the refrigerator.
If stored properly in the fridge, it should stay fresh for about a week. Just give it a good shake before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Freezing isn’t recommended for vinaigrette-style dressings. The oil can separate and change texture once thawed. It’s best to make a fresh batch — it only takes a few minutes!
You can, but fresh-squeezed orange juice and zest give this dressing the best flavor. If you use bottled juice, you won’t have the orange zest, which adds a lot of brightness. The dressing will still work, but it may taste a little less vibrant.
Try these homemade salad dressings next!
Buttermilk Honey Mustard Dressing
Perfect for salads and can even be used as a dip or marinade for chicken or pork.
Olive Garden Creamy Italian Dressing (Copycat)
Transform store bought salad dressing into a creamy and tangy dressing just like the popular restaurant’s.
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Orange Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- zest of 1 orange
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Instructions
- Zest and juice the orange.
- Add everything to in a small jar, secure lid and shake well.
- Serve on your favorite salad.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Recipe from epicurious.
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