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    Home » Recipes » Sauces & Dressings

    Easy Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe (salad dressing)

    Published: Mar 20, 2022 · Updated: Apr 14, 2022 by Mindy Boyd

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    Easy Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe (salad dressing) is a healthy recipe made with fresh ingredients and bursting with citrusy flavors. #citrusvinaigrette #healthysaladdressing #cleaneating via @mindyscookingobsession
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    Easy Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe (salad dressing) is made with fresh ingredients and bursting with citrusy flavors. We love making our own dressings because they usually only take a few simple ingredients. I like to use homemade dressings to dress a healthy salad, and even to marinade meat.

     

    A very close up view of the top of a jar of citrus salad dressing.

     

    Ingredients needed for this easy citrus vinaigrette:

    Orange Juice – fresh orange juice is best. We use Cara Cara oranges when we can. They are a red fleshed navel orange. According to MasterClass they have 20% more vitamin C and 30% more vitamin A than other navel orange varieties. We like that because it contributes more to a healthy eating lifestyle.

    Orange Zest – the zest has essential oils that takes the citrus salad dressing to the next level.

    Lemon Juice – we use fresh lemon juice.

    Olive Oil – we use the same kind we cook with because it is mild. You can use extra virgin if that is what you like best.

    Shallot – they are a type of onion with the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. Food Network does a great job at explaining what a shallot is in depth, check it out.

    Maple Syrup – we absolutely love pure maple syrup. It is nothing like pancake syrup.

    Dijon Mustard – I like to use the grainy variety. If you like the smooth type it is also a great option!

    Salt & Pepper – just a little bit of each to give this homemade dressing a little more flavor.

     

    Overhead view of ingredients to make easy citrus salad dressing.

     

    Step-by-step instructions to make my tangy citrus vinaigrette:

    Chop the shallot.

    Zest the orange.

    Juice the oranges and lemons.

    Put all ingredients into a mason jar, put the lid on and shake it until the ingredients emulsify.

    Use as a salad dressing or marinade for chicken or fish.

     

     

    Side view of a jar of salad dressing next to a decorative towel.

     

    What does emulsify mean?

    Emulsification happens when two ingredients that normally will not mix are mixed together using an ingredient to help them emulsify. In this case the mustard is used to help the oil and citrus juice mix together.

    If your vinaigrette separates it can be fixed by whisking it in a small bowl or shaking it vigorously in a covered jar until it becomes one again. Then pour it onto whatever you are putting it on while it is still in motion. 

    Separation in salad dressing is pretty common. The store bought dressing I have in my fridge right now is separated and will require a good shaking before I use it. 

     

    Close up view of a half full jar of citrus vinaigrette in front of a bowl of salad.

     

    Tips & tricks for making this healthy dressing:

    Zest the orange before you cut it and juice it.

    It takes about 3 medium oranges to get 2/3 cup of orange juice. 

    It takes about 2 medium lemons to get 6 tablespoons of lemon juice. 

     

     

    Close up view of a half full jar of citrus vinaigrette in front of a bowl of salad.

     

    Substitutions & Additions:

    Oil – Because this recipe is about equal parts oil and fruit juice oil is a must. Instead of olive oil you could use vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

    Mustard – a good citrus vinaigrette salad dressing has an element that is acidic and in my version it is the Dijon mustard. If you don’t like it you could use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. A couple of teaspoons will work. I do just want to say that I didn’t think I liked Dijon mustard for a long time. When I finally tried it I realized that I had been totally missing out on this great condiment that has soooo many great uses. So, if you think you don’t like it try it in a recipe and make sure. 

    Shallots – you could probably use any sweet onion. 

    Orange & Lemon Juice – in a pinch you could use store bought fruit juice. Fresh is always best. 

    Lemon Zest – you could zest a lemon before you juice it and add it in.

    Storage and shelf life:

    Store Easy Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe (salad dressing) in an airtight container or sealed jar for about 3 days. 

     

    Side view of a mason jar filled with citrus vinaigrette.

     

    More homemade salad dressing recipes:

    Avocado Lime Ranch – this one is semi-homemade.

    Buttermilk Honey Mustard

    3 Ingredient Orange Vinaigrette

    Olive Garden Creamy Italian (copycat) – this one is semi-homemade.

     

    Side view of a jar of salad dressing, an orange, and tow lemons.

     

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    A close up view of a mason jar filled with citrus vinaigrette.

    Easy Citrus Vinaigrette

    Mindy Boyd
    Easy Citrus Vinaigrette is a healthy recipe made with fresh ingredients and bursting with citrusy flavors. 
    4.88 from 39 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share by Text Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, condiment
    Cuisine American
    Servings 32 servings of 2 tablespoons each

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup olive oil
    • 2/3 cup orange juice
    • 6 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 shallot, minced about 2 tablespoons
    • 4 teaspoons maple syrup not pancake syrup
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 1/8 teaspoon salt or to taste
    • 1/8 teaspoon pepper or to taste

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    Instructions
     

    • Put all ingredients into a mason jar, cover and shake until well blended, or whisk in a bowl until combined.
      1 cup olive oil, 2/3 cup orange juice, 6 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 shallot, minced, 4 teaspoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper
    • Serve over your favorite salad or use as a marinade for chicken or fish.

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate. 
    See tips, notes, and suggestions in the post above. 

    Bookmark this page to find it quickly when you are ready to make this recipe!

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
    Keyword citrus vinaigrette
    Did you make this?Please leave a comment on the blog or tag us on Instagram @mindyscookingobsession

     

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    Close up view of a jar of salad dressing to be shared on Pinterest.

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    Filed Under: Salads, Sauces & Dressings Tagged With: citrus salad dressing, citrus vinaigrette, healthy salad dressing recipe, homemade salad dressing, homemade vinaigrette

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    Hey there! I'm Mindy and this is my husband, and biggest fan, Lee. Most of the recipes that I make use ingredients that can be found in any grocery store. No special equipment or skills required.

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