Description

A bright and zesty citrus vinaigrette that transforms salads with fresh, tangy flavors. Easy and quick to prepare, this versatile dressing pairs perfectly with greens, grilled vegetables, and works well as a marinade or dipping sauce. Made with fresh citrus juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and seasonings, it delivers a refreshing burst of flavor to any meal while being healthy and clean.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh citrus juice (lemon, orange, or lime)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Seasonings

1 clove garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
Pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
Alternative oils (avocado or walnut oil)
Splash of apple cider or champagne vinegar
Substitute sweetener: agave nectar or fruit juice instead of honey

Instructions

Squeeze and Measure the Citrus: Begin by freshly squeezing your chosen citrus fruits, aiming for about 1/4 cup total juice. Fresh juice is key for the brightest, most vibrant flavor, which forms the foundation of this vinaigrette.
Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a medium bowl, whisk together the citrus juice, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well blended.
Slowly Whisk in Olive Oil: Gradually pour in 1/3 cup of olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing, creating a creamy, well-mixed texture without separation.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring the vinaigrette balances sweet, tart, and savory notes perfectly.
Optional Herb Addition and Final Whisk: If using fresh herbs, fold them in at the end for bursts of green freshness. Give the vinaigrette one last gentle whisk before serving.

Notes

Always use freshly squeezed citrus juice for optimal flavor and brightness.
Whisk oil slowly into the citrus mixture to prevent separation and achieve a creamy dressing.
Add sweetener gradually so it complements but does not overpower the citrus acidity.
Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.
Experiment with different oils like avocado or walnut to match your salad or personal preference.
Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; shake well before use.
Do not freeze the vinaigrette as freezing may alter texture and flavor negatively.
Bring to room temperature and shake before serving; no reheating needed.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 80
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: citrus vinaigrette, salad dressing, tangy dressing, healthy vinaigrette, quick dressing, citrus dressing, vegan salad dressing