Orange Vinaigrette
There’s something magical about a homemade vinaigrette—it takes a simple salad and turns it into a vibrant, flavor-packed masterpiece. This Orange Vinaigrette is zesty, slightly sweet, and bursting with citrusy goodness. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your greens, drizzle over roasted veggies, or even use as a marinade for grilled meats. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought dressing!
Why You’ll Love Orange Vinaigrette
Versatile: Perfect for salads, marinades, or even drizzling over grain bowls.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry ingredients, so no need for expensive store-bought dressings.
Quick and Easy: Whips up in just a few minutes—shake, whisk, or blend, and you’re done!
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, tang, or spice to match your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Even non-salad lovers will enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dressing!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Orange Vinaigrette
Here’s what you need to create this tangy and refreshing vinaigrette:
Fresh Orange Juice: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed orange juice adds natural sweetness and a bright citrus flavor.
Olive Oil: A rich, smooth base that helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy punch that balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness enhances the citrus notes.
Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a hint of depth and spice.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the vinaigrette a savory, aromatic boost.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Orange Zest (Optional): For an extra burst of citrusy fragrance and flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Mix the Ingredients
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk or Shake
Whisk everything together until well combined, or seal the jar and shake vigorously for a perfectly emulsified dressing.
Adjust to Taste
Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasonings if needed—add more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or more mustard for depth.
Serve or Store
Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using, as natural separation may occur.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 90
(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
How to Serve Orange Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette is incredibly versatile! Try it:
- Tossed with fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuces.
- Drizzled over roasted vegetables for a pop of brightness.
- As a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Mixed into grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or rice.
- Over fresh fruit for a light and refreshing twist.
Additional Tips
- If you prefer a creamier vinaigrette, blend it with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it extra zesty by increasing the orange zest.
- Store leftovers in a sealed jar and shake before each use.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh is always best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
2. How long does homemade vinaigrette last?
It stays fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
3. Can I make this vinaigrette oil-free?
Yes! Replace the oil with more orange juice or a little avocado for creaminess.
4. What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar or lemon juice are great substitutes.
5. Does the dressing need to be refrigerated?
Yes, store it in the fridge and shake before using.
6. Can I use a blender instead of whisking?
Absolutely! Blending makes it extra smooth and creamy.
7. What salads pair best with this vinaigrette?
It’s great on spinach salads, citrus salads, and even coleslaw.
8. Can I add herbs to this recipe?
Yes! Fresh basil, mint, or cilantro add a delicious twist.
9. What’s the best way to thicken the vinaigrette?
A little extra mustard or honey helps create a thicker consistency.
10. Can I use another sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar work well.
Conclusion
This Orange Vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. It’s quick to make, incredibly versatile, and adds a delicious brightness to any dish. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought dressings again! Enjoy!
PrintOrange Vinaigrette
A fresh and tangy dressing that perfectly balances the sweet citrus notes of orange with a hint of savory depth. Ideal for salads and roasted vegetables, this vinaigrette brings brightness and a zesty finish to any dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook/Emulsified
- Cuisine: American/Contemporary
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey until well combined.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Let the vinaigrette sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Drizzle over your favorite salad or use as a marinade for vegetables.
Notes
– Adjust the honey quantity to suit your taste preference.
– Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; shake well before use.
– For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
