Get ready to fall in love with leafy greens all over again—this homemade Citrus Vinaigrette is about to be your new go-to dressing! It’s tangy, fresh, and has just the right amount of zest to make any salad pop.
What do you think of when you think of a crazy cat lady? Well picture that to be me – except with cookbooks and recipe magazines. They’re piled high in hidden corners of the house, are one of my favourite things to thrift, and often contain so many hidden and delicious gems you weren’t even looking for when you first set out.
I know it’s 2024 and that the internet has a plethora of great recipes. But sometimes there’s just nothing like flipping through a good ol’ cookbook with your cold hard hands. Am I right? I’ll have bunny-eared pages in this book, torn out pages from that magazine, and a whole whack of handwritten recipes on worn out pieces of paper that only God knows where they came from. Ones I’ve tried and loved and just haaaaad to add to the collection.
Hidden amongst them was this homemade citrus salad dressing I have a distinct memory of being delicious. Some time ago, I made a salad recipe that featured this dressing and both the boyfriend and I fell in love with it. When he took one bite of his salad and looked at me and specifically asked about the vinaigrette, I just knew it would become a staple in our house. Hence the handwritten recipe for the citrus vinaigrette with no salad recipe or source in sight.
This citrus vinaigrette is absolutely bursting with fresh flavours. The base flavours of the orange, lemon, and lime juice mixed with the olive oil and red wine vinegar come together to truly create something magical. The dried oregano and fresh parsley add another layer of flavour that take it up a notch and, if you ask me, there’s nothing like fresh minced garlic in a homemade salad dressing.
I guarantee that once you try this homemade citrus salad dressing, you too will be grabbing a worn out piece of paper and a pen and jotting it down for forever use. Just don’t lose it (OR THE SOURCE IT CAME FROM 😉 !) You’re welcome.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
This citrus vinaigrette is a bright and zesty blend that’s perfect for adding a burst of flavour to any salad. It combines fresh citrus juices with olive oil and aromatic seasonings, creating a dressing that’s both refreshing and versatile. Whether you’re drizzling it over greens, using it as a marinade, or dipping your favourite veggies, this vinaigrette is sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Let’s discuss the exact ingredients you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail down below:
- Red Wine Vinegar: One of my favourite vinegars to use in homemade vinaigrettes or salad dressings! It brings a subtle tanginess and depth of flavour to the vinaigrette, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the citrus. If you don’t have any red wine vinegar on hand, you can use white vinegar, sherry vinegar, or apple cider vinegar instead.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is the foundation of this dressing, adding a rich, smooth texture and enhancing the overall flavour with its fruity, slightly peppery notes. I would not recommend using a different kind of oil for this homemade salad dressing recipe.
- Lemon: Adds a sharp, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the olive oil, giving the vinaigrette a clean and vibrant taste. Freshly squeezed lemon juice (that you squeeze yourself) works best in this recipe.
- Lime: Contributes a slightly sweeter, more floral acidity that pairs wonderfully with the other citrus elements, adding complexity to the dressing. Freshly squeezed lime juice (that you squeeze yourself) works best in this recipe.
- Orange: Adds a natural sweetness and a subtle citrus aroma, creating a harmonious balance between sweet and tart flavours. Freshly squeezed orange juice (that you squeeze yourself) works best in this recipe.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory bite that deepens the flavour of the vinaigrette, making it more robust and aromatic. I personally like using fresh minced garlic for this recipe. However, if you don’t have any on hand, feel free to use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the 2 fresh cloves.
- Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tartness of the citrus and vinegar. It helps round out the flavours, making the vinaigrette more harmonious and appealing to the palate. You can use honey or maple syrup instead, if you prefer. You can also use a sugar free sweetener if you’re on a low carb or keto diet.
- Dried Oregano: Introduces a warm, earthy flavour with a hint of bitterness, complementing the citrus and adding an herbal note to the dressing.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): If used, fresh parsley adds a pop of colour and a mild, peppery freshness. It also enhances the overall brightness of the vinaigrette.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for bringing all the flavours together. It enhances the natural sweetness of the citrus and balances the acidity.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity, giving the vinaigrette a subtle spicy finish.
HOW TO MAKE CITRUS VINAIGRETTE FROM SCRATCH
You can find full instructions for how to make this tangy salad dressing with citrus in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh citrus. Always use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the best flavour. Bottled juices often lack the brightness and natural sweetness of fresh lemons, limes, and oranges.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil since it’s a key ingredient in your vinaigrette. Its rich, fruity flavour will shine through, enhancing the overall taste and making your dressing truly stand out.
- Balance the acidity. Adjust the acidity to taste by experimenting with the ratio of citrus juice to vinegar. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more olive oil, a touch of honey, or more sugar/sweetener to mellow it out.
- Emulsify properly. To create a smooth, well-combined vinaigrette, slowly add the olive oil into the citrus juice and vinegar mixture. You can also slowly whisk at the same time as you’re drizzling it in. This helps emulsify the dressing, ensuring that the oil and juice blend together evenly.
- Season generously. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper—these are crucial for enhancing the flavours of your vinaigrette. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you’re using fresh herbs like parsley, add them just before serving to preserve their bright colour and flavour.
- Taste test. Before serving, always taste your vinaigrette on a small piece of lettuce or salad ingredient to ensure the flavors are balanced and to make any necessary adjustments.
- Store properly. If making ahead, store your vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge. Shake well before each use, as natural separation will occur. EXTRA TIP: The olive oil might harden in the fridge. Simply allow the dressing to come to room temperature before using to get it back to its natural state.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The best vinegar for a vinaigrette depends on the flavour profile you’re aiming to achieve.
Red wine vinegar is a classic choice, offering a balanced tanginess with a hint of sweetness, making it versatile for various salads. Balsamic vinegar brings a rich, slightly sweet, and complex flavour, perfect for heartier salads with ingredients like roasted vegetables or fruits.
Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity, mellow tartness that pairs well with lighter salads or slaws. For a more subtle acidity, white wine vinegar is excellent, especially in delicate salads with greens and herbs. Champagne vinegar is another light and elegant option, ideal for mild, nuanced vinaigrettes.
Ultimately, the best vinegar is the one that complements the other ingredients in your dressing and the salad itself.
A vinaigrette thickens primarily due to the process of emulsification, where the oil is dispersed into the acidic ingredients (like vinegar or citrus juice) in tiny droplets. This happens when you slowly whisk or blend the oil into the acid, creating a stable mixture where the ingredients stay combined rather than separating.
Adding ingredients like Dijon mustard or honey can also help thicken a vinaigrette, as they act as emulsifiers, binding the oil and vinegar together more effectively. Additionally, using a higher ratio of oil to acid will result in a thicker consistency, as will the inclusion of pureed ingredients like garlic or shallots.
When making vinaigrette, one common mistake is not properly emulsifying the ingredients, which can lead to a separated dressing. This happens when the oil is added too quickly or not whisked thoroughly into the vinegar or citrus juice. Another mistake is using low-quality olive oil, which can result in a flat, unappealing flavour.
Overpowering the vinaigrette with too much acid, like vinegar or lemon juice, can make it too tangy and harsh, while under-seasoning can leave it bland. Additionally, skipping the taste test before serving can lead to an imbalanced dressing, so always adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed.
Citrus vinaigrette typically lasts up to 1 week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. The freshness of the citrus juices and the stability of the emulsion can start to decline after a few days, so it’s best to use it within that time frame for optimal flavour. Always give it a good shake before using, as natural separation may occur.
MORE GREAT SALAD DRESSINGS TO TRY NEXT
VEGAN LEMON TAHINI SALAD DRESSING
EASY LEMON POPPYSEED SALAD DRESSING
HEALTHY HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING
JAPANESE STYLE ROASTED SESAME DRESSING
HONEY DIJON VINAIGRETTE
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
Ingredients
- Juice of 1 Orange
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic minced or pressed
- 1 tsp Sugar or Honey
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil equal amount to citrus (~1/2 cup – 3/4 cup)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Freshly squeeze the orange, lemon, and lime juice into a jar or bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and whisk or shake to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Video
Notes
The links in this post are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting HipHipGourmet!
