Name: Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice; 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

Zesty homemade orange vinaigrette brings a burst of sunshine to any salad.

Citrus notes dance across crisp greens with remarkable freshness.

Mediterranean kitchens often celebrate such bright, tangy dressings that awaken simple ingredients.

Whisking together sweet citrus and sharp vinegar creates magic in moments.

Chefs know this versatile sauce can completely change a dish’s character.

We love how simple ingredients become something extraordinary with just a few quick movements.

Let’s unlock the secret to making this vibrant dressing that will make you the star of any meal.

What Makes Orange Vinaigrette So Flavorful

Burst with Citrus Flavor: This vibrant orange vinaigrette packs a punch of bright, zesty notes that instantly elevate any salad or dish, making your meals more exciting and delicious.
Super Simple Preparation: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal steps, anyone can create this restaurant-quality dressing in minutes, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Culinary Companion: Beyond salads, this vinaigrette works wonderfully as a marinade for vegetables, a drizzle over grilled proteins, or a tangy sauce for multiple dishes, expanding your cooking creativity.
Healthy Homemade Option: By making your own dressing, you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and excess sugar while enjoying a fresh, nutritious condiment that's way better than store-bought versions.

Ingredients for Orange Vinaigrette

Citrus Base:

Orange Juice: A sweet and tangy liquid that provides the primary flavor profile for the vinaigrette.
Vinegar: Adds a sharp and acidic note to balance the sweetness of the orange juice.

Flavor Enhancers:

Dijon Mustard: Contributes a subtle spicy and tangy element to the dressing.
Minced Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic depth to the vinaigrette.
Honey: Offers a natural sweetness that softens the acidity of the other ingredients.

Emulsion and Seasoning:

Olive Oil: Creates a smooth and creamy texture when whisked with the other ingredients.
Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and enhance the overall flavor of the vinaigrette.

How to Make Orange Vinaigrette Easily

Step 1: Gather Flavor Powerhouses

Collect fresh orange juice, tangy vinegar, zesty Dijon mustard, aromatic garlic, golden honey, smooth olive oil, salt, and pepper for a vibrant vinaigrette that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Whisk Liquid Magic

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

Orange juice
Vinegar
Dijon mustard
Minced garlic
Honey

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a harmonious blend, creating a bright and lively base for your dressing.

Step 3: Create Creamy Emulsion

Slowly drizzle olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. This technique helps the oil and other ingredients bond smoothly, transforming your dressing into a silky, well-integrated vinaigrette.

Step 4: Season With Finesse

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, tasting as you go. Adjust seasoning until the flavors pop and sing together in perfect harmony.

Step 5: Let Flavors Mingle

Allow the vinaigrette to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period lets the ingredients get acquainted, deepening the complexity and richness of your dressing.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Drizzle over crisp salads, use as a marinade for grilled vegetables, or as a zesty sauce to elevate any dish. Enjoy your homemade orange vinaigrette!

Helpful Tips for Orange Vinaigrette Preparation

Let the vinaigrette rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marry and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
Whisk olive oil gradually and steadily to create a smooth, well-blended dressing that won't separate quickly.
Adjust honey quantity based on personal preference or dietary needs, using less for a tangier dressing or more for subtle sweetness.
Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, giving it a quick shake before each use.
Experiment with different citrus juices like grapefruit or lime to create unique flavor combinations and keep the dressing exciting.

Flavor Twists for Orange Vinaigrette

Citrus Fusion Vinaigrette: Replace orange juice with grapefruit or tangerine juice for a zesty, vibrant flavor profile.
Herb-Infused Dressing: Add fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or mint to enhance the vinaigrette's complexity and aroma.
Low-Sugar Option: Substitute honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly and low-calorie alternative.
Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to create a spicy, tangy dressing that adds excitement to salads.

Best Pairings for Orange Vinaigrette

Pair this bright orange vinaigrette with crisp mixed greens and crumbled goat cheese for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over grilled chicken or seared salmon to enhance the fish’s natural flavors with citrusy brightness.

Toss the dressing with arugula, toasted almonds, and sliced fennel for a sophisticated and textural salad experience.

Enjoy this vibrant vinaigrette with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that complements its citrusy and tangy profile.

Proper Storage for Orange Vinaigrette

Store vinaigrette in a sealed glass jar or plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Shake well before each use to re-blend ingredients.
Pour vinaigrette into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 2 months. Transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag for convenient portioning and future use.
Let frozen or chilled vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Whisk briefly to restore original consistency and blend separated ingredients.
If oil and liquid separate, vigorously shake or whisk the vinaigrette until smooth and emulsified before serving.

FAQs

What makes this vinaigrette different from other dressings?

The combination of fresh orange juice and Dijon mustard creates a bright, tangy flavor profile that sets this vinaigrette apart from traditional dressings, offering a refreshing and zesty taste.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette?

Yes, you can easily modify the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

How long can I keep this vinaigrette in the refrigerator?

The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Orange Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds with zesty orange vinaigrette, bridging fresh citrus notes and herb-infused olive oil. Bright flavors dance across salads, grilled vegetables, and seafood, inviting you to savor Mediterranean culinary artistry in one delightful drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (30 ml) white wine vinegar

Flavor Enhancers:

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey

Seasoning:

Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Extract fresh orange juice and measure precisely for optimal flavor intensity.
Combine orange juice with tangy vinegar in a medium mixing bowl, creating a vibrant liquid base.
Incorporate Dijon mustard for robust depth, whisking thoroughly to ensure smooth integration.
Mince fresh garlic finely, adding it to the mixture for a subtle aromatic kick.
Introduce honey to balance the acidic components, stirring until completely dissolved.
Gradually stream extra virgin olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously, developing a silky emulsified texture.
Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
Allow vinaigrette to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and develop complexity.
Before serving, re-whisk briefly to recombine any separated ingredients.
Drizzle over crisp salad greens or use as a zesty marinade for grilled vegetables or proteins.

Notes

Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the same sweet depth.
Balance citrus intensity by using freshly squeezed orange juice, which provides brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought alternatives.
Refrigerate vinaigrette in an airtight container for up to 5 days, gently reshaking before each use to restore emulsification and restore original texture.
Enhance herbal notes by adding fresh thyme or chopped parsley for extra complexity and aromatic layers that complement the orange’s brightness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
Method: Whisking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 114 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 60 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 0.3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.

Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

Bright Homemade Orange Vinaigrette Recipe for Fresh Salads