A great dressing has the power to transform even the simplest bowl of greens into something memorable. This Orange Vinaigrette is one of those recipes—vibrant, citrusy, and wonderfully balanced. It comes together in minutes, yet it tastes like something you’d find at your favorite café. The combination of fresh orange juice, zest, and a touch of honey creates a natural sweetness, while Dijon mustard and vinegar add the right amount of tang.
I started making this vinaigrette when I wanted a lighter, fresher alternative to heavier creamy dressings. Since then, it has become a staple in my kitchen. It pairs well with leafy greens, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and even seafood. The best part? You can mix it up in one bowl, whisk it by hand, and store it for the week. If you’re looking for a way to elevate everyday salads effortlessly, this citrus dressing is exactly what you need.
Recipe Overview
This Orange Vinaigrette is a zesty, homemade dressing made with fresh orange juice, grated zest, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and shallots. It’s smooth, bright, and beautifully balanced—ideal for green salads, fruit salads, or drizzling over grilled chicken or vegetables. Ready in just a few minutes and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, champagne, or rice vinegar)
- 2–3 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 orange)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips
1. Combine the Base Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, orange zest, fresh orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Tip: Using freshly squeezed juice gives the dressing much brighter flavor compared to bottled versions.
- Variation: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
2. Emulsify with Olive Oil
Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously. This helps the vinaigrette emulsify and turn silky smooth.
- Tip: If the dressing separates in the fridge, simply shake or whisk again before using.
3. Add Shallots and Seasonings
Stir in the minced shallot, sea salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust—more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or extra mustard for body.
- Tip: Let the vinaigrette sit for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Store Properly
Transfer the vinaigrette to a sealed jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Choose the Right Vinegar
Different vinegars create slightly different flavor profiles:
- White wine vinegar: clean and balanced
- Champagne vinegar: light and elegant
- Apple cider vinegar: fruity and bold
- Rice vinegar: mild and slightly sweet
2. Adjust Sweetness and Spice
- For more sweetness: add an extra teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- For more heat: add a small pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Make It Creamy
Whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayo for a creamy citrus dressing.
4. Add Herbs
Fresh thyme, basil, or parsley blend beautifully with the orange flavor.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Keep refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 7 days.
- Shake before using because natural separation is normal.
Serving Ideas
- Toss with spring greens, arugula, or spinach.
- Drizzle over grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Spoon onto roasted carrots, beets, or sweet potatoes.
- Use as a bright dressing for quinoa, farro, or couscous salads.
- Pair with fruit-based sides like citrus salads or berry mixes.
This Orange Vinaigrette is a simple yet versatile dressing that instantly brightens any dish. With its refreshing citrus notes, balanced sweetness, and light acidity, it works year-round and elevates everything from salads to grain bowls. The ingredients are straightforward, the prep is minimal, and the flavor payoff is big—making it an excellent dressing to keep in your weekly rotation.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice gives the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
2. Can I substitute the shallots?
Yes—use a small amount of finely minced red onion or omit entirely for a smoother dressing.
3. Is this vinaigrette vegan?
It can be—replace honey with agave or maple syrup.
4. Can I freeze the dressing?
Freezing isn’t ideal because the texture may separate. Fresh is best.
5. What salads does it pair well with?
It’s delicious with mixed greens, spinach, fruit salads, and grain bowls.
A bright, fresh Orange Vinaigrette made with citrus juice, zest, honey, Dijon, and olive oil. Perfect for salads, veggies, and meal prep—ready in minutes!