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Homemade orange vinaigrette is an elegant dressing that is SO easy to make! This recipe is slightly tangy, sweet, and bursting with freshness!

This is one of those recipes that I make on repeat: baby showers, church potlucks, bbqs, etc. Anytime I am asked to bring a salad, or my initial is in the salad/vegetable category, I am whipping up a double or triple batch of this dressing to top my favorite salad. I have been making this dressing since I was a teenager and am ALWAYS asked for the recipe!

While I do gate keep most of my baked-good recipes (I have a pipe dream of one day opening my own bakery!), there is no gatekeeping when it comes to this bright and zesty vinaigrette–aka sunshine in a bottle!

Why this Orange Dressing Recipe works:

• Bright and Refreshing: The orange flavor is so vibrant and uplifting!
• Versatile: It pairs perfectly with so many dishes. Think spinach salads, roasted beets, grilled chicken, or even drizzled over avocado toast.
• Easy to Make: Seriously, it takes like five minutes.
• Healthy(?): Probably as healthy as a salad dressing can be. Made with real, whole ingredients.

Orange Juice Vinaigrette ingredients:

• Fresh Orange Juice: This is the star. Squeeze it yourself, folks. The bottled stuff just doesn’t compare.
• Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! The zest is where all the concentrated orange flavor LIVES.
• Honey: A little sweetness to round out the flavors.
• Red Wine Vinegar: For a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a bit more tang and helps to emulsify the dressing.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil is essential. It’s the backbone of your dressing.

Helpful tools for making Salad Dressing with Orange Juice:

• Hand juicer & microplane grater: when I got married, both of these items were at the “top” of my registry list. I cannot tell you how often I use them and how WONDERFUL they are. I feel like freshly squeezed citrus juice and zest INSTANTLY elevate so many dishes!
• Mason jar or salad dressing bottle: I typically just reuse glass bottles and jars as they pass through my kitchen. I bought these for a baby shower several years ago and quite like them, too!

How to Make Orange Citrus Salad Dressing:

1. Zest and Juice: Start by zesting your orange. Then, juice it. You’ll want about a quarter cup of juice.
2. Combine the Liquids: In a jar or small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, red wine vinegar, honey, and mustard.
3. Emulsify the Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This is the key to getting a smooth, emulsified dressing. Keep whisking until it’s nicely combined.
4. Shake it Up: If you’re using a jar, put the lid on and give it a good shake. This will ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
5. Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste. Need more sweetness? Add a touch more honey. More tang? A splash of vinegar. Adjust to your liking.

Can you make this Orange Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! As long as it is stored properly (see below!), you can make vinaigrette up to a week ahead of time!

Variations: Blood Orange Salad Dressing

For a fun and beautiful twist, try using a blood orange! They are seasonal but have SUCH an amazing flavor to them. The dressing will look a bit more pinky/red, but the flavor is seriously out of this world.

How to use this Orange Salad Dressing Recipe

Ohhhh the options!

• Toss with your favorite spinach salad, especially if berries or grapes are involved!
• Drizzle over roasted beets or grilled chicken.
• Spoon a little over avocado toast!
• Use as a grain bowl dressing.
• Toss with cooked pasta, grapes, chicken, and chopped onion for a bright pasta salad.

How to store Orange Juice Vinaigrette

You can refrigerate your vinaigrette in an airtight container for up to a week. So feel free to make it ahead of time, or store leftovers (if you haven’t taken shots of what’s left!).

Can you freeze vinaigrette?

Technically, you can freeze a vinaigrette dressing (can you sense a big BUT coming your way?). BUT it will impact the texture of the dressing, and potentially the freshness. Even after thawing and reblending, the dressing may not be as smooth.

To freeze:

• Pour the vinaigrette into ice cube trays and let the dressing freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or storage container. Thaw a cube or two (or however much you need) at a time in the fridge.
• Alternatively, you can put all of the dressing into an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Do your best to make sure there are no air bubbles, as they can cause freezer burn.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight.

This orange vinaigrette is my go-to dressing for adding a little sunshine to my meals. It’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead, grab your oranges, and get ready to brighten up your day! You won’t regret it.

More Favorites from Sweetly Petite:

Vinaigrette Salad Dressing with Orange Juice

• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 4 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1. In a jar or small bowl, zest the orange. Then, juice the orange(s) until you have 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice.
2. Whisk in the red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until it’s nicely combined.
4. If you’re using a jar, put the lid on and give it a good shake. This will ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
5. Taste and adjust to your liking.