This bright and balanced citrus salad dressing combines fresh orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of maple syrup or honey for the perfect sweet-tangy flavor. It’s ready in 5 minutes, works as a classic citrus vinaigrette salad dressing, and can be whisked or blended for a smooth, emulsified finish. I’ve tested this recipe repeatedly to ensure it’s balanced, versatile, and never overly sharp or too sweet. This dressing is fresh, vibrant, and restaurant-worthy.
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This Citrus Vinaigrette
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Citrus Salad Dressing
- 8 Delicious Variations
- What to Serve with this Citrus Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- How to Store
- Other Salad Dressing Recipes You’ll Love
- Final Thoughts
- Connect With Me
There’s something magical about a homemade citrus vinaigrette recipe that instantly wakes up a salad. I started making this dressing years ago when I wanted something brighter than a traditional vinaigrette but lighter than a creamy dressing. After dozens of tests (and yes, many salad bowls later), I found the perfect ratio of olive oil, orange lemon juice, vinegar, and mustard. It’s vibrant without being harsh, sweet without being sugary, and silky without separating too quickly. It has become my go-to citrus dressing for everything from simple greens to grain bowls.
As a professional recipe developer and lifestyle expert, I test my dressing recipes thoroughly. I pay attention to balance, texture, and how a dressing performs after sitting in the fridge overnight. This isn’t just another salad dressing recipe; it’s one I’ve refined so you get consistent, delicious results every single time.
Why I Love This Citrus Vinaigrette
- It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- It takes 5 minutes from start to finish.
- It works on leafy salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and even as a marinade.
- It’s naturally dairy-free and can easily be made refined sugar-free.
- It has that perfect emulsified texture when blended.
This is the kind of vinaigrette dressing that makes people say, “What is in this?” — and then ask for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil for a more neutral flavour)
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Tips
- Use fresh orange and fresh lemon juice — bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
- Dijon mustard helps emulsify the vinaigrette recipe, keeping oil and juice from separating.
- Maple syrup gives a softer sweetness; honey adds a floral note.
- Swap olive oil for avocado oil if you want a milder base.
How to Make Citrus Salad Dressing
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl.
- Whisk vigorously until fully combined.
OR - Combine in a jar or measuring cup and use an immersion blender for a smoother, fully emulsified citrus vinaigrette dressing.
That’s it. Five minutes, no complicated steps.
My Expert Tips for Perfect Citrus Dressing
Balance is key: Taste before serving. If it’s too sharp, add a teaspoon of honey. Too sweet? Add a splash of vinegar.
Use room temperature ingredients to help the dressing emulsify more easily.
If serving over delicate greens, let the dressing sit for 5 minutes before tossing. This allows flavors to meld.
Always whisk again before serving if it has been sitting.
8 Delicious Variations
Here are ways to transform this citrus salad dressing recipe:
1. Fresh Herb Citrus Vinaigrette
Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, parsley, or thyme.
2. Cilantro Orange Citrus Dressing
Blend in fresh cilantro for a bold, taco-friendly flavor.
3. Spicy Citrus Vinegrette
Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or a small dash of cayenne.
4. Creamy Citrus Dressing
Blend with 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt for a lightly creamy texture.
5. Garlic Citrus Dressing
Add 1 small grated garlic clove for extra depth.
6. Ginger Citrus Vinaigrette
Add ½ tsp freshly grated ginger for a bright, zesty kick.
7. Orange Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe (Extra Orange)
Use all orange juice and skip the lemon for a sweeter orange citrus dressing.
8. Citrus Vinegar Dressing with White Balsamic
Swap white wine vinegar for white balsamic for a softer acidity.
Each variation keeps the base citrus vinaigrette balanced and versatile.
What to Serve with this Citrus Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
This citrus vinaigrette salad dressing recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Arugula and shaved fennel
- Spinach with strawberries and almonds
- Kale with roasted sweet potatoes
- Citrus salad with sliced oranges and avocado
- Grain bowls with quinoa or farro
- Drizzled over roasted vegetables
- Used as a marinade for chicken or fish
It’s truly the perfect dressing for a vibrant citrus salad.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Shake or whisk before serving.
If the olive oil solidifies slightly in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using.
Other Salad Dressing Recipes You’ll Love
- Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing (without Anchovies)
- The Best Feta Salad Dressing
- Summer Herb Salad Dressing
- Creamy Honey Lime Salad Dressing
- Easy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
- Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing
FAQ
Final Thoughts
A homemade citrus salad dressing transforms even the simplest bowl of greens into something memorable. I love recipes that feel elevated yet effortless, and this one is exactly that. With fresh orange juice, lemon, and quality olive oil, you get bold flavor with minimal effort.
This is one of those free kitchen upgrades that costs very little time but delivers maximum flavor. Once you start making your own vinaigrette salad dressing, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Connect With Me
Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Citrus Salad Dressing Recipe
This bright and refreshing citrus salad dressing is made with fresh orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of maple syrup or honey. It’s perfectly balanced, lightly sweet, and ideal for green salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or citrus vinaigrette salad combinations.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl or jar.
- Whisk until fully combined and emulsified, or blend with an immersion blender for an extra smooth citrus vinaigrette dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed.
- Drizzle over your favorite salad and enjoy immediately.
Notes
For a stronger citrus flavor, add ½ tsp fresh orange zest or lemon zest. For a creamier version, blend in 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
