If you're looking for an easy way to brighten up your meals, this citrus dressing is a must-try. It comes together in just a few minutes and adds a fresh, tangy flavor to salads, grilled dishes, and more.
What's great about this recipe
- Quick & easy - This vinaigrette comes together quickly using simple pantry ingredients.
- Versatile - Use it on salads, drizzle it over meats, try it as a dip for veggies, or as a marinade.
- Budget-friendly - Uses affordable, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
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Extra virgin olive oil - Forms the base of the dressing, giving it a smooth texture and rich flavor.
Apple cider vinegar - Adds a bright, tangy kick that balances the citrus.
Orange marmalade - Provides a hint of sweetness and a concentrated citrus flavor that enhances the dressing. (Have extra? It's wonderful in this orange beef recipe).
Orange juice - Freshly squeezed juice offers the best flavor, but good-quality bottled juice works well too.
Seasoning - A blend of salt, garlic powder, black pepper, ginger, and crushed red pepper enhances the dressing's flavor, adding warmth and a slight kick.
📖See the recipe card for quantities and preparation.
How to make citrus dressing
- Add all the ingredients to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid or a large bowl.
- If using a jar, shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- If using a bowl, add all the ingredients except the olive oil, then pour it in slowly while whisking to help emulsify the dressing.
- Taste and adjust salt or seasoning as needed.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use. Shake (or whisk) well before each use.
Substitutions and variations
- Ginger - I use powdered ginger for convenience since I always have some on hand, but if you have fresh ginger, use the same amount for a bolder flavor.
- Crushed red pepper - The crushed red pepper gives the dressing a slight kick, leave it out if you don't like spicy.
- Vinegar swap - Swap apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different tang.
- Marmalade alternative - If you don't have orange marmalade, use honey or maple syrup mixed with ½ teaspoon of orange zest to mimic its citrusy sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is a great way to add bright, tangy flavor to your meals. It's perfect for salads, grilled meats, and roasted veggies, but one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is in a fresh green salad with oranges, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes (pictured above).
Try it as a dip for raw vegetables or a finishing touch for grain bowls-its versatility makes it a staple you'll want to keep on hand!
Storing instructions
Refrigerator - Store in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Separation is natural - Give it a good shake before using as the oil and vinegar will separate over time.
If the oil solidifies - Let the dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it softens. Shake well or whisk before using.
Food safety - For more information on food storage and safety guidelines visit U.S. Department of Agriculture and foodsafety.gov.
Recipe tips and notes
Use a jar to shake the dressing and emulsify the ingredients quickly. Mason jars are great for this-I use them for sauces like my chimichurri, dressings, or our versatile stir-fry sauce.
For best flavor, use fresh orange juice, but good-quality bottled juice works if fresh oranges aren't available.
Taste and adjust the seasoning after mixing, especially the salt and acidity.
To Use as a Marinade:
- Use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin.
- Works for 1 to 1½ pounds of meat (chicken, pork, or shrimp).
- Place the meat in a zip-top bag, pour the marinade over, and seal tightly.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- Discard leftover marinade after use.
Whether you're dressing a salad, drizzling it over grilled chicken, or using it as a veggie dip, this versatile vinaigrette has you covered. It's a great way to add fresh, tangy flavor to any meal. Try it out and let me know how it goes-I'd love to hear your take on it! Share your favorite ways to use it in the comments below!
Salad favorites with dressings you'll love
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📖 Recipe
Citrus Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Orange Juice freshly squeezed or good-quality bottled
- 1 tablespoon Orange Marmalade
- ¼ teaspoon Salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger Powder
- Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid or a large bowl.
- If using a jar: Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- If using a bowl: Add all the ingredients except the olive oil, then pour it in slowly while whisking to help emulsify the dressing.
- Taste and adjust the salt or seasoning as needed. As a reference, we did not add additional salt to ours.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use. Shake or whisk well before each use.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh orange juice, but good-quality bottled juice works if fresh oranges aren't available.
- Using a jar to shake the dressing is the easiest and quickest way to emulsify the ingredients. Mason jars work great for this.
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Nutrition
The nutritional information above is computer generated and is only an estimate. There is no guarantee that it is accurate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.
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