Homemade Citrus Dressing Recipe

Make this citrus dressing and have the perfect vinaigrette for any salad. It is easy to make and has a super fresh flavor that takes the dish to the next level. It is also a healthy alternative to salad dressing. That is why I choose it in the summer when I want to eat something light and fresh. Below is a detailed citrus dressing recipe. Follow it to make an all-purpose vinaigrette in just 35 minutes.

What is Citrus Dressing?

The citrus dressing is a bright, tangy vinaigrette made mainly from the fresh juice of citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruits, often blended with olive oil, vinegar, and a variety of spices and herbs. In this recipe, I recommend you use mustard to spice up the dressing.  It’s used as a dressing for salads, as a marinade for meats, or to add a spicy kick to a variety of dishes.

Citrus Vinaigrette has a bright, tangy flavor profile. It has a refreshing acidity from the citrus juice. Olive oil adds a smooth, rich texture, while the sweetness of the citrus balances the acidity. Additional ingredients such as garlic, honey, mustard, or herbs can enhance the dressing’s complexity. They add layers of savory, sweet, or spicy notes.

There are three reasons why I like this citrus dressing:

• Simple ingredients: Unlike store-bought dressings that are full of artificial fillers and preservatives, this dressing is made with only fresh, natural ingredients that are useful for you.
• Versatile: This citrus dressing not only works great on salads but can add a sweet tangy flavor to almost any fruit, meat, or vegetable.
• Easy to make: You can have this dressing ready to go in less than 35 minutes!

Ingredients for Homemade Citrus Dressing

• Lime: To enhance the acidity and brightness of the dressing, add lime juice, which adds a sharp, tangy flavor with a slightly bitter edge.
• Orange: Add a layer of complexity and natural sweetness with fresh orange juice. Its sweet, slightly tangy flavor balances the sharpness of the lime and lemon.
• Lemon: Lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that enhances the overall zest of the dressing and provides a bright, tart flavor with high acidity.
• Brown Sugar: Use brown sugar to add a rich, molasses-like sweetness that balances out the acidity of the citrus juices and adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to the dressing. 
• Medium-Hot Mustard: Mustard acts as an emulsifier to help blend the oil and citrus juices smoothly, adding subtle heat and a tangy, savory depth to the dressing.
• Olive Oil: Add olive oil to provide a rich, fruity flavor and a smooth, silky texture, help balance the acidity, and blend the ingredients into a cohesive dressing.
• Sunflower Oil: With its light and neutral flavor, sunflower oil helps to ensure that the dressing isn’t too overpowering, while also contributing to a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dressing by balancing the sweet and sour tastes and bringing out the best in each of the ingredients.

How to Make Citrus Dressing

1. First, peel the citrus fruits.
2. Then, cut them in half and squeeze out the juice.
3. Combine the fresh citrus in a saucepan.
4. Next, add 1,4 ounces (40 g) of sugar and bring to a boil. Cook over low heat until the mixture has evaporated two and a half times.
5. Strain through a sieve.
6. Then, place it in the freezer until it is cold. 
7. Season with salt and add the sunflower and olive oil in a thin stream, stirring constantly. The mass should be thickened.

Chef Recipe Tips: 

• If the citrus is too sour, add more sugar. 
• You can use a blender with a whisk attachment for faster preparation. 
• If the mustard is too spicy, reduce the amount by half.

Origin of the Citrus Dressing

Mediterranean cuisine, where citrus fruits and olive oil are staples, is where citrus dressing has its roots. Reflecting the region’s emphasis on fresh, vibrant flavors, the use of citrus in dressings and marinades is common in many Mediterranean dishes. Over time, citrus dressings have become popular around the world. They are appreciated for their versatility and ability to enhance a wide range of dishes.

How to Store Homemade Citrus Dressing

To store: This will be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Note about separation: When stored in the refrigerator, separation may occur. To reconstitute the dressing, use a spoon to stir the ingredients together or mix again quickly.

Which Salads Go Well with Citrus Dressing?

• Mixed Green Salad: Try elevating your favorite green salad. A simple mix of fresh greens like arugula, spinach, and romaine pairs beautifully with a citrusy dressing that adds a refreshing zest.
• Quinoa Salad: Citrus vinaigrette adds a zesty lift to quinoa tossed with vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
• Fruit Salad: Fresh berries like strawberries, oranges, blueberries, and kiwi take advantage of the bright, tangy notes of citrus vinaigrette.
• Avocado and Shrimp Salad: Try pairing creamy avocado and succulent shrimp with the acidity and brightness of your citrus vinaigrette.
• Kale and Apple Salad: A refreshing citrus vinaigrette balances the bitterness of kale with the sweetness of apples.
• Beet and goat cheese salad: Bring out the earthy flavor of beets and the creamy tang of goat cheese with a vibrant citrus vinaigrette.
• Couscous Salad: Citrus vinaigrette also pairs well with fluffy couscous tossed with chopped vegetables, herbs, and dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries.
• Spinach and strawberry salad: Fresh leaves of spinach and sweet strawberries are the perfect complement to the bright, tangy citrus vinaigrette.
• Grilled Chicken Salad: A tangy citrus dressing enhances the flavor of grilled chicken breast on a bed of mixed greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
• Asian-Inspired Slaw: The refreshing and tangy notes of citrus vinaigrette help you elevate a slaw of cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.