This refreshing Citrus Vinaigrette recipe is so easy and can be used on a salad, as a marinade for chicken or fish, and even as a dipping sauce for grilled veggies!
Your Shopping List
The ingredient list for this citrus vinaigrette is short, simple and easy to find! A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Fresh lemon – We will use both the lemon juice and the lemon zest. Zesting the lemon before juicing it will make it easier to peel off the skin.
- Fresh lime – Same as the lemon, we will use both the fresh lime juice and the lime zest. It’s easier to zest before juicing.
- Orange juice – You can use fresh orange juice or bottled. However, make sure the bottle is only orange juice and not filled with extra sugar. Use orange zest too for extra flavor.
- White wine vinegar – In addition to the acidity from the citrus, this vinegar gives another layer of flavor.
- Honey – While the orange juice has some sugar, we need just a bit more sweetness. Honey also gives a unique flavor.
- Coarse sea salt – This helps to bring out the other flavors of the dressing. Keep in mind that different salts measure differently.
- Extra virgin olive oil – This oil gives the dressing its smooth texture that makes it perfect for clinging to greens and other veggies. You can swap for avocado oil.
- Shallot – This aromatic ingredient adds depth to the dressing and a subtle bit of sweetness.
The Play-By-Play
Making this citrus vinaigrette is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Just follow these easy steps.
- Combine all ingredients except for oil. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and zest, lime juice and zest, orange juice, white wine vinegar, honey and coarse sea salt.
- Blend while adding oil. Using an immersion blender, food processor or while whisking, slowly and vigorously pour in the extra virgin olive oil so it emulsifies.
- Add the shallot. Stir in the minced shallot.
- Enjoy! Use as a marinade, on grilled veggies or your favorite salad.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – This citrus salad dressing recipe calls for coarse sea salt to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Keep in mind that different salts measure differently if using something else.
- Seasonings – Feel free to add things like freshly cracked black pepper, fresh garlic, a teaspoon of dijon mustard or red onion. The citrus fruits do make this a sweeter dressing, so these seasonings will add more of a punch. You can also try adding fresh herbs like basil.
- Swaps – Instead of using this dressing on a salad, it would make a delicious dipping sauce for salmon or just about any other protein. You can also use it as a marinade, or a sauce to drizzle over grilled veggies.
- Senses – This citrus vinaigrette is a bright, zesty burst of flavor that awakens the senses. As you whisk it together, the tangy aroma of fresh-squeezed lemon, lime and orange fills the air, mingling with the subtle sharpness of vinegar and the smooth richness of olive oil. On the tongue, it’s a perfect balance—light, silky, and vibrant
How to Use It
The most obvious way to use this citrus vinaigrette is to put it on green salads. I especially like it on arugula, kale or spinach. Something simple like a cobb salad or even something fruity like a peach salad would pair perfectly with this dressing!
However, you can use this vinaigrette on more than just salad! Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken. You can even use it to add a citrusy flair to grilled vegetables. Drizzle over things like herb grilled potatoes or grilled broccoli.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store
Store the citrus vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container with a tight lid. I like to store in a mason jar so I can easily shake it up. Give it a good shake or stir before serving to combine all of the ingredients back together.
Can I Freeze Citrus Vinaigrette?
We don’t recommend freezing this vinaigrette. The texture may change upon thawing.
More Homemade Dressing Recipes
If you know me, you know how much I love a homemade sauce or condiment. Here are some of our favorites.
Refreshing Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 fresh lemon , juiced and zested
- 1 fresh lime , juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup shallot , minced
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 fresh lemon, zested and juiced, 1 fresh lime zested and juiced, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey and 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt.
- Using an immersion blender or while whisking, slowly and vigorously pour in the 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil so it emulsifies.
- Stir in the minced 1/4 cup shallot.
- Use as a marinade, on grilled veggies or your favorite salad.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
I agree! Fresh dressing is so tasty. I need to get some champagne vinegar to try your recipe!
I love citrus in a vinaigrette! This sounds FANTASTIC!!!
I love citrus vinaigrette! I have been looking for a recipe like this! I can’t wait to try it!
This vinaigrette sounds delicious! Lemon, lime, AND orange! I am looking forward to trying this 🙂