Classic Fruit Salad Dressing

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're looking to elevate your fruit salad game, this Classic Fruit Salad Dressing is your secret weapon. It's a simple blend that brings a fresh, tangy, and subtly sweet flavor to any mix of fruits, making it perfect for any season.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Enhances the natural sweetness of any fruit combination.
  • Perfect balance of citrusy zing and smooth sweetness.
  • Versatile enough for any occasion, from brunch to picnics.

Ingredients

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl; this will be your base for blending all these wonderful flavors. Measure out the honey and pour it into the bowl. If your honey is a bit thick, you can warm it ever so slightly to make it easier to mix. Next, add the freshly squeezed orange juice and lemon juice. These citrus juices will cut through the sweetness of the honey, balancing the dressing perfectly.

Now, it's time to zest your fruits. Using a fine grater, carefully zest your orange and lemon. You’ll want about a teaspoon of each. Adding these to the bowl will infuse the dressing with their aromatic oils, giving it a vibrant lift. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla adds a lovely depth, while the salt subtly enhances all the flavors without making the dressing salty.

With everything in the bowl, take a whisk and blend the ingredients until they’re well combined and silky smooth. You’re looking for a consistency that will coat your fruit evenly without being too runny. Once satisfied, all that's left is to drizzle this over your favorite fresh fruit salad. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece of fruit is dressed. Serve it up right away for the best flavor experience!

Tips & Tricks

  • If your honey is too thick, a quick zap in the microwave for a few seconds will make it easier to mix.
  • For the best zesting results, avoid the white pith under the citrus skin as it's quite bitter.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if your fruits are particularly tart.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is a superstar on any fruit salad, but it pairs especially well with berries, melon, and tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves over the salad before serving. It’s a refreshing addition that complements the citrus notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good whisk before you use it.
What if I don't have fresh oranges or lemons?
Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is best for the brightest flavor.
Is there a vegan alternative for honey?
Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

Ingredients Explained

The magic starts with honey, which adds a natural sweetness and gives the dressing a smooth texture. Freshly squeezed orange juice and lemon juice provide a bright, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the fruits. The orange zest and lemon zest intensify the citrus aroma, making the dressing irresistibly fragrant. Just a touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth, while a pinch of salt enhances all the other tastes.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, and lemon zest.
2. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
3. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
4. Pour over your favorite fresh fruit salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Serve immediately for best results.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!