Zesty Citrus Herb Dressing

Name: Zesty Citrus Herb Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp finely chopped fresh garlic

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 6

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Welcome to an exciting twist on your typical salad dressing — the Zesty Citrus Herb Dressing! This refreshing mix brings a burst of citrus and herbs to your dishes, making it perfect for brightening up any meal.

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Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Herb Dressing

Olive oil is the base of our dressing, providing a smooth texture and a hint of richness. The freshly squeezed orange juice brings a natural sweetness and a bright citrus flavor, while the lemon juice adds a perfect tangy contrast. Apple cider vinegar contributes a gentle acidity that ties the citrus elements together. Honey sweetens the dressing just enough to balance the tanginess. Dijon mustard gives it a slight kick, while salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, the fresh herbs — basil and parsley — along with garlic, add a fragrant touch that rounds out the dressing beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

For a thicker consistency, blend the dressing for a few seconds using an immersion blender.
Use freshly squeezed juices for the best flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Store the dressing in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle this Zesty Citrus Herb Dressing over a mixed greens salad with sliced avocado and cherry tomatoes. It's also fantastic as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. For a fun twist, try it over roasted vegetables or even as a topping for a grain bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?: Yes, but use them sparingly as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?: You can use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar as a substitute. They will still provide that necessary acidity.

Zesty Citrus Herb Dressing Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Pour in your olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until they're well combined. This should take about a minute or two of steady whisking.

Next, sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, and those lovely fresh herbs — basil and parsley. Don't forget the garlic! Stir everything together until the mixture looks uniform and you can see those flecks of herbs throughout.

It's time to taste. Give it a little sip and see if it needs any tweaking. Maybe a pinch more salt or a dash more pepper? Once you're happy with the flavor, transfer your dressing to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will keep it fresh and ready to go whenever you need it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make — ready in just 5 minutes!
Uses fresh, vibrant ingredients to elevate any salad.
Versatile enough to use as a marinade for meats or veggies.
Perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp finely chopped fresh garlic

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

2. Stir in salt, black pepper, basil, parsley, and garlic until the mixture is homogenous.