Zesty Citrus Herb Salad Dressing

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Zesty Citrus Herb Salad Dressing is a bright and flavorful addition to your salad repertoire. With fresh citrus juices and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for elevating any simple salad into something truly special.

Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Herb Salad Dressing

Olive oil acts as the base, giving the dressing a rich and smooth texture. It also helps to meld the flavors together. Orange juice provides sweetness and a fresh citrusy kick, while lemon juice adds a tangy contrast. Apple cider vinegar brings a mild acidity that balances the citrus flavors. Honey adds a touch of sweetness to round out the tartness. Dijon mustard imparts a subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing, keeping it from separating. Garlic offers a savory depth, and fresh parsley and basil bring a pop of color and herbal fragrance. Finally, a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances and ties all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother dressing, use a small blender or an immersion blender to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Always shake the jar well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
  • If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey to taste.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is a perfect match for a mixed green salad with sliced almonds, goat cheese, and dried cranberries. It also works wonderfully drizzled over grilled chicken or fish. For a light lunch, try it with a quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount to one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed container, this dressing can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes.

Zesty Citrus Herb Salad Dressing Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl. Pour in the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these together until you have a well-blended liquid base. Next, add in the honey and Dijon mustard. Keep whisking until everything is nicely emulsified and has a smooth consistency.

Now, toss in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and basil. Stir them in gently, ensuring the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Season your dressing with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, transfer your dressing into a jar with a tight-fitting lid — this makes it easy to shake up and store in the fridge for later use.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing flavors that wake up any salad.
  • Simple to make with ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • A versatile dressing that pairs well with a variety of salads and dishes.
  • No preservatives or artificial ingredients — just fresh goodness!

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until well combined.
2. Add in the honey and Dijon mustard, and continue to whisk until the mixture is emulsified.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and basil, mixing until well distributed.
4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Transfer the dressing to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well before each use.

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