Zesty Citrus Herb Vinaigrette

πŸ•’ Prep: 10 min
πŸ”₯ Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking to elevate your salad game, this Zesty Citrus Herb Vinaigrette is a game-changer. With bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for giving a fresh, flavorful twist to any dish.

Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Herb Vinaigrette

Olive oil is the base of our vinaigrette, providing a rich, smooth texture and healthy fats. Lemon juice adds a sharp, refreshing acidity, while orange juice brings in a subtle sweetness and additional citrus flavor. Apple cider vinegar offers a mild tang and depth of flavor. Honey balances the acidity with a hint of sweetness. Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a creamy consistency. Garlic introduces a punch of savory depth, while parsley and basil offer fresh, herbal notes. Finally, salt and pepper enhance and balance the overall flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more intense garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the vinegar for a few minutes before mixing.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
  • For a smoother texture, blend the vinaigrette in a small blender.

Serving Suggestions

This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with a mixed green salad, especially those with arugula or spinach. It's also fantastic drizzled over grilled chicken or fish, adding a burst of flavor. Try it as a marinade for your favorite proteins or roasted vegetables for an extra zing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How long will this vinaigrette last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should last about a week in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute the olive oil with another oil?
Yes, you can use other oils like avocado or grapeseed oil, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

Zesty Citrus Herb Vinaigrette Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl. Pour in the olive oil, then add the lemon juice and orange juice. Introduce the apple cider vinegar to the mix. Now, whisk in the honey and Dijon mustard until everything looks smooth and well-combined. The idea here is to get a nice blend of flavors right from the start.

Once the liquids are mixed, toss in the minced garlic. Follow it up with the chopped parsley and chopped basil. Give it another good whisk. You’re aiming for an even distribution of those delightful herbs in your vinaigrette.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Whisk it all together again until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. If you're using it right away, go ahead and drizzle it over your dish. Otherwise, pour it into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and pop it in the fridge.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and tangy flavors that wake up your taste buds.
  • Quick and easy to make with just a few fresh ingredients.
  • Versatile dressing that complements salads, grilled veggies, and more.

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped basil to the mixture and whisk again.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste and whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
4. Use immediately or transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate.

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