Orange Vinaigrette

Liven up any salad with this delightful oil-free orange vinaigrette.

Ask any Floridian and they’ll tell you there’s nothing like fresh-squeezed orange juice straight from the tree. Tangy, bright, and incomparably sweet, with a vibrant, uplifting aroma that puts your mind in instant vacation mode.

Orange juice is so good, it’s a shame it’s typically just thought of as a breakfast drink. Here, with a few simple ingredients, orange juice transforms into the perfect salad dressing. This orange vinaigrette lends a subtle sweetness, freshness, and zippy tang to any salad greens. And it’s oil-free, so you can enjoy it without the added fat that comes with oil-based dressings. 

Jump to:

• Why you’ll love this recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Equipment
• Storage

Why you’ll love this recipe

• A refreshing change of pace: Why limit your salad dressings to the same old options? This dressing is an easy way to add a unique new flavor to your greens. 
• Super easy: With only 5 minutes of prep, this is an easy dressing to add into your rotation.
• Health benefits: Vitamin C! This vitamin has a host of benefits, including supporting the immune system, protecting cells, and helping maintain skin health. 

Ingredients

• Orange juice: Use fresh-squeezed if you can (but strain out the pulp). Store-bought also works (look for “not from concentrate” and “100% orange juice” on the label for the best flavor). If it’s available in your area and your budget allows, Natalie’s is the closest I’ve found to fresh-squeezed flavor.  
• Champagne vinegar: Adds mild acidity. If you don’t have champagne vinegar on hand, any mild vinegars (e.g., rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, or red wine vinegar) would likely work well as a substitute.
• Dijon mustard: Enhances the flavor. 
• Maple syrup: The small amount used here adds a touch of sweetness.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick. 

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

• Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a small bowl or mason jar. 

• Step 2: Stir well to combine or, if using a mason jar, put on the lid and shake well. 

Enjoy immediately on any leafy greens or use it to make Kale Citrus Salad.

Equipment

• Small bowl or mason jar with lid
• Fork or spoon
• Liquid measuring cup
• Measuring spoons 

Storage

Orange vinaigrette will keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.