Are you looking for a quick and easy homemade salad dressing that packs a punch of flavor? This 5 Minute Citrus Salad Dressing is so delicious you’ll want to put it on everything! It’s bright and zesty, made with lemon juice and orange juice for an extra citrusy kick!

citrus dressing in a jar with lemons all around

Making your own salad dressing at home is a good idea for so many reasons! You know exactly what’s in it and can be sure you’re avoiding any additives. You’ll also be able to tailor it to your own personal tastes. And homemade dressings are not complicated! They can be made with simple ingredients you may already have on hand in just five minutes or less!

This citrus salad dressing features tart citrus juices for a bright and flavorful finish. Combined with maple syrup, you’ll get a lightly sweet note and a splash of tangy flavor from dijon mustard. Champagne vinegar gives it a classy acidic finish. And a hint of spices adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

The best part about this salad dressing is its versatility! You can enjoy it on some Lemon Orzo Pasta, drizzle it on top of a Grilled Summer Salad, or use it to marinate chicken or steak!

citrus dressing drizzled on top of orzo pasta

No matter how you enjoy it, this recipe makes a large batch that will last two weeks in your fridge so you can have the fresh taste of citrus any time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s made with simple ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store.
  • This citrus salad dressing is bright and flavorful, which pairs perfectly with all types of salads, pasta dishes, and even chicken or steak!
  • The recipe comes together quickly – only 5 minutes to make!
  • It lasts for two weeks in your fridge so that you can have a citrus-infused flavor any time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients in separate bowls on a white board
  • Citrus Zest & Juice – You’ll need both the zest and the juice of one large orange and a lemon. This is what adds the bright and bold citrus flavor.
  • Champagne Vinegar – Add a classy touch to this dressing by using some champagne vinegar to add a layer of acidity.
  • Maple Syrup – This natural sweetener is great to add to the dressing to balance out any bitter flavors from the citrus.
  • Dijon Mustard – Not only does this mustard help emulsify the dressing, but it also gives another layer of savory flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper – Used to balance and enhance all of the natural flavors.
  • Olive Oil – Creates a smooth texture in the dressing while helping to marry all of the flavors together.

How To Make Citrus Salad Dressing

citrus dressing in a measuring cup with a whisk
Whisk ingredients together
citrus dressing in a jar
Store in a jar for up to 2 weeks in the fridge

Zest and juice the citrus: Using a microplane, zest the citrus fruits, then cut them in half and juice them. Add them into a bowl or a jar with a lid.

Measure the ingredients: To the bowl or the jar, add the measured-out vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Mix the dressing: If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until fully combined. If using a jar, shake vigorously until all of the ingredients are fully combined.

Serve and store: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • When choosing your citrus fruits, make sure to pick ones that are bright and vibrant in color and are heavy for their size.
  • If you don’t have a microplane to zest the fruit, you can use the fine side of a box grater.
  • This dressing can also be mixed in a food processor or by using a handheld immersion blender. This will help fully emulsify the ingredients.
  • For best results, store the dressing in a sanitized glass jar with a lid to keep it as fresh as possible.
citrus dressing drizzled over orzo pasta

Variations

  • Change up the citrus flavor: Add in some juice and zest from other citrus fruits, including grapefruit, lime, or tangerine.
  • Make it spicy: Add in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the citrus salad dressing an added kick!
  • Swap the vinegar: If you can’t find champagne vinegar, you can use white balsamic or apple cider vinegar instead.
  • Swap the sweetener: Instead of maple syrup, feel free to use honey or agave nectar.
  • Add other spices: Give this dressing an herby kick by adding some dried oregano, basil, or thyme.

Storage

Once the dressing is whipped together, it can be used immediately or stored. For best results, store it in a sanitized glass jar with a lid and store it in the fridge. It will last up to two weeks when stored properly.

Freezing is not recommended, as citrus-based dressings tend to separate when defrosted.

citrus dressing in a large jar

FAQ

Should a homemade dressing sit before using?

Yes, this allows the flavors to meld together and develop. For best results, let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.

Can I omit the sweetener in this recipe?

Yes, you can omit it if desired, but this may make the dressing taste slightly bitter or acidic, depending on how sweet your citrus fruit is.

How far do you zest citrus fruit?

You want to zest citrus fruits until you only see the white pith remaining, as that can be quite bitter. The flavor and essential oils are inside the colorful part of the zest.

Print
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citrus dressing in a jar with lemons all around

5 Minute Citrus Salad Dressing

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  • Author: Laney Schwartz
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1.5 cups 1x

Description

This 5 Minute Citrus Salad Dressing is so delicious you’ll want to put it on everything! It’s bright and zesty, made with lemon juice and orange juice for an extra citrusy kick!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about ¼ cup juice)
  • Zest and juice of 1 large orange (about ¼ cup juice)
  • ½ cup champagne vinegar (or white balsamic vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. Using a microplane, zest the citrus fruits, then cut them in half and juice them. Add them into a bowl or a jar with a lid.
  2. To the bowl or the jar, add the vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  3. If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until fully combined. If using a jar, shake vigorously until all of the ingredients are fully combined.
  4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy!