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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 12 lemons)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 medium orange)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional for extra tang)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (helps mix everything together)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or basil (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (finely chopped up)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
Instructions
- Prepare the citrus juice: First, squeeze the lemons and oranges. You need about a quarter cup each. Want it more tangy? Then just add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a small bowl or mason jar, mix the citrus juices with honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and pepper. The mustard helps it all come together smoothly.
- Add the Olive Oil: Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Using a jar, add the oil and shake well until it's all mixed smooth. The oil makes it rich and carries the flavors.
- Incorporate the Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped parsley, cilantro or basil, thyme or rosemary, and minced garlic. These herbs make it smell amazing and taste even better.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your dressing and adjust if needed. If you want more salt and more pepper, then add more honey.
- Store or Serve: Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate if not using right away. It stays good for up to one week in the fridge. Before you use it again, shake or whisk well.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Fresh Citrus: Squeezed-from-fruit lemon and orange juice are way better than bottled.
- Herb Options: Use whatever herbs you have instead of parsley and cilantro; try basil, dill, or tarragon.
- Sweetness Balance: If you like it sweeter, then add more honey or maple syrup. Prefer less sweet, then take some out.
- Emulsify Properly: Pour olive oil slowly for best mixing if you whisk by hand. Use a jar if you want easy-peasy.
- Storage Tip: Olive oil might get solid in the fridge, but just let it come to room temperature before shaking or mixing again.
- Spicy Citrus Vinaigrette: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spicy taste. Great with avocado salads or grilled meats.
- Creamy Citrus Herb Vinaigrette: Whisk in some Greek yogurt or sour cream, which makes it creamy-tangy and perfect on greens.
- Zesty Lime Herb Vinaigrette: Swap lemon or orange juice with lime juice, great for taco salads or marinades for grilled fish.
- Citrus Herb Marinade: Use as marinade too. At least half-hour soak with chicken, seafood, or tofu before grilling.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: You will get 90 calories with this meal.
- Fat: An amount of 11 g is served, which helps you to keep on the diet track.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the fuel source of the brain; here, 2 g of carbohydrates is obtained.
- Sugars: A 1 g of sugar is contained here depending on the fruits and honey used.
- Sodium: 120 g of sodium is used.
A Citrus Herb Vinaigrette is a great blend of tangy lemon and zesty orange with fresh herbs. This dressing can go on salads, grilled veggies, or as a marinade for chicken, seafood, or tofu. It’s quick to make and adds a pop of flavor to any meal.