Zesty Citrus Dressing

Featured in Healthy Eating.

Whipped this zesty dressing together, and wow, my salads have never been this exciting! Only took minutes to mix, and the fresh citrus made it stand out. Lemon adds just the right kick, and it’s turned into my weekly meal-prep go-to. Bonus: works great on chicken marinade too! Shake everything in a jar—it’s silky from the olive oil but super light with all that citrus. Amazing for summer greens or any time you need bold flavor fast.
A woman wearing an apron and smiling.
Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:28:50 GMT
A clear bowl with a tangy yellow dressing inside and a whole lemon resting nearby. Pin it
A clear bowl with a tangy yellow dressing inside and a whole lemon resting nearby. | tasteofmoms.com

This zesty citrus dressing adds bright punch in just a few minutes. It's wonderful on greens, oven-roasted vegetables or as a quick marinade—you'll love this little kitchen wonder.

Speedy Zesty Goodness

This quick tangy mix works with any eating plan. It stays good for a couple weeks so you'll always have something to jazz up your food.

Basic Ingredients

  • Oil: Use olive for a velvety foundation.
  • Orange: Squeezed juice adds natural sweetness.
  • Lemon: Gives that sunny zing.
  • Vinegar: Apple cider creates harmony.
  • Honey: Just a bit for ideal sweetness.
  • Season: Add salt and pepper as you like.

Quick Instructions

Mix
Put oils, citrus, vinegar and honey in a container.
Season
Sprinkle salt and pepper then shake until combined.
Taste
Sample and tweak until the sweet-sour balance works.
Keep
Pop in the fridge, shake before using, good for 14 days.
A glass bowl filled with a bright yellow sauce sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by lemon halves and green leaves. Pin it
A glass bowl filled with a bright yellow sauce sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by lemon halves and green leaves. | tasteofmoms.com

Serving Ideas

Splash on fruit mixes, roasted vegetables or grain dishes. Makes a lovely marinade and brightens up any meal.

Storage Tips

Stash in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 14 days. Don't forget to shake it up before pouring.

Naturally Better

No weird stuff, just what you pick yourself. It beats anything from the store in taste and goodness.

Mix It Around

Play with different vinegars or swap in agave for plant-based diets. Adding lime creates a whole new flavor adventure.

Plan Ahead

Whip up a batch on Sunday for tasty meals all week long. Your flavor boost waits in the fridge whenever you need it.

Great Matches

Tops leafy salads, pairs with citrus segments and crunchy nuts. Goes with everything from bowls to barbecue.

A clear plastic container holds a yellow sauce with black pepper, next to a halved lemon on a wooden surface. Pin it
A clear plastic container holds a yellow sauce with black pepper, next to a halved lemon on a wooden surface. | tasteofmoms.com

Custom Blend

Want it sweeter? Add more orange. Prefer tang? Go heavy on lemon. Adjust until it's just how you want it.

Eco Friendly

Ditch store-bought bottles and mix at home instead. It's better for our planet and tastier too.

Smooth Version

Drop in some plain yogurt or a dash of cream for a silky twist. Keeps the zippy flavor but adds a lovely smoothness.

Citrus Boost

Grate in some peel for an amazing flavor kick. This tiny change makes everything taste more alive.

Proper Mixing

Stir thoroughly so it won't split apart too fast. A tiny bit of mustard can help everything stick together nicely.

Nice Presentation

A cute bottle lets everyone add as much as they want. Works for dipping too and looks great on the table.

Seasonal Tweaks

Try ruby oranges in winter or pink grapefruit in summer. Each time of year brings new tasty options.

Impress Anyone

This homemade touch makes even simple food feel special. It's an easy way to create a memorable meal.

A small glass bowl contains a vibrant orange dressing with a basil leaf, surrounded by halved lemons and an orange. Pin it
A small glass bowl contains a vibrant orange dressing with a basil leaf, surrounded by halved lemons and an orange. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this last?

Keep it chilled up to 2 weeks. Warm it up a little and shake well before using.

→ Can I swap out the citrus?

Try using grapefruit or lime! Just adjust the honey to match the tartness level.

→ Why is it separating?

It’s normal for oil and vinegar to separate. Just give it a good shake each time.

→ What dishes does it go with?

Delicious on leafy greens, grain bowls, and even fruity salads. Pairs amazingly with nuts and avocado, too.

→ Is there a sugar-free version?

Skip the honey or replace it with a sugar alternative. It’ll taste a bit more tart, but still great.

Conclusion

A vibrant dressing made with a blend of fresh orange and lemon juice, honey, and olive oil. Great for giving any salad a refreshing twist.

Zesty Citrus Dressing

A refreshing combo of citrus, honey, and olive oil. Shake it up and enjoy in just 5 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (1/2 cup)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon of salt.
02 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
03 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
04 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
05 2 tablespoons of raw honey.
06 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
07 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss all the ingredients into a small jar.

Step 02

Seal the jar and give it a good shake until everything looks blended.

Step 03

Use it right away or keep it for later use.

Notes

  1. Shake the jar every time before using it.
  2. Perfect topping for any kind of salad!

Tools You'll Need

  • A small jar with a lid.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: ~