Transform your salads with this homemade orange and cumin salad dressing. Packed with vibrant citrus flavors, this simple recipe strikes a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, giving your greens a burst of freshness.

As we dive into the heart of the citrus season, We are thrilled to share a game-changer for your salads - a zesty homemade Citrus Vinaigrette that will outshine any store-bought dressing. Trust me, there's something incredibly satisfying about making your own salad dressing, and this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet.
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Why I Love This Recipe
Healthy and Nourishing: This dressing not only tastes amazing but also packs a punch of vitamin C, supporting your immune system while adding a burst of flavor to your salads.
Quick and Easy: With a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal companion for busy weeknights.
Simple Ingredients for a Tangy Vinaigrette: The perfect combination of fresh citrus fruits, a hint of cumin, and a touch of honey creates a dressing that's both vibrant and delicious.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Wholegrain Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Garlic clove,
- Whole cumin seeds, toasted and crushed (or ground cumin)
- Ground cinnamon
- Paprika
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make the Citrus Vinaigrette
- Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Alternatively, add all the dressing ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and give it a good shake until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Taste and add more honey or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
- Serve with your favorite salad greens.
Substitutions and Variations
Explore various oils to match your taste preferences: Avocado, grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oils are excellent choices to consider.
Use a Different Vinegar: White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar can be great alternatives, adding a unique twist to your vinaigrette.
Try different Citrus Fruits: Try using cara cara oranges, navel oranges, blood oranges, or even fresh lemons for a different citrusy flavor profile.
Make it Vegan: Swap out honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Storage Instructions
Keep your vinaigrette fresh by storing it in a mason jar or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2-3 days.
What to Serve with this Orange and Cumin Salad Dressing
- Moroccan Orange Salad - This exotic salad features sweet dates, tart pomegranate seeds, and succulent orange segments. Tossed in the zesty Orange and Cumin Dressing, it's a flavor explosion.
- Arugula and Beetroot Salad - Peppery arugula, roasted beetroot, crumbled feta cheese, and candied walnuts come together in this vibrant salad. Drizzle with this citrus salad dressing for a zesty kick.
- Quinoa and Chickpea Salad - Nutritious quinoa, protein-packed chickpeas, and fresh veggies create a hearty salad. The homemade dressing adds a citrusy pop.
- Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad - Succulent grilled chicken, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens. Drizzle with this zesty citrus dressing for a satisfying meal.
- Spinach, Strawberry, and Feta Salad - Baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted seeds form a delightful combo. The tangy salad dressing ties it all together.
- Orange and Fennel Salad - Thinly sliced fennel and fresh orange segments make a crisp and refreshing salad. The Orange and Cumin Dressing enhances the natural flavors with a citrusy twist.
- Grilled Chicken or Seafood - Use this tangy vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken breasts, salmon, or shrimp. The citrusy kick will transform your proteins into a flavor-packed delight.
FAQ
While freshly squeezed orange juice and zest are recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought if it's your only option. Just ensure it's 100% pure orange juice.
This dressing will keep well in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Just remember to give it a good shake before using it to re-emulsify the ingredients.
Conclusion
With this easy-to-make Orange and Cumin Salad Dressing, you're not just adding flavor to your salads, but also a touch of your own creativity. Say goodbye to store-bought dressings and hello to a new level of culinary satisfaction.
Happy cooking!
More Salad Recipes
Orange and Cumin Salad Dressing (Easy Citrus Vinaigrette)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4 - 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform your salads with this homemade citrus vinaigrette. Packed with vibrant citrus flavors, this simple recipe strikes a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, giving your greens a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
4 tablespoon (60ml) extra virgen olive oil
2 tablespoon (30ml) red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon (30ml) fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon (5ml) wholegrain Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon (2.5ml) whole cumin seeds, toasted and crushed (or ground cumin)
¼ teaspoon (2ml) ground cinnamon
Pinch of paprika
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Alternatively, add all the dressing ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and give it a good shake until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Taste and add more honey or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
4. Serve with your favorite salad greens.
Notes
Storage Instructions - Keep your vinaigrette fresh by storing it in a mason jar or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 - 10 minutes
- Category: Condiments and Sauces
- Cuisine: Basics
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serving
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 3.3 g
- Sodium: 22.7 mg
- Fat: 9.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
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