Looking for a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet easy citrus dressing that tastes like Florida in a jar? This Florida Sunshine Vinaigrette is exactly that! It’s a snap to make, healthy, and bursting with fresh Florida orange flavor. Perfect for a simple salad, grain bowls, roasted veggies, or grilled proteins. It’s a simple homemade dressing that will take any meal from ordinary to sunshine-on-a-plate.
Looking for easy camping meals, Florida-inspired meals, desserts, etc? We think you’ll love PINA COLADA FRENCH TOAST | EASY CAMPING BREAKFAST RECIPE, GOOEY S’MORES BAR | EASY SUMMER CAMPING DESSERT, and BLUEBERRY LEMON PANCAKES FOR YOUR NEXT CAMPING TRIP!
We love this citrus salad dressing. Made with simple ingredients like fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, orange blossom honey, and olive oil. And, it all comes together in just a few minutes!
The tangy flavor of this homemade vinaigrette is not only the perfect combination to drizzle over summer salad, but is fabulous with our FLORIDA FALL HARVEST SALAD! Best part, no blender required.
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT THIS CITRUS VINAIGRETTE DRESSING:
Bright and fresh: Bursting with real orange juice, this perfect vinaigrette recipe adds a sunny, citrusy kick to any salad or bowl.
Sweet-and-tangy balance: The perfect balance & natural sweetness of orange blossom honey and apple cider vinegar make every bite pop.
Quick and easy: This citrus vinaigrette recipe is ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients – no blender or fancy equipment required.
Healthy and allergy-friendly: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and naturally wholesome, this healthy homemade salad dressing works for almost any diet.
Versatile for any meal: Tons of delicious ways to enjoy this orange vinaigrette, like a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or drizzling over grilled proteins.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Citrus Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Recipe:
INGREDIENT NOTES
Orange Blossom Honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness that perfectly balances the tang of the citrus and vinegar. Look for raw or pure honey for the best flavor.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, rich base. It helps emulsify the dressing and gives it that beautiful, silky texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a bright tang and depth of flavor. Make sure to use raw, unfiltered vinegar for the best taste and health benefits.
Fresh Citrus: The star of this vinaigrette! Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives bright, natural sweetness and vibrant fresh flavor that bottled juice just can’t match. It’s what makes this simple vinaigrette taste like Florida sunshine in every bite.
HULASQUATCH’S TOP TIP:
Fresh ingredients are always best; however, a great option when citrus season is over is to use a good-quality frozen orange juice concentrate for this delightful orange dressing.
HOW TO MAKE FLORIDA SUNSHINE VINAIGRETTE STE-BY-STEP
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the printable recipe card below!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients – Add fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, orange blossom honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to a mason jar or medium bowl.
Step 2: Add Olive Oil Slowly – Pour in the olive oil while whisking or shaking to emulsify the dressing and create a smooth, silky texture.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust – Add more honey for sweetness, extra vinegar for tang, or a pinch of orange zest for extra citrus punch.
Step 4: Let It Rest – Allow this homemade orange vinaigrette to sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Shake or whisk again before serving if refrigerated.
RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS FOR EASY CITRUS DRESSING
Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the brightest, most natural flavor.
This handheld immersion blender is our secret hack for perfectly emulsified olive oil in this quick homemade vinaigrette.
Let the vinaigrette rest 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together.
PRO TIP
Make a triple batch of this homemade orange vinaigrette dressing
at home and store it in a sealed container so the perfect meal
at camp or home takes just minutes.
STORAGE & SHELF LIFE
Storage: Store in an airtight jar or container in the fridge.
Shelf Life: Keeps 5–7 days.
Serving: Shake well before each use to recombine ingredients. Olive oil may solidify a bit in the fridge – just set it out for a few minutes to warm up before shaking.
VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
FLAVOR VARIATIONS:
- Different kinds of vinegar, like a beautiful Champagne, white balsamic vinegar, or red wine vinegar, would be gorgeous.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would add a depth of flavor.
- Other citrus: Grapefruit, blood oranges, Cara Cara oranges, or lime juice would add a different fresh citrusy flavor.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Vegan? Swap honey for maple syrup or organic brown sugar.
- Try a different oil, like Avocado oil, which would be lovely in this easy homemade vinaigrette dressing!
- Out of fresh garlic? No worries! Use a teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Swap fresh orange juice for either frozen concentrate or the good old-fashioned bottled variety.
FAQ’s ABOUT THIS HOMEMADE CITRUS VINAIGRETTE RECIPE:
Yes, it tastes even better after flavors have melded overnight.
Oil and vinegar naturally separate. Shake or whisk before serving.
Yes, but fresh-squeezed gives the brightest, most natural flavor.
Add more olive oil or honey to mellow the tang.
Gluten-free by default; vegan if you swap honey for maple syrup
.
Not recommended – texture changes when thawed.
WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS FLORIDA SUNSHINE VINAIGRETTE?
This easy citrus dressing is amazing with our FLORIDA FALL HARVEST SALAD, but also pairs well with grilled shrimp or chicken bowls, mixed greens with goat cheese & orange segments, roasted sweet potatoes, or squash, & quinoa or farro bowls!
MORE EASY RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
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We hope you love this Florida Sunshine Vinaigrette. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so we know how you liked it. Enjoy & HAPPY WANDERING!
Nutrition is only an estimate based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator.
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FLORIDA SUNSHINE VINAIGRETTE | EASY CITRUS DRESSING
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- ⅓ c extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ c apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp orange blossom honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients - Add fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, orange blossom honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to a mason jar or medium bowl.
2. Add Olive Oil Slowly - Pour in the olive oil while whisking or shaking to emulsify the dressing and create a smooth, silky texture.
3. Taste and Adjust - Add more honey for sweetness, extra vinegar for tang, or a pinch of orange zest for extra citrus punch.
4. Let It Rest - Allow this homemade orange vinaigrette to sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Shake or whisk again before serving if refrigerated.
Notes
RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS FOR EASY CITRUS DRESSING
Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the brightest, most natural flavor.
This handheld immersion blender is our secret hack for perfectly emulsified olive oil in this quick homemade vinaigrette.
Let the vinaigrette rest 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together.
STORAGE & SHELF LIFE
Shelf Life: Keeps 5–7 days.
Serving: Shake well before each use to recombine ingredients. Olive oil may solidify a bit in the fridge - just set it out for a few minutes to warm up before shaking.
VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
FLAVOR VARIATIONS:
Different kinds of vinegar, like a beautiful Champagne, white balsamic vinegar, or red wine vinegar, would be gorgeous.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would add a depth of flavor.
Other citrus: Grapefruit, blood oranges, Cara Cara oranges, or lime juice would add a different fresh citrusy flavor.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Vegan? Swap honey for maple syrup or organic brown sugar.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano would add a depth of flavor.
Out of fresh garlic? No worries! Use a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Swap fresh orange juice for either frozen concentrate or the good old-fashioned bottled variety.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 24Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 365mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
Thanks for stopping by! "Hulasquatch" is the ultimate blend of adventure and chill! Part wild explorer, part laid-back Floridian, and always ready to hula through life’s adventures. Come along for the adventure as we explore Florida & beyond. Discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, testing out cool gear, eating & creating fantastic food along the way. Happy wandering!
This Florida Sunshine Vinaigrette is the perfect easy citrus dressing for anyone who loves fresh, homemade flavor without the fuss. Made with real orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and orange blossom honey, it delivers the ideal sweet and tangy balance in just five minutes. This healthy citrus vinaigrette is light, dairy-free, and perfect for salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken. If you’re looking for a bright homemade salad dressing that tastes fresh and vibrant, this Florida-inspired vinaigrette is a must-try.