This creamy citrus salad dressing combines fresh lemon and orange for a tangy, sweet dressing. Dairy-free and vegan options are included. The quick and easy recipe mixes up in 5 minutes.
Be sure to check out more of my creamy salad dressing recipes which are also dairy-free, including my creamy sesame dressing and lemon herb tahini dressing (Cava copycat).
Ingredients
Lemon juice is the tart flavor in the salad dressing, so there is no need to add vinegar. I highly recommend using fresh squeezed lemon juice. The ready made stuff just doesn’t taste the same. You’ll need 2-3 lemons.
Orange juice gives a sweet and tangy flavor to the dressing. Use fresh squeezed (1 orange) or ready-made orange juice.
Extra virgin olive oil is the oil base but several other oils can be used if you prefer. Avocado, canola, sunflower, or other vegetable oils will work.
Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a little tang. If you are vegan or dairy-free, use your favorite yogurt alternative. My preferred vegan yogurt is Kite Hill Almond Milk Yogurt Substitute.
The Greek yogurt needs a little help in thickening the dressing, so a few tablespoons of mayonnaise does the trick. If you use a vegan mayo, you might need to add a little more than called for in the recipe.
I always add a sweet element to my salad dressings, even with the sweet orange juice. Sweet ingredients are excellent flavor enhancers and bring out the citrus flavors. My preferred sweet ingredient is agave because it incorporates easily and has a fairly neutral flavor. If you don’t have agave, honey, maple syrup or even plain white sugar will work too.
Finally salt, another flavor enhancer, brings it all together. The recipe card below calls for a range of salt. I prefer to allow you to determine the exact level of salt flavor you prefer. So start by adding the lower amount and mix up the dressing. Then taste. If you think it needs more or the dressing tastes a little bland, stir in more salt 2 pinches ate a time until you are satisfied with the flavor.
How to Make Creamy Dressing
This dressing can easily be mixed by hand with a wire whisk. However, the blender also makes the process super quick and easy. Simply place all of the ingredients in the blender and run on high for 15 seconds. This will also whip a little air into the dressing, making it a little lighter.
Salad Ideas
- Fennel is an excellent flavor pairing with orange. Toss shaved fennel with thinly sliced celery, diced granny smith apple and fresh mint leaves.
- Toss chopped romaine lettuce with sliced cucumber, diced gala apple, tart dried cherries. Top with chopped walnuts.
- Mix baby arugula with grapefruit sections, green onion and slivered toasted almonds.
Creamy Citrus Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ΒΌ c lemon juice
- ΒΌ c orange juice
- 2 Tbsp agave, maple syrup or honey
- ΒΌ-Β½ tsp salt
- Β½ c extra virgin olive oil
- Β½ c yogurt (vegan subs ok)
- 2-3 Tbsp mayonnaise (vegan subs ok)
Instructions
- This recipe can be mixed by hand with a wire whisk or in the blender.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat the lemon and orange juices, agave and ΒΌ teaspoon of the salt. Or place in the blender and run on medium speed for 5 seconds,
- While beating, gradually drizzle in the olive oil.
- Add the yogurt and 2 tablespoons of the mayonnaise and beat until creamy. If it's a little too runny, beat in another tablespoon of mayo.
- Taste and adjust the flavors if neccessary. A couple of pinches of salt, a tablespoon of lemon juice or a another teaspoon of sweetener will help to enhance the other flavors.
- Store this dressing in the refrigerator for one week.
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