This balsamic Blood Orange Vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment for your winter salads! Make the most of citrus season with a delicious dressing you will serve again and again.
I love citrus season! And this blood orange vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup is a perfect example of why. With just a few simple ingredients this bright, slight sweet and tart dressing adds freshness and a punch of flavor that send those winter blues flying out the door.
I stopped buying store bought salad dressings years ago when I realized just how easy it is to make fabulous vinaigrettes right at home. Give this recipe a try and you won't be going back to pre-made dressings any time soon!
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What is a blood orange?
A blood orange is a variety of orange that has a red, almost blood like colored fruit and juice. They are full of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant which gives them their crimson color. Blood oranges tend to be a bit more tart and juicy than navel oranges and work beautifully in this vinaigrette.
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Equipment
My favorite way to make salad dressings and vinaigrettes is simply to combine all of the ingredients in a mason jar with a lid and then shake it up.
However, if you prefer you can always whisk this dressing up in a mixing bowl or I also like this Oxo Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker for easy measuring and pouring.
Ingredients
- Blood oranges: I love the flavor and color of blood oranges for this recipe. If you can't find any you can also use raspberry oranges or even navel oranges.
- Balsamic vinegar: Be sure to use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
- Maple syrup or honey: I typically use 2 tbsp of maple syrup for this recipe because I prefer a sweeter dressing. Feel free to adjust this amount to your personal preference.
- Olive oil: Use good quality for best results.
- Garlic: I highly recommend using freshly crushed garlic. I know it's tempting to use the bottled minced garlic but it simply doesn't have the same flavor or freshness.
- Red pepper flakes: You can substitute a little freshly ground black pepper if you prefer.
- Salt
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this dressing over a simple spinach salad with blueberries, crumbled blue cheese (goat cheese also works great), pistachios and slices of blood orange. It's delicious!
How should I store this vinaigrette?
Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to one week. This vinaigrette separates easily so you will need to shake or stir for 10-15 seconds before serving.
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Made this Blood Orange Vinaigrette recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Mason jar with lid or bowl with a whisk
Ingredients
- ¼ cup blood orange juice, fresh about 2 small or 1 large blood oranges
- ½ tsp blood orange zest
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup can substitute honey
- ½ cup olive oil good quality
- pinch salt
- pinch red pepper flakes can substitute ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar with a lid (or small mixing bowl with a whisk). Screw the lid on tight and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until well combined. *Alternatively you can whisk the ingredients together until emulsified.* Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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