Do you like salads? I sure do. I didn’t always like them; in fact it wasn’t until I had my youngest that I really started to enjoy them. Up until recently my go to salad was anything that was loaded with croutons and drenched in ranch. Those two things aren’t really the healthiest choices for a salad so I have been looking into replacements that could keep salads on my list of favorites.
You may remember me telling you last week that I have put on a few more pounds than I would have liked to over the holidays and how I was going to lose 10 pounds while staying on a budget; and what better way to do that then to eat healthy, right?! Salads are a great, healthy meal choice and they’re easy on the wallet too. But if I was going to lose the weight I couldn’t eat my salad’s with 1/4 cup of ranch on them. I know vinaigrette dressings are healthier options so I decided that was probably the way to go. I looked up how to make a basic vinaigrette but knew my taste buds would need a little more zing than that. I had a few leftover oranges from some potpourri I made a week or so ago and somehow I ended up with an extra lime from our last grocery trip. I added a little zest and juice from those, substituted sugar for the salt and pepper and voila… a masterpiece was made! Ok, well maybe not a masterpiece but it is pretty darn good. It’s got the lightness of a good vinaigrette but just enough of the citrus flavor to over power the taste of the vinegar. This recipe made about 1 1/2 cups so more than enough for our salads for the whole month.
Citrus Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 Tbsp lime zest
- juice from 1 lime
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate until ready to use.
If you’re looking for a way to add a little zip to any salad this is the perfect dressing for the job! And if you are need of a new salad dressing shaker you will LOVE this one from OXO. Just make sure your kids don’t get a hold if and try to drink out of it (speaking from experience)… The joys of being a mom. Do you have a go to dressing? I would love to hear your favorites.
christy says
This sounds great! I have lemon juice right now but no fresh citrus. I may try it a bit modified!
Sydney says
I would love to hear how it turns out Christy!
Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife says
This sounds so good! I need a new dressing! Thanks for sharing and linking up with me today!
Sydney says
Thanks Jennie. And thank you for hosting and featuring my resolution post!
Bianca says
definitely making this!!! pinning!
Sydney says
Thanks Bianca!
Nicole @Little Blog on the Homestead says
I’m one of those weirdos who doesn’t put dressing on their salad! i like it plain 🙂
Sydney says
Good for you Nicole! I’m sure that makes the salad much healthier!!
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
I absolutely love salads, Sydney and usually only use vinaigrette, PLUS I love homemade so I am going to make this next week! Thanks SO much for sharing… It sounds amazing! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Sydney says
Thanks so much Kendra! I always thought vinaigrettes were nasty until I tried one a few years ago and now I’ve become a big fan!
Amy | Canary Street Crafts says
I’m a former ranch addict too! I like making my own dressings, and your recipe sounds fabulous. Can’t wait to try it!
Sydney says
Thanks for stopping by Amy! The ranch habit is a hard one to kick 😉 Ranch is still my go to dipping sauce though so I’m not completely ranch free.
Rebecca says
Thanks for sharing this Sydney!! Looks light and delicious! I have a hard time loving salads in the winter do ill def try this!
Sydney says
Thanks Rebecca! Yeah salads are definitely more enjoyable in the summer time.
Heather says
What a great option for a dressing. I’m really working hard to eat lean and green and shed a few holiday pounds too! I love your tips and staying on a budget too, because lots of sites call for ingredients that can also hurt the pocketbook. This is great Sydney 🙂
Sydney says
Thank you Heather! It sure makes it hard when you are going through recipes and to make one dish costs $10 I’m all for more affordable options, that are healthy too.
Kim @ This Ole Mom says
I think I’m going to try this it would be great with some baby spinach, walnuts and Mandarin oranges, Thank you for sharing! Sounds delicious.
Sydney says
That sounds really good Kim! We had it on our Southwest Chicken Salad with spinach and it was delicious!
Kim @ Life is a Lullaby says
I usually create my own vinaigrette with just olive oil and vinegar. Never thought of adding oranges or lime but that sounds really good. I will have to try this!
Sydney says
Thanks so much Kim. Homemade is definitely the best!
Sarah says
This sounds so refreshing. I am a sucker for a creamy dressing but would love to have a go-to on hand that was lighter and better for me. Thanks for sharing.
Sydney says
Thank you Sarah! I love creamy dressings too…if only they were healthier. Sigh
Alicia Snow says
Delicious!! Will be trying!
Sydney says
Thanks so much Alicia!
Amanda @ The Anti Mom Blog says
this dressing sounds like something i will love! i am a big salad eater and love making vinaigrettes, can’t wait to try this one out! pinning!
Sydney says
Thank you Amanda! You’ll have to let me know what you think.
lorraine williamson says
thanks for sharing I’m not much of a dressing person but this one sounds like one I would like will be putting on my to do list have a great day visiting from tickle me tuesday
Sydney says
Thank you so much Lorraine! I hope you like it!!
Kelly says
This looks fabulous! Pinned, tweeted, and shared on my facebook page.
Thanks for sharing on the Wednesday Homestead Blog Hop. I hope we see you there again tomorrow.
Sydney says
Thanks so much Kelly! I will definitely be there.
Virginia says
Sounds like a wonderful dressing for the spring & summer months!
Heidi says
Syndey, this sounds so good! Now I’m totally craving salad!