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.
This sounds great! I have lemon juice right now but no fresh citrus. I may try it a bit modified!
christy recently posted…Silver cleaning, crunchy style
I would love to hear how it turns out Christy!
This sounds so good! I need a new dressing! Thanks for sharing and linking up with me today!
Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife recently posted…Friday Favroties
Thanks Jennie. And thank you for hosting and featuring my resolution post!
definitely making this!!! pinning!
Bianca recently posted…Texas Part 2: Another Year Wiser
Thanks Bianca!
I’m one of those weirdos who doesn’t put dressing on their salad! i like it plain 🙂
Nicole @Little Blog on the Homestead recently posted…50 Perfect Date Ideas
Good for you Nicole! I’m sure that makes the salad much healthier!!
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 🙂
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!
I’m a former ranch addict too! I like making my own dressings, and your recipe sounds fabulous. Can’t wait to try it!
Amy | Canary Street Crafts recently posted…Your Turn To Shine – No. 13
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.
Thanks for sharing this Sydney!! Looks light and delicious! I have a hard time loving salads in the winter do ill def try this!
Thanks Rebecca! Yeah salads are definitely more enjoyable in the summer time.
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 🙂
Heather recently posted…Classroom Art for School Auction
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.
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.
Kim @ This Ole Mom recently posted…DIY: Mickey Mouse Photo Holder
That sounds really good Kim! We had it on our Southwest Chicken Salad with spinach and it was delicious!
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!
Kim @ Life is a Lullaby recently posted…Almond Cookies
Thanks so much Kim. Homemade is definitely the best!
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.
Sarah recently posted…Crafty Silhouette Clothing Projects
Thank you Sarah! I love creamy dressings too…if only they were healthier. Sigh
Delicious!! Will be trying!
Alicia Snow recently posted…Hello Third Trimester Bumpdate
Thanks so much Alicia!
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!
Amanda @ The Anti Mom Blog recently posted…Homemade Spinach Mac and Cheese
Thank you Amanda! You’ll have to let me know what you think.
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
lorraine williamson recently posted…Frugal Beefy Tomato Soup
Thank you so much Lorraine! I hope you like it!!
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.
Kelly recently posted…Natural Cold Remedy: Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Thanks so much Kelly! I will definitely be there.
Sounds like a wonderful dressing for the spring & summer months!
Syndey, this sounds so good! Now I’m totally craving salad!
Heidi recently posted…Delicious Dill Dip Recipe