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    Blood Orange and Citrus Vinaigrette

    clock-icon5 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A vibrant and fresh vinaigrette made with the zest and juice of orange, lemon, and lime, balanced with honey and vinegar.

    Ingredients for Blood Orange and Citrus Vinaigrette

    units in
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    units in
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    serves
    1.5 peoplechevron
    serves
    1.5 peoplechevron

    Orange, zested and juiced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon, zested and juiced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lime, zested and juiced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Honey

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Champagne Vinegar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Kosher Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Blood Orange and Citrus Vinaigrette

    1. Zest the Citrus Fruits

    First, zest the orange, lemon, and lime using a rasp-style grater. The zest adds an intense citrus flavor that is crucial to the vinaigrette. Collect the bright, colorful citrus zest in a bowl.

    2. Juice the Citrus Fruits

    Next, halve the zested fruits and squeeze out the juice into a bowl. You should aim to collect about ⅔ cup juice in total. Make sure there are no seeds in the juice, as they can disrupt the smoothness of your vinaigrette.

    3. Combine Juice, Honey, and Vinegar

    Now, whisk the honey and vinegar into the citrus juice. Add a teaspoon of kosher salt and several twists of freshly ground black pepper. The combination of honey and vinegar balances the sweetness and acidity, creating a vibrant flavor. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

    4. Emulsify with Olive Oil

    Slowly whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil. This step is essential as it creates an emulsion, thickening the vinaigrette and making it creamy. Pour the olive oil in a steady stream while whisking continuously until the mixture is well combined.

    5. Store and Refresh

    Once your vinaigrette is ready, store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks. Before using, wake it up with a dash of fresh citrus juice and a pinch of salt to refresh the flavors.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Select the Best Citrus

    Use the freshest, in-season blood oranges, lemons, and any other citrus you choose. Look for fruits that feel heavy for their size—a sign they're juicy.

    Season Properly

    Use good quality sea salt or kosher salt, and don’t forget a few cracks of fresh black pepper to enhance all the other flavors.

    Balance Acidity with Sweetness

    Adjust the sweetness with a touch of honey or maple syrup if oranges are tart, or add more lemon juice or vinegar if they're very sweet.

    Emulsify for a Silky Texture

    Slowly drizzle in your oil while whisking vigorously, or use a blender to integrate oil and citrus juice fully. Mustard or egg yolk can aid emulsification.

    Consider the Salad Components

    Pair with bitter greens or reinforce the citrus theme with segments of blood orange in the salad.


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