Zaxby’s Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

Searching for a tangy taste on your salad? Just try Zaxby’s famous Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing, you’ll love this homemade version that brings a burst of fresh, tangy flavors to your salads.

Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp garden salad or using it as a marinade, this zesty dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You Should Try This Zaxby’s Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing?

Zaxby’s Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing is a must-try for its vibrant blend of tangy and sweet flavors, perfect for brightening up any salad. Made with fresh citrus juices and a touch of honey, this dressing offers a refreshing twist that’s both light and flavorful.

It’s versatile enough to use as a salad dressing or a marinade, adding a zesty kick to your dishes. Plus, it’s easy to make at home, so you can enjoy that delicious Zaxby’s taste anytime you want, right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Required

• 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate (or fresh orange juice)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar or other sweetener
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon lime zest
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Kitchen Equipment Needed

1. Whisk
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Cruet or airtight container

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes

How to Make Zaxby’s Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing

1. Mix the Citrus Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, lime juice, white vinegar, sugar, honey, lime zest, onion powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar and honey are fully dissolved, and the ingredients are well combined.

2. Incorporate the Oil: Gradually pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to whisk the mixture. This will help the oil emulsify with the citrus mixture, creating a smooth and creamy dressing.

3. Chill the Dressing: Once the dressing is well mixed, transfer it to a cruet or an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Serve: Before serving, give the cruet a good shake to ensure the ingredients are well blended. Drizzle the dressing over your favorite salad and enjoy the vibrant, tangy flavors!

How to Store Leftover Zaxby’s Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing?

Store leftover Zaxby’s Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing in an airtight container or a cruet in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Before each use, give it a good shake to re-emulsify the ingredients. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods, as the fresh citrus juices and oil can separate.

What Pairs Well With This Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing?

1. Classic Garden Salad
Drizzle the vinaigrette over a mix of fresh greens, such as romaine, spinach, and arugula. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onions, and croutons for a refreshing Caesar salad.

2. Grilled Chicken Salad
Pair the dressing with a grilled chicken breast served on a bed of mixed greens, avocado slices, and roasted almonds for a protein-packed, zesty meal.

3. Citrus Quinoa Salad
Toss the vinaigrette with cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, red onions, black beans, and fresh cilantro for a light, nutritious salad that’s bursting with flavor.

4. Seafood Salad
Use the citrus vinaigrette as a dressing for a seafood salad made with shrimp, crab meat, or scallops, combined with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.

5. Fruit Salad
Combine mixed fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and oranges, and toss them lightly with the citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing and tangy fruit salad.

6. Grilled Vegetables
Serve the vinaigrette as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers for a bright, tangy finish.

7. Tropical Coleslaw
Replace the usual mayonnaise with this vinaigrette in a coleslaw mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and pineapple for a lighter, citrus-infused side dish.

8. Fish Tacos
Add a citrusy twist to fish tacos by drizzling the vinaigrette over the fish, slaw, and tortillas. It pairs especially well with grilled or blackened fish.

9. Marinated Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
Use the vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken breasts or shrimp before grilling. The citrus flavors will tenderize the meat and add a delicious tang.

10. Couscous Salad
Mix the vinaigrette with couscous, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh mint for a Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s light and flavorful.

Keep in Mind

1. Use Fresh Citrus for a Brighter Flavor
While orange juice concentrate works well, using freshly squeezed orange, lemon, and lime juices can enhance the freshness and brightness of the dressing.

2. Balance Sweetness and Acidity
Adjust the amount of sugar or honey to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of honey. For more acidity, increase the lemon or lime juice slightly.

3. Experiment with Different Oils
While vegetable oil is used in this recipe, you can experiment with other oils like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for a richer flavor profile.

4. Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Zing
Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint to give the dressing a unique twist and additional depth of flavor.

5. Use a Blender for a Creamier Texture
If you prefer a thicker, creamier dressing, blend all the ingredients in a blender instead of whisking. This will help emulsify the oil better.

6. Infuse the Oil with Garlic
For a subtle garlic flavor, infuse the oil with a clove of crushed garlic. Let it sit in the oil for 30 minutes before using, then remove the garlic before mixing with the other ingredients.

7. Add a Touch of Spice
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dressing a spicy kick.

8. Zest Before Juicing
Always zest your lime before juicing it. It’s much easier to zest a whole fruit, and you’ll get more zest with less effort.

9. Make Ahead for Better Flavor
Prepare the dressing a day in advance and let it chill overnight. The flavors will meld together even more, resulting in a richer taste.

10. Store Properly for Freshness
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to a week. Just remember to shake well before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients.

FAQs on this Zaxby’s Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

We’ve gathered the most common questions people have about this recipe and provided clear, helpful answers for you.

1. What is citrus dressing made of?

Citrus dressing is typically made of citrus juices (such as orange, lemon, and lime), vinegar, a sweetener (like sugar or honey), and oil. Additional ingredients like zest, spices, and seasonings may be added for extra flavor.

2. What are Zaxby’s salad dressings?

Zaxby’s offers a variety of salad dressings, including Ranch, Blue Cheese, Honey Mustard, Caesar, Thousand Island, and their signature Citrus Vinaigrette. Each dressing complements different salads available on their menu.

3. What is the formula for vinaigrette dressing?

The classic formula for vinaigrette is a 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar or acidic component (like citrus juice). This base can be adjusted with added seasonings, sweeteners, and herbs to create various flavor profiles.

4. What is vinaigrette dressing made of?

Vinaigrette dressing is typically made of oil, vinegar, or another acid like citrus juice, and seasonings. The ingredients are whisked or blended together to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.

5. Can I use fresh citrus juice instead of concentrate for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh citrus juice instead of concentrate. Fresh juice will give the dressing a brighter and more natural flavor, although you may need to adjust the sweetness to taste.

6. How long does this citrus vinaigrette last in the refrigerator?

This citrus vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to shake it well before each use as the oil may separate over time.

7. Can I make this vinaigrette dressing in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making this vinaigrette dressing in advance allows the flavors to meld together better. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before serving.

8. Is this vinaigrette dressing suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this citrus vinaigrette dressing is vegan-friendly as long as you use a plant-based sweetener instead of honey. Simply substitute the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.

9. Can I use this dressing as a marinade?

Yes, this citrus vinaigrette makes an excellent marinade for chicken, seafood, or vegetables. The acidity from the citrus juices and vinegar helps to tenderize the meat while adding great flavor.

10. What salads pair best with citrus vinaigrette dressing?

Citrus vinaigrette dressing pairs wonderfully with a variety of salads, especially those featuring mixed greens, fruits, or grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp. It adds a refreshing, tangy flavor that complements both sweet and savory ingredients.

This homemade version of Zaxby’s Citrus Vinaigrette Dressing is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple salad or add a citrusy kick to grilled chicken or fish, this dressing has you covered.

Enjoy the bright, refreshing taste that will have your taste buds dancing!

We hope you enjoyed this recipe! Share your thoughts when you try it at home in the comments section below. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to ask. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Reddit for the latest updates and more delicious recipes.