Orange Ginger Dressing

Brighten up your salad routine with a vibrant orange ginger dressing! This recipe combines the fresh, juicy flavor of navel oranges with the warm kick of fresh ginger, creating a perfect blend of citrusy sweetness and spice. Drizzle it over spring salads or use it as a marinade!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Healthy: Made with wholesome, natural ingredients, this homemade dressing is a heart-healthy option rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Quick & easy: With just a few steps and ingredients, you can whip up this dressing in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal prep or a last-minute salad addition.
• Versatile: This orange ginger dressing is not just for salads. You can use it as a marinade for tofu or tempeh to add a healthy, flavorful twist to any dish!

10-minute orange ginger dressing

With spring and summer just around the corner, I’ve already started making this vibrant orange ginger dressing on repeat! It’s such a quick, easy-to-make dressing that elevates any bowl of greens, especially my favorite mango cucumber salad.

Freshly grated ginger offers a warm, spicy kick that complements the sweet, citrusy undertones of navel oranges. Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, velvety taste and texture, balancing the acidity of rice vinegar, Dijon, and orange juice.

Once blended, this dressing has the perfect balance of natural sweetness, tangy brightness, and a hint of spice. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to customize to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Navel oranges: Add a fresh, citrusy sweetness to the dressing. You can swap navel oranges for blood oranges for a slightly different flavor. I recommend freshly squeezed orange juice for the best taste.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy kick that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the orange. Ground ginger can work in a pinch if fresh is unavailable, but start with a smaller amount as it's more concentrated.
• Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil gives the dressing a smooth, rich base. If you need an alternative, avocado oil or any other mild-flavored vegetable oil works well.
• Rice vinegar: Offers a mild, slightly sweet acidity, enhancing the dressing's tangy profile. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will also work.
• Maple syrup: Balances the acidic ingredients with natural sweetness. Agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or cane sugar make good substitutes.
• Dijon mustard: Adds savory depth and helps emulsify the dressing. Any other mustard, like whole grain or yellow mustard, can be used, but the flavor will vary.
• Black sesame seeds: Provide a nutty flavor and light crunch. White sesame seeds or poppy seeds can be used as an alternative, or they can be omitted entirely.

How to make orange ginger dressing

• Step 1: Use a zester or the smallest side of a box grater to remove the bright orange part of the skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Cut the orange in half and squeeze out the juice using a citrus squeezer or by hand, ensuring no seeds fall into the juice.

• Step 2: In a small blender, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, grated ginger, olive oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Blending is the easiest way to emulsify the ingredients, but you can also shake it in a mason jar. Note: If you prefer a smoother dressing without any bits, strain the mixture through a mesh strainer into a bowl or jar to remove any larger pieces of zest or ginger.

• Step 3: After straining, stir in the black sesame seeds by hand. Taste test the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve it on your favorite salads.

Serving Suggestions

This orange ginger dressing is delicious on salads, as a marinade, and so much more. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Salads: Drizzle it over fresh greens, such as a harvest salad, strawberry goat cheese salad, or pickled beet salad with clementines to add a citrusy, refreshing element.
• Grilled vegetables: This dressing is perfect for elevating the flavors of grilled veggies like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or my roasted winter veggies.
• Coleslaw: Replace the dressing in my dairy-free coleslaw with this orange ginger dressing for a zesty twist.

Storage & Reheating

You can make this orange ginger dressing in advance and keep it in the fridge for when you need it. Just follow these storage tips to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful:

• Fridge: Store the dressing in an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this orange ginger dressing. The emulsion can break in the freezer, which will affect the texture and flavor.
• Prep ahead: You can fully prepare this dressing and store it in the fridge. You can also prep and store the individual components (like grated ginger or orange juice) separately in the fridge, then mix them when you're ready to make fresh dressing.

Variations

• Creamy: Add 2 tablespoons of vegan yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
• Spicy: Incorporate a teaspoon of chili flakes or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
• Herbal: Mix in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, or basil.
• Sesame: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil for a deeper, more toasty sesame flavor.
• Peanut: Blend in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty, Thai-inspired variation.

Top tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and grated ginger will give your dressing the best flavor. Always opt for fresh oranges and ginger whenever possible.
• Zest carefully: When you’re zesting the orange, avoid the white pith beneath the skin to prevent bitterness in your orange ginger dressing.
• Emulsify properly: Blend or vigorously shake the ingredients to ensure a smooth, emulsified dressing that doesn't separate easily.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the dressing for at least an hour before serving to enhance its flavors and thickness.

FAQ

More sauce recipes

If you enjoyed this orange ginger dressing recipe, take a look at some more of my most popular dressings and sauces like these:

• Creamy Balsamic Dressing: A healthier and oil-free alternative to traditional salad dressings.
• Maple Dijon Dressing: Packed with creamy, sweet, and zingy ingredients.
• Vegan Ranch: Dairy-free ranch full of fresh herbs, egg-free mayo, and apple cider vinegar.
• Miso Sauce: An all-purpose condiment packed with savory, umami flavors you’ll love!