Homemade Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette: A Sweet & Tangy Delight with Honey & Ginger

Transform your salads with this vibrant, easy-to-make mandarin orange vinaigrette. Sweetened with honey and brightened with a hint of ginger, it’s a refreshing burst of flavor that’s perfect for any meal. Keep a batch in your fridge and elevate your greens with a drizzle of homemade sunshine. (Jump to recipe below.)

As the festive season winds down, many of us find ourselves with lingering reminders of holiday abundance – and sometimes, that includes a forgotten box of mandarin oranges. Have you ever discovered a few shriveled, slightly hardened mandarins tucked away, remnants of Christmas cheer that didn’t quite make it into a stocking or a fruit bowl? After weeks filled with delightful feasting, festive baking, and perhaps even some adventurous Picklebacking, those wholesome little citrus fruits often get overlooked.

For me, mandarin oranges evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Growing up, these delectable, juicy spheres of sunshine were a rare and treasured treat, available exclusively during the Christmas season. Each orange, carefully wrapped in its crinkly tissue paper and nestled firmly in rustic wooden crates, carried an air of exotic mystery. They were as much a symbol of Christmas as Santa Claus himself or the candy canes adorning department stores. The moment the first boxes appeared in local grocery stores, my mother would bring one home, and my siblings and I would eagerly gather, clamoring to claim an orange. We’d delight in peeling its soft, leathery skin, releasing that distinct, sweet citrus aroma before popping the incredibly sweet and juicy segments into our mouths. It was pure bliss.

With a family of seven, a box of mandarins didn’t last long, which is why they were doled out with care, truly savored as special treats. I vividly recall one particular year when I was eight or nine, living in Aldergrove, BC. My dad, who almost never handled the grocery shopping, surprised us by arriving home with an armful of those wooden mandarin crates. To our utter astonishment, each of us girls (there were four of us at the time) received our very own crate of oranges! A whole crate, entirely to ourselves! This was an unprecedented event. I kept my little wooden crate right beside my bed, sneaking an orange whenever the mood struck. The sheer wonder and abundance of that moment remain etched in my memory. And after every last segment was enjoyed, those sturdy little crates found new life, transforming into dollhouses or treasured chests for our precious keepsakes.

Today, mandarin oranges are far more commonplace, often overshadowed by a dazzling array of more elaborate holiday treats. Their special allure has somewhat faded. When my own children were young, I attempted to recreate that magical childhood experience, presenting each of them with their own box of mandarins one Christmas. Yet, the boxes sat untouched in their rooms. My kids had constant access to a kitchen fruit bowl brimming with a diverse selection of fresh produce, and mandarin oranges simply weren’t the exotic wonder they once were for me.

And so, occasionally, we find ourselves with this familiar sight:

These forlorn mandarins, neglected and uneaten, gradually shrivel and harden, their bright orange hue intensifying with time. I simply can’t bring myself to waste them. Instead, I embrace this post-Christmas bounty in my cooking, giving these humble fruits a delicious second life. Just last night, I peeled and sliced a bunch, layering them over perfectly browned chicken thighs, drizzling them with honey, and baking them to perfection. Mmm, truly delightful. Today, I channeled that same inspiration into creating this incredibly simple and wonderfully tangy mandarin orange vinaigrette.

This homemade dressing captures the essence of those sweet mandarin oranges. The fresh juice, brightened with a splash of white vinegar and a generous drizzle of honey, is then warmed with a subtle yet invigorating hit of powdered ginger and a kick of freshly ground black pepper. It’s precisely what I need to encourage myself to eat more salads – a much-needed habit after the indulgent holiday season. Whipping up a homemade salad dressing like this is not only quick and easy but also incredibly rewarding. Why reach for a bottle of preservative-laden commercial dressing when you can effortlessly create your own winter sunshine in a jar, ready to brighten your greens?

This mandarin orange vinaigrette allows me to continue enjoying the delightful flavors of Christmas oranges, long after the holiday festivities have concluded. It’s a sustainable, flavorful, and incredibly simple way to bring a touch of brightness to your everyday meals, making it one of the best orange vinaigrette recipes you’ll discover. Perfect for a healthy salad dressing, it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor.

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Kitchen Frau Notes for the Best Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette: It’s natural for the oil and orange juice in this homemade vinaigrette to separate into distinct layers. Don’t fret! Just give the jar a vigorous shake or a thorough stir right before each use to ensure the ingredients are beautifully emulsified again, creating a smooth, harmonious dressing. This easy vinaigrette recipe is designed for maximum flavor and convenience.

While mandarin oranges are ideal for this citrus vinaigrette, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Tangerines, clementines, or even regular navel oranges will work wonderfully, each adding its unique subtle nuance to the flavor profile. And remember, your oranges don’t have to be old or shriveled to make this delicious dressing – fresh, vibrant oranges work just as well, bringing a burst of pure, unadulterated citrus flavor to your table!

Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette with Honey and Ginger

This recipe yields a generous 1¼ cups (300ml) of delightful orange vinaigrette, perfect for several salads throughout the week. It’s a simple, healthy salad dressing that brings vibrant flavor to any dish.

• ½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice (or tangerine or clementine juice)
• ½ cup (120ml) mild-flavored oil (such as grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or light olive oil)
• 2 tablespoons honey (for natural sweetness and a thicker consistency)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (adds a sharp tang to balance the sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (enhances all the flavors)
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (provides a subtle warmth and spice)
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger (adds a distinctive, aromatic zing that pairs beautifully with citrus)
• 2 teaspoons grated shallot (for a delicate onion flavor; in a pinch, use 1 teaspoon onion powder for convenience)

Instructions for Your Easy Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette:

1. Prepare the Shallot: If using fresh shallot, grate it finely on a microplane grater or the smallest holes of a box grater. You want it to become a juicy, almost paste-like consistency to ensure it blends smoothly into the dressing without large chunks. This delicate shallot flavor is key to a balanced dressing.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the listed ingredients: the freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice, mild-flavored oil, honey, white vinegar, fine sea salt, coarsely ground black pepper, powdered ginger, and grated shallot (or onion powder).

3. Shake and Rest: Secure the lid tightly on the jar. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to thoroughly combine all ingredients and begin the emulsification process. Once well-shaken, let the dressing rest for at least 10 minutes before using. This resting period is crucial, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more harmonious and complex taste profile.

4. Storage: This vibrant honey ginger dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.

5. Before Each Use: Remember that the oil and juice will separate during storage. Therefore, always vigorously shake or stir the dressing immediately before each use to re-emulsify the layers and ensure you get a perfectly balanced flavor with every drizzle.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy your homemade citrus vinaigrette!

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You might also like these other delicious homemade dressings and healthy recipes:

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Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Salad with Mustard Miso Vinaigrette