Zest-Infused Olive Oil Dressings (5 Ways)



Because your salad deserves better than sadness.

Sometimes all you need is a bold little drizzle to wake everything up. These five dressings are fast, bright, and loaded with citrus zest, giving you restaurant-level flavor with less than 2 minutes of effort. Perfect for salads, roasted veggies, grain bowls, or even as a finishing drizzle for fish or grilled bread.

Base Formula

Each of these uses the same basic ratio:

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tsp fresh zest (lemon, lime, or orange depending on the combo)

  • 1–2 tsp acid (lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar)

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: 1/2 tsp mustard, minced garlic, or honey to emulsify and balance

Shake in a jar, stir with a fork, or blitz briefly in a mini blender. Done.

1. Lemon-Dill Dressing

  • Zest: Lemon

  • Acid: Lemon juice

  • Add: 1 tsp Dijon mustard + 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

  • Great on: Cucumber salad, crispy beans, or cold salmon

2. Lime-Garlic Vinaigrette

  • Zest: Lime

  • Acid: Lime juice or rice vinegar

  • Add: 1 clove garlic (grated) + 1 tsp honey

  • Great on: Roasted sweet potatoes, black bean bowls, grilled shrimp tacos

3. Orange-Miso Dressing

  • Zest: Orange

  • Acid: Rice vinegar

  • Add: 1 tsp white miso + 1/2 tsp grated ginger

  • Great on: Shaved cabbage slaw, soba noodles, or air-fried tofu

4. Chili-Lime Drizzle

  • Zest: Lime

  • Acid: Lime juice

  • Add: Pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce

  • Great on: Avocado toast, grain bowls, or crispy chickpeas

5. Lemon-Tahini Dressing

  • Zest: Lemon

  • Acid: Lemon juice

  • Add: 1 tbsp tahini + warm water to thin

  • Great on: Roasted cauliflower, lentil salads, or as a veggie dip

Recommended Pantry Tools:

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