Blood oranges are so beautiful. On the outside, they look pretty similar to a regular orange, but as soon as you slice into one, you will see the most beautiful, deep ruby red flesh. They’re just gorgeous.
Their unique color comes from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that help to protect our blood vessels from damage and can lower LDL cholesterol. Good looks and beneficial… blood oranges rock.
There are plenty of things you can do with blood oranges, but this bright, flavorful vinaigrette is currently at the top of my list. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make so many dishes substantially more flavorful.
All you need is a finely chopped shallot, 1 minced clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard, 1/8 cup of vinegar (apple cider or white wine), 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt and black pepper and of course, 1 tablespoon of fresh blood orange zest and 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed blood orange juice. I occasionally add a teaspoon of honey too, but this is optional and depends on how sweet your blood oranges are.
In a measuring cup, combine the ingredients and whisk vigorously until everything is completely incorporated. You can also add everything into a jar, tightly apply the lid and shake vigorously to combine or just blend everything together in a food processor. You definitely have options here!
If you prefer a smoother, thicker dressing, I would suggest the food processor method, but if you like having some texture in your dressing then just use a whisk, so the garlic, shallots and parsley remain mostly in tact.
The color of this vinaigrette is so inviting. The flavors are bright and tangy from the blood orange with a little bite from the dijon and vinegar and fresh flavors from the parsley and shallots. If you feel like you need more salt or a squeeze of honey, feel free to add it in!
Whether you add this vinaigrette to a big salad, marinade some chicken or shrimp in it or drizzle it over a beautiful pan seared fish, you are going to love this blood orange vinaigrette.
Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
- 1/8 cup of vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
- 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh blood orange zest
- 1/3 cup of fresh blood orange juice
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients and whisk vigorously until fully incorporated
- Add additional salt or a squeeze of honey, if necessary
- Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator
