Summer’s just around the corner, and that means it’s salad season! If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful salads, you’ve probably encountered the Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette. This tangy, bright dressing elevates any salad creation, adding a burst of citrusy goodness that perfectly complements all your favorite salad fixings.
But what if you don’t have a Qdoba nearby, or simply want to avoid the takeout line? The good news is, recreating this delicious dressing at home is surprisingly easy!
In today’s copycat salad dressing recipe, I’ll walk you through the simple process of creating your own Qdoba Style Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe at home. I’ll also discuss some tweaks and tips for making this dressing your own.
How Does This Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Taste Like?
This vinaigrette is a delicious blend of sweet, acidic, and savory flavors, with a creamy texture. The citrus juices and vinegar give brightness, while the orange juice concentrate, sugar, and honey provide sweetness. The lime zest provides a gentle floral aroma, while the onion powder gives a savory depth. Vegetable oil delivers a smooth and creamy consistency.
What Type Of Orange Juice Concentrate Is Best For This Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe?
While the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of orange juice concentrate, the type you choose won’t drastically alter the final flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
- Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: This is the most readily available option and works perfectly well. It’s already diluted, so you won’t need to add any water. Just thaw it completely before using.
- Tangy Orange Juice Concentrate: If you prefer a slightly more tart vinaigrette, you can opt for tangy orange juice concentrate. This will enhance the citrusy punch alongside the lime and lemon juice.
- Nectar Orange Juice Concentrate: This type is sweeter and less acidic than regular orange juice concentrate. It can add a subtle sweetness to the dressing, but be mindful of adjusting the amount of added sugar or honey if using this option.
Ultimately, the best type of orange juice concentrate for your Citrus Lime Vinaigrette comes down to personal preference. If you’re unsure, start with regular frozen orange juice concentrate and adjust the sweetness based on your taste.
How to Make QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette?
This Qdoba lime citrus vinaigrette recipe is so easy to make at home! An easy, flavorful dressing can be yours in no time at all with only a few basic ingredients and a whisk (or blender, if you like).
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp Orange Juice Concentrate (or fresh orange juice): Provides a bright and tangy citrus flavor, as well as a natural sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice: Adds a tart and refreshing note to the vinaigrette.
- 1 Tbsp Lime Juice: The star ingredient, giving the dressing its signature lime flavor and vibrant tartness.
- 3 Tbsp White Vinegar: Contributes a subtle acidity that balances the citrus flavors.
- 2 Tsp Sugar or Other Sweetener: Just a touch of sweetener helps to round out the flavors and balance the tartness.
- 1 Tsp Honey: Adds a delicate floral sweetness and helps to emulsify the dressing.
- 1/4 Tsp Lime Zest: The zest from fresh limes provides an aromatic, concentrated burst of lime flavor.
- 1/4 Tsp Onion Powder: Lends a savory depth and slight onion note to the vinaigrette.
- 1 Pinch of Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dressing.
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil: Creates a smooth, emulsified texture and helps carry the flavors.
Instructions To Make The Vinaigrette
Step 01: Combine The Ingredients
In a bowl, add every ingredient except the oil and whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 02: Mix the Oil
Add ½ Cup Oil and give a good whisk the ingredients vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and slightly thickened.
Step 03: Chill and store
Transfer the vinaigrette to a cruet or airtight container and refrigerate it for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, I give the vinaigrette a good shake to re-emulsify it.
Special Tips From The Chef
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor and aroma.
- Zest the orange directly over the bowl to capture the fragrant oils.
- Adjust the amount of honey to suit your desired level of sweetness.
- For a creamier texture, substitute a portion of the olive oil with yogurt or sour cream.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or red wine vinegar, for a unique twist.
Salads and Dishes to Serve with This Vinaigrette
Here are some salads and dishes that pair beautifully with this zesty Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette:
- Mixed Greens Salad: A vibrant blend of leafy greens, topped with grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy cherry tomatoes – the perfect canvas for this tangy vinaigrette.
- Southwestern Quinoa Salad: Protein-packed quinoa tossed with black beans, sweet corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and a drizzle of the citrus lime dressing, adding a zesty kick.
- Grilled Fish or Shrimp Tacos: Flaky grilled fish or succulent shrimp nestled in warm tortillas, topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a generous drizzle of the vinaigrette.
- Marinated Flank Steak or Chicken Skewers: Tender cuts of beef or chicken marinated in the citrus lime vinaigrette, infusing them with bright, zesty flavors before grilling.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley: A colorful array of roasted asparagus, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts, tossed in the vinaigrette for a burst of freshness and tang.
Dressing Storage Tips
The Qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette has a decent shelf life. Keep it refrigerated for up to 5-7 days. To ensure optimal freshness, store in an airtight container or bottle. Before serving, shake or whisk the dressing thoroughly to re-emulsify the components. If separation develops, simply whisk quickly to recombine the components.
FAQs
Can I Substitute The Orange Juice Concentrate?
Absolutely! While the concentrate adds a convenient touch of sweetness and citrus flavor, you can easily replace it with fresh orange juice. Use the same amount (2 tablespoons) of freshly squeezed orange juice for an equally delicious result.
How Long Will This Dressing Stay Fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette will stay fresh for up to two weeks. However, the flavors will be most vibrant within the first week.
What If I Don’t Have White Vinegar?
No worries! You can replace white vinegar with equal parts apple cider or rice vinegar. Discover which you prefer as they have somewhat different flavors. Rice vinegar has a little acidity, while apple cider vinegar has slight sweetness.
My Dressing Seems To Have Separated. Is It Ruined?
Separation is a natural occurrence in homemade vinaigrettes. It simply means the oil and vinegar haven’t fully emulsified. Fear not! Just give the dressing a good shake before using. The oil and vinegar will come back together, creating a smooth and creamy consistency once again.
Can I Make This Dressing Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. These sweeteners are vegan-friendly and will add a similar touch of sweetness to your dressing.
How Can I Use This Dressing Beyond Salads?
This dressing is great for more than just salads! For a tasty marinade, drizzle it over cooked chicken, fish, or tofu. It can be used to dip veggies or pita bread in. It can even be used to give grain bowls or wraps a sour kick.
QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
Enjoy your summer salad with this QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe, which will make it taste ten times better. With this simple copycat recipe, you can recreate the restaurant taste at home!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Orange Juice Concentrate- (can use fresh):
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Tbsp Lime Juice
- 3 Tbsp White Vinegar
- 2 Tsp Sugar Or Other Sweetener
- 1 Tsp Honey
- 1/4 Tsp Lime Zest
- 1/4 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Pinch Of Salt
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, add every ingredient except the oil and whisk everything together until well combined.
- Add ½ Cup Oil and give a good whisk the ingredients vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Transfer the vinaigrette to a cruet or airtight container and refrigerate it for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, I give the vinaigrette a good shake to re-emulsify it.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 5-10Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 360mgCarbohydrates: 5gSugar: 3g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
