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Citrus vinaigrette is a bright, tangy salad dressing made by emulsifying citrus juice (like lemon, lime, or orange) with oil, and often seasoned with mustard, honey, or herbs. It's a staple in many Western cuisines, particularly in French and American cooking, where it's used to dress green salads, grain bowls, or as a marinade.
This dressing is primarily a source of healthy fats from the oil base, with minimal protein and carbohydrates. A typical 2-tablespoon serving provides around 120-150 calories, along with beneficial nutrients like vitamin C from the citrus juice and antioxidants from any added herbs.
Culturally, it represents the classic French 'vinaigrette' technique of emulsifying acid and fat, but with a modern, global twist using various citrus fruits. Nutritionally, the combination of vitamin C from the citrus and healthy fats from the oil can help enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the salad greens it's dressed with.