Whether you're tossing together a simple mix of berries or going full farmers market with melons, citrus, and tropical flair, a good maple-orange fruit salad dressing pulls it all together. Sweet, tangy, and never boring - this is the dressing your fruit salad never knew it needed.
This fruit salad dressing shines brightest in spring and summer when fresh produce is at its peak, but it deserves a year-round spot at your table, especially in Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad.
This is one of my delicious Sauces, Dips & Dressings.
Others in the lineup include my Easy Lemon Vinaigrette, Easy Vegan Garlic Aioli Recipe, and Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing. They're quick, foolproof, and guaranteed to make your salads, bowls, and roasted veggies way more exciting.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's Fresh: It adds a sweet-tart punch to fruit salads.
- Quick to Make: Shake it up in a jar or mix in a bowl.
- Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free: A crowd-pleaser for all kinds of eaters.
- Perfect for Parties: It instantly elevates even the most basic fruit bowl into a share-worthy side.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust to your liking with maple syrup or agave.
Ingredients
Oranges: Fresh-squeezed orange juice adds bright, natural sweetness-Navel, Valencia, or Cara Cara oranges work best. One medium orange yields about ¼ cup of juice; roll it on the counter first to extract the most juice.
See the recipe card for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
Variations
- Swap the orange juice for fresh lemon or lime juice.
- Add finely chopped mint or basil for a herby lift that feels ultra-refreshing.
- Stir in a spoonful of coconut yogurt for a creamier version.
How To Make Fruit Salad Dressing
Place everything in a bowl or jar and mix. See the recipe card below for more details.
Top Tips
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Don't skip the zest. It adds a lot of zing.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit salad dressing is perfect drizzled over a big bowl of fresh berries, melon, and citrus.
Try it with a tropical mix of pineapple, mango, and kiwi, or spoon it over a yogurt parfait for a brunch upgrade. You can even use it to marinate grilled peaches or add a delicious addition to a smoothie bowl!
Fruit Salad Dressing FAQS
Yes! You can prep the dressing up to 3-5 days in advance. Just give it a good stir or shake before using, as ingredients may separate.
Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, it'll stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
Don't leave me hanging - drop a comment and tell me how this Fruit Salad Dressing turned out! Was it love at first bite? Surprisingly edible? Or a full-on "Reg, what were you thinking?" And if my directions helped (or didn't), please let me know so I can continue to improve these recipes for you.
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Recipe Card
Fruit Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice may take two oranges
- ½ cup maple syrup
- pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. You can also add to a jar and shake well. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Regi Pearce says
This fruit salad dressing is my go-to when I want to make something simple feel a little extra—fresh, bright, and totally brings the fruit to life!