Hey, Welcome to the Zaxby’s Lite Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe. Zaxby’s Lite Vinaigrette Dressing is a light, tangy, slightly sweet salad dressing that adds big flavor without feeling heavy.
I’ve always loved how this dressing makes salads exciting without overpowering them, and honestly, it’s one of those things I order every time at Zaxby’s.
If you’re like me and want something fresh, zesty, and lighter than creamy dressings, you’re going to enjoy making this at home with me.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Side Dish
History and Origin
Zaxby’s is a well-known American fast-casual restaurant chain famous for its chicken, salads, and signature sauces.
Their Lite Vinaigrette Dressing was created for people who want bold flavor with a lighter feel, making salads more enjoyable across the United States.
What does it taste like?
This dressing is tangy, slightly sweet, and pleasantly acidic with a smooth finish.
You get that classic vinaigrette zip, balanced with just enough sweetness to keep every bite fresh and satisfying.
By the way, you can also try the Zaxby’s Insane Sauce Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making it:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple cider vinegar | ¼ cup |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
Equipments
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your recipe:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Airtight jar or container
How to make Zaxby’s Lite Vinaigrette Dressing
Step 1: Add the base ingredients
I start by adding the apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to a small bowl.
Step 2: Season the dressing
Next, I sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Whisk in the oil
While whisking continuously, I slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing looks smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
I always give it a quick taste and adjust the salt or sweetness if needed, depending on how tangy you like it.
Step 5: Store or serve
You can use it right away or pour it into a jar and refrigerate it for later.
Recipe Card
Zaxby’s Lite Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I start by adding the apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to a small bowl.
- Next, I sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
- While whisking continuously, I slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing looks smooth and slightly thickened.
- I always give it a quick taste and adjust the salt or sweetness if needed, depending on how tangy you like it.
- You can use it right away or pour it into a jar and refrigerate it for later.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
I love drizzling this over crisp green salads, grilled chicken salads, or even as a light marinade for veggies.
It also works great as a refreshing alternative to heavier dressings during warmer months.
Storage Tips
Store this dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good shake before using, as natural separation is totally normal.
Why This Lite Vinaigrette Is Perfect for Everyday Salads
I love how this dressing keeps things light while still delivering bold flavor. It’s ideal for everyday salads when you want something fresh, tangy, and not overly rich.
How This Dressing Compares to Creamy Salad Dressings
If you’re trying to cut back on heavy, creamy dressings, this vinaigrette is a great alternative.
It adds brightness and balance without masking the natural flavors of your salad ingredients.
Best Salads to Pair with Zaxby’s Lite Vinaigrette
This dressing works beautifully with mixed greens, grilled chicken salads, and veggie-packed bowls.
I’ve found it especially good on salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, or roasted vegetables.
Can You Use This Dressing as a Marinade?
Yes, you can absolutely use this vinaigrette as a light marinade. The vinegar and lemon juice help tenderize proteins while adding a subtle tangy flavor to chicken or vegetables.
How to Adjust the Tanginess and Sweetness
One thing I love about making this at home is control. You can easily add more honey for sweetness or extra vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer a sharper, more acidic bite.
Is This Dressing Suitable for Meal Prep?
This dressing is perfect for meal prep because it stays fresh for several days. I like to make a batch at the beginning of the week so healthy salads are always quick and easy.
Tips for Making the Dressing Extra Smooth
Whisking slowly while adding the olive oil really helps emulsify the dressing. If you want it even smoother, you can shake everything together in a sealed jar for a restaurant-style finish.
Making This Dressing Part of a Balanced Meal
Pairing this lite vinaigrette with lean protein and fresh vegetables makes meals feel satisfying without being heavy. It’s a simple way to keep meals flavorful while staying mindful of calories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Vinaigrettes
Adding oil too quickly or skipping the whisking step can cause separation. I always recommend taking your time so the dressing comes together smooth and well-balanced.
Why Homemade Lite Vinaigrette Tastes Better Than Store-Bought
When you make this at home, the flavors taste fresher and cleaner. There are no preservatives, and you can adjust every ingredient to suit your personal taste.
Conclusion
Making Zaxby’s Lite Vinaigrette Dressing at home is quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding.
You get all the fresh, tangy flavor you love, with ingredients you can trust and adjust to your taste.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the end of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Zaxby’s Lite Vinaigrette Dressing healthy?
Yes, it’s lighter than creamy dressings and made with simple ingredients like vinegar and olive oil.
Can I make this dressing sugar-free?
You can replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener to reduce sugar content.
How long does homemade lite vinaigrette last?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored properly.
Can I use another type of vinegar?
Yes, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar work well as substitutes.
Does this dressing taste exactly like Zaxby’s?
It’s a close copycat with the same tangy-sweet balance, and you can tweak it to match your taste.
You will also like the Zaxby’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe.
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