QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe – Easy 5-Minute Copycat

QDOBA is known for their fresh and bold Mexican food. But what really makes their salads special is that amazing citrus lime vinaigrette they pour on top.

A couple of months ago, I went to QDOBA for lunch. I ordered a big salad with extra dressing on the side. One spoonful and my mind was blown! The mix of citrus flavors was perfect.

The dressing was light but full of bright flavors. After that day, every time I made salads at home, I would think “this needs that QDOBA dressing.” I needed to recreate this amazing dressing at home.

Today I am sharing this copycat QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe that tastes just like the real thing from the restaurant.

What Makes QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette So Good?

This dressing is special because it uses three different citrus fruits that work together perfectly.

The orange juice adds natural sweetness. The lemon juice brings a sharp tangy taste. The lime juice gives it that zesty kick that makes your mouth water.

But the secret is not just the fruits. The agave nectar balances everything out with gentle sweetness.

The Dijon mustard helps hold everything together and adds a tiny bit of spice. A small amount of cayenne pepper gives it depth without making it hot.

QDOBA knows how to make flavors work together. This vinaigrette is light enough not to overpower your salad, but bold enough to make every bite exciting.

QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Olive Oil: This is the base of our dressing. It makes it smooth and helps combine all the flavors. I use a regular olive oil that I like.
• Juice of 1 Large Orange: We need the fresh juice from one big orange. This gives the dressing its sweet and sunny taste. Please try to use a real orange for the best flavor.
• Juice of 1 Lemon: We need the fresh juice from one lemon. This adds a nice tangy kick that makes the dressing taste fresh.
• Juice of 1 Lime: We need the fresh juice from one lime. This is the key flavor that makes it taste like QDOBA’s version. It’s so zesty and good.
• Zest of 1 Lemon: The zest is the yellow part of the lemon skin. It is packed with flavor. Adding this gives the dressing an extra punch of citrus.
• 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a little extra tang. It helps balance out the sweet juices and agave.
• 1 Tbsp Agave: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener. It makes the dressing taste just sweet enough without being too much. If you don’t have agave, honey works great too.
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard: Don’t leave this out! The mustard adds a little sharpness. It also helps all the ingredients mix together and stay mixed.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Salt is very important in dressing. It makes all the other flavors pop and taste better.
• 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper: This is just a tiny bit. You won’t taste the heat. It just adds a little depth in the background.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe. Basic kitchen items will work just fine.

1. Blender: For mixing everything smoothly.
2. Citrus Juicer (optional): Makes juicing easier and catches seeds.
3. Measuring Spoons: For accurate amounts of ingredients.
4. Fine Grater: To get the lemon zest without the white pith.
5. Glass Jar or Bottle: For storing leftover dressing.

How To Make QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette

Step 1 | Get Your Citrus Ready

First, we need to juice our fruits. Roll the orange, lemon, and lime on your counter while pressing down gently. This helps them release more juice.

Cut each fruit in half and squeeze out all the juice into a small bowl. Try to catch any seeds!

Next, use a fine grater to zest the yellow skin off the lemon. Be careful to only get the yellow part.

Step 2 | Put Everything in the Blender

Now, take your blender. Add the olive oil, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and the lemon zest.

Then add the apple cider vinegar, agave, Dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper.

Step 3 | Blend It Up

Put the lid on your blender tightly. Turn it on to a medium speed. Let it blend for about 30 to 45 seconds. You will see it turn into a light, creamy color.

It will look smooth and perfect. That’s it! Your dressing is done.

Step 4 | Taste and Serve

I always taste a little bit first. You can dip a piece of lettuce in it. Does it need a little more salt? A bit more sweet? You can adjust it now.

Then, your homemade version QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette is ready to serve! Pour it over a big salad and enjoy.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

• Truly Fresh is Best: For the brightest flavor, always use fresh-squeezed citrus juice. Juice from a bottle does not taste the same.
• Emulsification Power: The Dijon mustard is not just for flavor. It acts as an emulsifier, meaning it helps the oil and juices blend together and not separate. Do not skip it!
• Chill Time: Letting the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to get to know each other and become even better.
• Shake Well: If you store the dressing, the natural ingredients may separate a little. Just give the jar a good shake before you use it next time.

What Goes Well with QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette?

This vinaigrette pairs beautifully with fresh greens like romaine or spinach.

Drizzle it over grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice to lift the flavor. It also complements grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish, giving a light, tangy touch.

For tacos or burrito bowls, it works as a perfect finishing sauce, adding brightness without being heavy.

QDOBA often serves this vinaigrette with their signature salads and bowls, letting the citrus flavors highlight the fresh vegetables.

Its versatility makes it easy to use anywhere a little zest and freshness are needed.

Storage & Shelf Life

This vinaigrette should be stored in a glass jar or bottle with a tight lid. Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Since it’s made with fresh citrus, it’s best enjoyed within 5–7 days. Separation is normal – just give the jar a quick shake before serving.

Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods, as fresh juices can spoil faster.

For best results, prepare small batches so it stays bright and flavorful.

QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon and lime juice instead of fresh?

I really recommend using fresh citrus juice. The flavor is much brighter and more authentic.

Bottled juices can have a processed taste and preservatives that will change the final flavor of your dressing.

For the best QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe, fresh is always the way to go.

2. My dressing is too tart for my taste. What can I do?

This is an easy fix! Just add a little more agave nectar or honey. Start with half a tablespoon, blend it in, and then taste it.

You can keep adding small amounts until it reaches the perfect sweet and tangy balance for you.

3. Why does my vinaigrette taste bitter?

This usually happens if too much of the white pith under the lemon zest gets grated in. The zest should be taken lightly, only scraping the bright yellow skin.

Using extra virgin olive oil that’s very strong can also add bitterness.

4. Can I make this recipe without a blender?

Absolutely. You can make it in a mason jar. Put all the ingredients into the jar, screw the lid on very tightly, and shake it as hard as you can for a minute or two until it looks well combined.

You can also whisk everything together vigorously in a bowl.

Continue to Content

QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Yield: 10 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make the perfect QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette at home! This easy 5-minute copycat recipe tastes just like the restaurant version. Fresh, zesty, and perfect for salads.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 large orange
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lime
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Roll the orange, lemon, and lime on the counter while pressing gently. Cut in half and squeeze out the juice into a small bowl, catching seeds. Grate the yellow skin of the lemon lightly to collect the zest.
2. Add olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, agave, Dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper into a blender.
3. Cover the blender and blend on medium speed for 30–45 seconds until creamy and smooth.
4. Taste the vinaigrette. Add more salt or sweetener if needed. Serve right away over salads, bowls, or tacos.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: Per Serving – about 2 Tbsp
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 135Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 60mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g

The QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe is a fresh, easy-to-make dressing that adds brightness to almost any dish. It is simple to prepare and uses wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.

Enjoy your new favorite QDOBA Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe on salads, bowls, and so much more.