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zesty-citrus-dressing

/ˌzes.ti ˈsɪ.trəs ˈdres.ɪŋ/
IELTSAcademic
noun

A salad dressing made with citrus juice, often lemon or orange, and a lively, tangy taste. It is usually light, fresh, and a little sharp.

  • This zesty-citrus-dressing goes well with spinach salad.
  • I made a zesty-citrus-dressing with lemon and olive oil.
  • The citrus dressing tasted fresh, not heavy.

Adinary Nuance

A zesty-citrus-dressing is sharper and fresher than a creamy dressing. It is close to a lemon dressing or vinaigrette, but it suggests a brighter, more lively taste. Writers use it when they want the salad to sound light and fresh, not rich or heavy.

In other languages

Vietnamese
sốt chanh cam
Spanish
aderezo cítrico
Chinese
柑橘沙拉酱
Japanese
シトラスドレッシング
Korean
시트러스 드레싱

Etymology

This is a modern compound made from English words: zesty, citrus, and dressing. It grew with food writing that likes clear, vivid names for flavours.

Common phrases

zesty citrus dressinga citrus dressinglight citrus dressinghomemade citrus dressing

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is zesty-citrus-dressing the same as vinaigrette?
Often, yes. But zesty-citrus-dressing sounds more citrus-led and more lively in taste.
Is this phrase common in restaurants?
Yes, especially on menus and recipe pages. It sounds fresh and appealing.
Can I use it for non-salad dishes?
Yes. It can also work as a sauce for vegetables or grilled chicken.
Does zesty mean spicy here?
Not usually. Here it means bright, sharp, and full of flavour.