Why You’ll Love Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly quick to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and versatile enough to use as a dressing, marinade, or drizzle over your favorite dishes. The vibrant combination of lime and cilantro adds a refreshing kick that elevates even the simplest salads.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, thick stems removed
¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 1½ to 2 limes)
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon sea salt
⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Add the cilantro, seasoned rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and sea salt to the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process until well combined. With the machine running, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube and continue processing until smooth and emulsified. Transfer the vinaigrette into a mason jar or other airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 1¼ cups of vinaigrette and makes roughly 10 servings of 2 tablespoons each. It takes approximately 5 minutes to prepare.
Variations
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Spicier kick: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes or a minced jalapeño for a touch of heat.
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Herb blend: Mix in fresh parsley or basil with the cilantro for an herbier profile.
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Citrus twist: Substitute half of the lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
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Creamier version: Blend in a small scoop of Greek yogurt or avocado to make a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
Storage/Reheating
Store the vinaigrette in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, shake well as the oil and other liquids may separate over time. There’s no reheating needed—this is a cold dressing meant to be served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
What does cilantro lime vinaigrette taste like?
Cilantro lime vinaigrette is bright, tangy, and herbaceous with fresh citrus notes from lime and a hint of sweetness from honey.
Can I make this vinaigrette without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop the cilantro and whisk all ingredients together, though the texture may be less smooth.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should stay fresh for about 1 week.
Can I adjust the acidity?
Yes, add more lime juice or rice vinegar for more tang, or reduce them for a milder flavor.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels if you have strict gluten sensitivity.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
What salads pair well with this dressing?
It’s great on mixed greens, grain salads, bean salads, or Southwest-style salads.
Can this be used as a marinade?
Yes, this vinaigrette makes a flavorful marinade for chicken, shrimp, or fish.
Can I substitute ingredients?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup and seasoned rice vinegar with white wine vinegar for variations.
Why did my dressing separate?
Vinaigrettes naturally separate in storage; just shake or whisk before using.
Conclusion
This Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is a simple yet vibrant dressing that brings fresh flavor to salads, vegetables, and proteins with very little effort. With its citrusy brightness and herbal freshness, it’s a homemade alternative to store-bought dressings that’s ready in minutes and easily customizable to suit your taste.
