Name: Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cilantro (roughly chopped and softly packed, with large, tough stems removed); 1 large garlic (roughly chopped); ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 tablespoon lime zest; 2 teaspoons honey; ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon cumin; ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

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There’s something magical about a vibrant dressing that can elevate any dish, and that’s exactly what Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette does. I remember the first time I whipped this up for a summer barbecue. The sun was shining, and the scent of fresh herbs filled the air as I tossed everything into the food processor. The zingy notes of lime paired with the earthy richness of cilantro created a dressing that had everyone reaching for more. It transformed simple salads, grilled veggies, and even tacos into flavor-packed delights. I love how easy it is to make this vinaigrette, yet it feels so gourmet. Whether drizzled over a crisp salad or used as a marinade, it brings a burst of brightness to any meal!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
0 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Food Processor, Chef’s Knife

Why This Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Works

Fresh and Flavorful

The standout feature of the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is undoubtedly its freshness. The combination of freshly squeezed lime juice and bright cilantro creates an explosion of flavor that’s perfect for summer dishes. Every drizzle feels like a taste of sunshine.

Versatility at Its Best

What I love most about this vinaigrette is how versatile it is. You can use it as a salad dressing, a marinade for grilled chicken, or even as a zesty dip for fresh veggies. It adapts to many cuisines, making it a staple in my kitchen. Pair it with tacos, drizzle it on grilled fish, or mix it into quinoa salads for a delightful kick.

Simple Ingredients

Making the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is incredibly simple with just a handful of ingredients. Fresh cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil come together beautifully. This straightforward ingredient list means you can whip it up anytime without a trip to the grocery store. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra herbs!

Quick Preparation

In today’s busy world, who doesn’t love a quick recipe? This vinaigrette comes together in mere minutes. Toss all the ingredients into a food processor, blend, and you’re ready to go. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute meal prep.

Health Benefits

Not only is the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Fresh cilantro is known for its antioxidant properties, and the olive oil adds healthy fats. It’s a guilt-free addition to your meals that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Make Ahead Convenience

This vinaigrette is ideal for meal prep. You can make a batch at the beginning of the week and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes better as the flavors meld together over time. Having it ready to go makes healthy eating so much easier!

Shopping List for Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

When it comes to the ingredients for the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette, simplicity reigns. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall flavor profile. Fresh herbs and zesty citrus are key players in this vibrant dressing. Let’s dive into the specifics:

2 cups fresh cilantro, roughly chopped and softly packed, with large, tough stems removed – This herb is the star of the show, providing fresh flavor and a beautiful green color.
1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped – Garlic adds depth and a warm spiciness.
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice – The acidity from the lime juice is essential for balancing flavors and giving the vinaigrette its signature tang.
1 tablespoon lime zest – This enhances the lime flavor, making it more vibrant and aromatic.
2 teaspoons honey – A touch of sweetness counterbalances the acidity, creating a well-rounded flavor.
½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt – Salt enhances all the flavors, making them pop.
¼ teaspoon cumin – This spice adds an earthy undertone that complements the cilantro beautifully.
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil – Olive oil creates a silky texture and rich mouthfeel.

How to Cook Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Creating your own Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is a breeze. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a delicious dressing ready to transform your meals. Let’s dive into the process:

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather cilantro, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, honey, salt, and cumin. Fresh ingredients are key for optimal flavor.
In a food processor, combine the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, honey, salt, and cumin. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well mixed. The vibrant green of the cilantro should stand out against the other ingredients.
While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This technique helps emulsify the dressing. Keep an eye on the texture; it should become smooth and slightly thickened.
Once everything is combined, stop the processor and taste the vinaigrette. You may want to tweak the flavors slightly by adding more lime juice or honey based on your preference.
Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar or container. This dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep.
Before serving, give the jar a good shake to recombine any ingredients that may have settled. The Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette can be drizzled over salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for proteins.
Enjoy the burst of flavor that this dressing brings to your dishes. It’s sure to become a favorite!

Things Worth Knowing

Experiment with textures: Consider blending in some nuts or seeds for added crunch in your vinaigrette. This can elevate the texture and make your salad even more satisfying.
Balancing flavors: If your vinaigrette is too tart, try adding more honey or a pinch of sugar. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, add a splash more of lime juice.
Storing tips: Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about a week, but the flavors will deepen over time.
Herb variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, like parsley or mint, depending on your flavor preferences and what you have on hand.

Making Adjustments

When it comes to making the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Here are some helpful tips:

Storage: How to store leftovers? Keep your vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to one week. Just shake it before using.
Freezing: Can you freeze this? While it’s best fresh, if you have a large batch, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag and use them as needed.
Pairing: What to serve with this? The Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette goes great with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or a refreshing summer salad.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more honey or even try using agave syrup as a substitute.
Spice it up: For a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the blend.
Herb substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using parsley, basil, or mint for a different flavor profile.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Serving the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is all about creativity and finding the perfect pairings. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Over salads: Drizzle this vinaigrette over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a refreshing salad.
As a marinade: Use it to marinate chicken or shrimp before grilling. The acidity tenderizes the meat while infusing it with flavor.
Taco topping: Add the vinaigrette to your tacos for a zesty finish. It complements grilled fish and spicy meats wonderfully.
With grains: Mix it into cooked quinoa or brown rice for a flavor boost. Serve it warm or cold.
For dipping: Serve it as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables or tortilla chips. It’s a delightful alternative to heavier dips.
Seasonal occasions: This vinaigrette is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or even holiday dinners. It adds a burst of flavor that everyone will love!

FAQ

You can use Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette as a salad dressing, a marinade for meats, a dip for vegetables, or even a sauce for tacos. Its zesty flavor enhances a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Whether you’re using it to dress a fresh salad or to add flavor to grilled chicken, it’s sure to impress.

Stored in an airtight container, Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette can last up to one week in the refrigerator. As it sits, the flavors can meld and even improve over time. Just be sure to give it a good shake before using, as some separation may occur.

Absolutely! If you find the vinaigrette too tangy, you can easily adjust the sweetness. Simply add more honey or try a splash of agave syrup to balance the flavors. Taste it as you go to find the perfect sweetness that suits your palate.

Yes, Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is vegan-friendly! With its plant-based ingredients like cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil, it’s a great addition to any vegan meal. Enjoy it over salads, grain bowls, or with roasted vegetables without worry.

Conclusion

In summary, the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is a refreshing and versatile dressing that can elevate any dish. Its bright flavors and simple ingredients make it a must-have in your kitchen. I encourage you to try making it yourself; you won’t regret the delicious impact it brings to your meals!