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My vibrant Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette packs such a fresh punch it'll wake up any dish you add it to. The creamy texture and zesty lime perfectly balance with fragrant cilantro making it my go-to dressing for everything from summer salads to grilled chicken. I created this recipe during a hot summer evening when I wanted something special for my tacos and now I keep a jar of it ready in my fridge at all times. One taste and you'll understand why it disappears so quickly in my house.
A Perfect Summer Dressing
Summer cooking should be easy and delicious and this vinaigrette delivers exactly that. The bright citrus notes and fresh herbs capture the essence of warm sunny days. I love how versatile it is whether I'm dressing a simple green salad marinating chicken for the grill or drizzling it over fish tacos. The flavors are bold enough to stand out but won't overpower your dishes making it perfect for casual backyard dinners or fancy weekend gatherings.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
- Cilantro: Pick a fresh bright bunch with perky leaves for the best flavor
- Lime Juice: Always use fresh squeezed the bottled stuff just isn't the same
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add that perfect savory kick
- Olive Oil: Grab your best bottle the quality really matters here
- Honey: Just a touch balances out the citrus perfectly
- Seasoned Salt: My secret ingredient that adds extra depth
- Black Pepper: Fresh cracked gives the best flavor and bite
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How to Make Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
- Prepare Ingredients
- Start with room temperature ingredients they'll blend much better together
- Blend the Dressing
- Toss your cilantro lime juice garlic honey and seasonings into the blender and watch the magic happen
- Emulsify the Vinaigrette
- Here's my trick slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending to create that perfect creamy texture
- Taste and Adjust
- Trust your taste buds and adjust the flavors until they sing to you maybe add an extra squeeze of lime or touch of honey
- Serve or Store
- Use it right away or pop it in a mason jar it'll keep beautifully in the fridge for about a week
A Versatile Dressing
This vinaigrette has become my kitchen superstar. I drizzle it over crisp garden salads spoon it onto grilled veggies and use it to brighten up my favorite fish tacos. Next week I'm sharing my summer corn salad recipe where this dressing absolutely steals the show. Once you start making it you'll find yourself reaching for it every time you need to add a burst of fresh flavor to your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does homemade vinaigrette last in the fridge?
This vinaigrette stays fresh for up to 10 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake or stir before using since the oil and vinegar will naturally separate.
- → Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice makes this dressing taste much better than bottled juice. The fresh limes give brighter flavor and better balance with the other ingredients.
- → Why does my dressing separate after storing?
Oil and vinegar naturally separate - this is normal and good. Just shake the dressing well before each use to mix everything back together.
- → Can I make this vinaigrette less garlicky?
You can easily reduce the garlic to 2-3 cloves instead of 4. Start with less and taste as you go until you find your perfect balance.
- → What can I use this dressing on besides salad?
This versatile dressing works great as a marinade for chicken or fish. You can also drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or use it as a dipping sauce for bread.