All you need to level up salads, roasted veggies, grilled chicken, and seafood!
As a chronic procrastinator, I often ask myself which of the one hundred tasks suspended in my brain can be done in five minutes, so I can check it off and continue procrastinating about the other tasks. I could stretch, check my email, text a loved one, or even take out the trash, but for something a little more fun, I’ve realized I can also make my favorite lime vinaigrette in five minutes, too!
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly refreshing, this lime vinaigrette is a perfect balance of tangy lime, smooth olive oil, and a touch of honey sweetness. Its versatility makes it a kitchen staple, complementing everything from crisp green salads to roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade for grilled chicken or seafood. This vinaigrette, while simple, brings a gourmet touch to everyday meals, and it proves that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.
Is This Lime Vinaigrette Healthy?
This lime vinaigrette is made with wholesome, natural ingredients and contains no processed additives or preservatives. Lime juice is a great source of vitamin C, olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, and honey adds a natural sweetness without refined sugars.
Want to make it even lighter? You can swap some of the olive oil for a splash of water, or use a sugar-free sweetener or lower-GI agave nectar instead of honey. If you’re watching your sodium intake, start with just a pinch of salt and adjust as needed.
Salt, Fat, And Acid: Balance Is Key!
As chef Samin Nosrat famously explains in her book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, becoming familiar with these elements (excluding heat, which refers to cooking) is key in the kitchen, and they are the trick to the perfect salad dressing.
The lime juice delivers acidity, which is essential for brightening flavors and balancing richness. Olive oil adds fat, creating a smooth, velvety texture that coats your greens perfectly. And finally, salt is your magic ingredient. It enhances every flavor, so don’t skip it!
For the best lime vinaigrette, taste as you go and adjust these elements until you love the flavor. For example, if the dressing feels too sharp, add a little more oil or honey. Too flat? A pinch more salt or a splash of lime juice can make all the difference. Lean a little heavier on the acid than you would like to, as you also need to account for the fattiness and plain flavor of the ingredients you’ll be dressing.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Store the vinaigrette in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, give it a good shake to emulsify the ingredients. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may separate upon thawing, but the ingredients are quick to combine for fresh batches as needed.
Serving Suggestions
As a salad dressing, I love to stir this lime vinaigrette through a Fresh Corn-Feta Salad, this Grilled Zucchini And Green Bean Salad, or a Korean-Inspired Cucumber Salad.
As a marinade, I’m always leaving a few chicken thighs in this vinaigrette overnight to make Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs the following day. It’s also a great sauce to drizzle over Shrimp Tacos or Grilled Cod. My top tip? Blend this lime vinaigrette with some feta to make a creamy sauce you can serve with your lunchtime Falafel Bowl!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the ingredients as needed until it tastes bright, balanced, and just tangy enough to liven up whatever dish it touches.
- Transfer the vinaigrette to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator. Shake well before each use.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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