Zesty Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Sunshine in a Bottle

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a flavour explosion? This cilantro lime vinaigrette is like sunshine in a bottle. It's zesty, fresh, and will seriously brighten up any dish, honestly.

Brief Overview

Inspired by Latin American flavours, this vinaigrette dressing recipe is super simple. It takes just 10 minutes to whip up. This recipe yields about 1 cup, perfect for 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

This Citrus Lime Vinaigrette is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's the perfect occasion for a quick lunch or BBQ side.

What makes it special? The fresh herbs and zingy lime, you know.

This cilantro dressing will become your new best mate. It's light, vibrant, and tastes amazing. Seriously, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Time to assemble your ingredients. You’ll need: 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon water, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Don't worry if you don't have limes; a lime juice substitute can work in a pinch. If you’re thinking you don’t have Cilantro, you can also look into Basil Recipes .

I honestly made this lime vinaigrette recipe last week for a potluck. Everyone raved about it! I even got asked for the recipe, which is always a win.

For the Honey Substitute, it works well to use agave nectar, maple syrup, or even a pinch of sugar if you’re out.

The Mexican vinaigrette really comes together with the right balance of sweet and sour. It is an awesome way to use up fresh ingredients in the summer.

You should prepare the equipment and get started to create some amazing Salad dressing recipes and Homemade vinaigrette .

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? We're talking about what you need to create this amazing cilantro lime vinaigrette .

Seriously, this vinaigrette dressing recipe is going to be your new best friend. You can even impress your friends with homemade vinaigrette using basil recipes .

Main Ingredients for Zesty Freshness

Here’s what you need. I like to keep it simple.

• ½ cup (118 ml) packed fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed. Use bright green, perky cilantro. Avoid anything wilted!
• ¼ cup (59 ml) fresh lime juice. That's about 2-3 limes. Freshness is key!
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil. Good quality makes a difference.
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water. Just a splash!
• 1 clove garlic, minced. Not too much!
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey. A touch of sweetness to balance the citrus lime vinaigrette . If you don't have honey, you can use a honey substitute
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters

This lime vinaigrette isn't just about the main ingredients. It's also about those little extras that make it sing. The garlic and cilantro are the foundation.

The honey balances the lime’s zing. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. You could even add other herbs.

Oh my gosh, I remember once I tried to make this with dried cilantro. Big mistake! Fresh is always best.

Trust me on this. So, try to always use fresh herbs for your cilantro dressing .

If you're a bit adventurous, consider adding a tiny pinch of cumin. It gives it a nice Mexican vinaigrette vibe.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

For this salad dressing recipes , you don't need a ton of fancy gadgets. Here's the bare minimum:

• Blender or food processor.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Citrus juicer (optional, but it saves your hands).

Honestly, you can probably get away with a fork and a bowl if you're feeling rustic. But a blender makes it super smooth! Don't overdo the blending! You don't want it to be bitter.

Now you're set to create this zingy masterpiece. Good luck!

Cooking Method: Whizzing Up Some Zesty Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and make a killer cilantro lime vinaigrette ! Honestly, this stuff is like liquid sunshine.

It’s so easy, even your nan could knock it up. Plus, it's way better than anything you'd find in a bottle at Tesco.

Think of it as sunshine in a bottle, seriously.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place , darling! This is posh talk for "get everything ready." Chop your stuff.

Squeeze your limes. We're talking 118 ml of lime juice here. Fresh is best, obviously. And gather everything else. This vinaigrette dressing recipe is quick but being organized makes it even quicker.

Safety? Nah, you're only dealing with a blender. Just don't stick your hand in while it's on, yeah?

step-by-step: Vinaigrette Vibes

Right, let's get blending:

1. Chuck ½ cup (118 ml) cilantro, ¼ cup (59 ml) lime juice, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water, one minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper into your blender.
2. Whizz it all up until it's smooth and green.
3. Give it a taste! Need more lime? Bung some in. More sweet? Add a dash of honey. Season to your liking.
4. Pour it into a jar. Job done.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lime vinaigrette Game

Want to really nail this Mexican vinaigrette ? Here are some ace tips. Firstly, don't over blend the cilantro, or it'll get bitter.

No one wants bitter cilantro dressing . Secondly, slowly drizzle the olive oil in while blending for a smoother mix. It is a homemade vinaigrette , make it with love!

For a twist, chuck in a bit of jalapeno without the seeds for a kick. Or how about adding some avocado? Honestly, endless possibilities! As far as mistakes go, using old, sad limes is the biggest.

And you can totally make this citrus lime vinaigrette a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge. You could even try it with some basil recipes for a unique twist!

Also If you're all out of limes, you could try a Lime Juice Substitute like lemon juice. If you are short on honey, you can also use Honey Substitute like maple syrup.

So, there you have it! A salad dressing recipe that's a total banger. Now go forth and drizzle!

Recipe Notes: Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette, Your New Best Mate

Alright, so you've decided to give this cilantro lime vinaigrette a go? Brilliant! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure you absolutely nail it.

Think of these as my personal tips, gathered from countless kitchen escapades.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, yeah? For a simple salad, toss your greens with the lime vinaigrette . Then, arrange them artfully on a plate.

Top with some toasted nuts and a sprinkle of crumbled cheese. If you're feeling fancy, a few edible flowers never hurt.

This citrus lime vinaigrette also works wonders on grilled chicken or fish. Serve it with a side of rice and roasted veggies.

Feeling thirsty? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Mexican beer pairs perfectly with this Mexican vinaigrette .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

This homemade vinaigrette is best when it's fresh. Honestly, it tastes so much better on the first day. But if you've got leftovers, no worries! Just pop it in an airtight container.

Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to give it a good shake before using it.

Freezing isn't really recommended. The texture can change a bit. The olive oil can congeal. It might not be the same after you thaw it.

Variations: Mix it Up

Fancy a change? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. A spicy lime vinaigrette adds some heat. Or, if you're doing a basil recipes , try swapping half the cilantro dressing for fresh basil.

Vegan? Ditch the honey and use agave. You can also substitute it for maple syrup. If you're out of limes, you can use lemon juice.

The flavor will be slightly different.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bottle

This vinaigrette dressing recipe isn't just tasty. It's good for you too! It's packed with vitamin C from the limes and antioxidants from the cilantro.

Plus, olive oil is a source of healthy fats. Just keep an eye on the honey. Use it sparingly if you're watching your sugar intake.

Each serving is around 60 calories. Not bad at all, eh?

Honestly, making this cilantro lime vinaigrette is a doddle. So, get in the kitchen and give it a whirl! I bet you'll be hooked. Happy cooking, you lovely lot!