This Cilantro Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette is a zesty, bold dressing packed with fresh flavors. With a perfect balance of tangy lime, spicy jalapeño, and sweet honey, it adds a vibrant kick to salads, grilled meats, tacos, and more. Quick to blend and easy to store, it’s a go-to homemade dressing you’ll want to keep on hand.
Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor—this Cilantro Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette is the zesty dressing your meals have been missing!
Made with fresh herbs, citrus, and a kick of heat, it’s perfect for drizzling over salads, tacos, grilled veggies, or using as a marinade.
Quick to whip up and incredibly versatile, it brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Jalapeño Lime Dressing 🌿🔥
✅ Bold & Refreshing – The lime adds tang, while the cilantro and jalapeño bring an herby, spicy kick.
✅ Versatile – Use it as a salad dressing, taco sauce, marinade, or dip.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 5 minutes with just a blender and pantry staples.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
Ingredients Needed
- Lime juice — Freshly squeezed for tangy, citrusy flavor.
- Olive oil — Smooth base that binds and adds richness.
- Cilantro — Freshly chopped for a bold herbal punch.
- Jalapeño — Diced for a spicy, zesty kick.
- Honey — Natural sweetness to balance the heat.
- Salt — Enhances all the flavors in the vinaigrette.
- Black pepper — Adds mild heat and earthy depth.
How to Make Jalapeño Cilantro Dressing
Step 1: You’ll need fresh lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, honey, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Combine all ingredients in a blender or small food processor. This ensures a smooth, emulsified vinaigrette.
Step 3: Blend for about 30–60 seconds until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed. Give it a quick taste. Add more lime for tang, honey for sweetness, or jalapeño if you want it spicier. Use immediately over salads, tacos, or grilled veggies. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cilantro Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette Recipe Tips
🌿 Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeños will make a big difference in taste compared to bottled or dried versions.
🌶️ Adjust the heat – Remove jalapeño seeds for less spice, or add more for a bolder kick.
🍯 Balance the flavors – If it tastes too tangy, add a touch more honey to mellow it out.
🫙 Blend until smooth – Use a blender or food processor for the creamiest texture.
❄️ Store properly – Keep in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days; shake well before each use.
Storing
Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to give it a good shake or stir before each use, as the ingredients may naturally separate over time.
What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette
This Cilantro Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, adding a zesty, spicy kick to anything it touches. Drizzle it over grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a vibrant burst of flavor, or toss it with mixed greens, quinoa, or roasted veggies for a bold salad.
It also makes a delicious topping for tacos, burrito bowls, or even as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies and chips—making it one of the most versatile dressings to keep on hand.
Cilantro Jalapeno Lime Dressing Recipe Faqs
Can I make this dressing without a blender or food processor? Yes! Finely mince the cilantro and jalapeño, then whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. The texture will be chunkier, but still flavorful.
How spicy is this dressing? 🌶️The heat level depends on the jalapeño. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or leave them in for more kick. You can also adjust the amount to your taste.
How long does cilantro jalapeño lime dressing last in the fridge? 🧊Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 5 days. Shake or stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Can I freeze this dressing? ❄️Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh herbs and lime juice—it can change the texture and flavor when thawed.
Is this dressing vegan or gluten-free? 🌿Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
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Cilantro Lime Jalapeño Vinaigrette
Description
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, jalapeño, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, adding more honey for sweetness or jalapeño for heat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
- Shake or whisk again before using. Serve over salads, tacos, grilled meats, or as a flavorful marinade.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Nutrition
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