Chili Lime Vinaigrette

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Make your meal unforgettable with this easy chili lime vinaigrette! It's versatile - great for salad dressing, marinade, or dip.

Takes just a few minutes to put it together. You are making it from scratch. This recipe can turn into your favorite forever.

This chili lime vinaigrette versatile-great to use them as salad dressing, as a marinade or as a dip. Takes just a few minutes to put it together-even you are making it from the scratch.

About This Recipe

Vinaigrette can make or break a dish, so always rely on a trusted source for a good recipe. This fail-proof blend will satisfy your taste buds.

And to our surprise, it's made with simple ingredients you may already have in the kitchen.

This chili lime vinaigrette is dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free. It is mainly made with olive oil, chili powder, and lime. It has a refreshing citrus kick and the slightest hint of sweetness.

How To Make Chili Lime Vinaigrette?

This dressing recipe is bliss when you run out of time to make dinner. Just keep a bowl and a whisk ready; the rest will fall into place automatically.

The Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil. To me, this is inseparable from the lime vinaigrette recipe. It has an exceptional aroma that transforms the dinner into a fabulous one.
Lime. It brightens up the flavors and gives a delightful acidic taste. I have used freshly squeezed lime juice. However, you may use store-bought, readymade ones as well.
Honey. It balances well and provides mild sweetness. I wanted to keep it low so that lime's taste would be dominant. Adjust according to what works for your preference.
Garlic. Fresh ones are the ultimate choice forever. But mince as finely as possible to make the delicious vinaigrette burst with flavors.
Serrano pepper. Deseed for gentle heat.
Chili powder. Adjust the quantity to suit your personal heat tolerance.
Cilantro. This aromatic powerhouse also has a beautiful contrast color. Fresh cilantro works wonders, potentially transforming any food into a great one.

The Recipe Directions

In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.

ingredients prepped for chili lime vinaigrette

And whisk vigorously until the oil combines with lime juice.

ingredients emulsified for chili lime vinaigrette

And transfer to a small jar.

How To Use?

If you have read this far, you might have already guessed correctly. Yes, this chili lime vinaigrette is the base sauce and can be used in multiple ways.

As a marinade. Think of chicken, salmon, or shrimp; this lime chili vinaigrette nicely fits as a taste enhancer. Marinate the meat, chicken, or seafood for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
As salad dressing. This vinaigrette can also turn into a sauce. Drizzle over your salad, and feel the difference. The lime juice emulsified with olive oil gives a shiny coating and offers every forkful a memorable moment.
As glazing. Pour this citrusy glaze over the grilled chicken or salmon. And endorse it as your signature dish.
As a dip. The combination of heat, sweetness, and citrus makes this a satisfying and hearty dip.

Variations

Lime zest. This intensifies the flavors; half a teaspoon of lime zest works for this vinaigrette recipe.
Chili powder. Want to convert this chili lime vinaigrette to spicy? Increase the amount of chili powder.
Honey. It is required very minimal in this recipe. If you prefer to be sweeter, increase it to double or even triple, depending on your palate.
Mint. Swap the cilantro with mint leaves and this is a flavorsome substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make chili lime vinaigrette recipe spicier?

If you feel the red pepper flakes are insufficient to bring on the heat, increase it with cayenne pepper, or minced jalapeno.

How much is needed?

When combining with salad, pour a little at a time to craft to your choice.

How to store the leftovers?

Save the leftovers in an air-sealed container and refrigerate it. This stays good for up to 7 days. To thaw, leave them on the kitchen counter for about 1 hour or reheat them until warm.

Can I reduce the oil?

Yes, you can prepare the skinny version also. Altering the quantity of oil will not affect the vinaigrette's taste adversely.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Yes. Feel free to use it when the fresh ones are not available.

Can I add orange juice?

I prefer not. Appending another liquid can make the dressing thin and runny, plus it could dilute the refreshing flavors of lime.

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