Zesty Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad Dressing
Elevate your salads with this vibrant and zesty Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad Dressing. Combining the bright flavors of fresh lime juice, seasoned rice vinegar, and chipotle chiles, this dressing adds a tantalizing kick to any dish. Perfectly balanced with honey for sweetness and raw garlic for pungency, it creates a delightful contrast when paired with baby greens, grilled chicken breasts, juicy plum tomatoes, creamy jack cheese, roasted red peppers, and crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds. Ideal for summer picnics or light lunches, this dressing will ensure your salads are fresh and flavorful with every bite.
8
Servings
112.5
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
seasoned rice vinegar
1/3 cup (measured)
lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
2 teaspoons (pureed)
honey
2 teaspoons (measured)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
canola oil
3/4 cup (measured)
cilantro
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the chipotle chilies; these should be in adobo sauce, which can be found in the Mexican section of your grocery store.
2
Chop the cilantro finely and set aside.
3
Mince the garlic clove and also set it aside.
4
In a food processor, puree the chipotle chilies until smooth.
5
Add the seasoned rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle puree, honey, and salt to the food processor. Blend until well combined.
6
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the canola oil to create a smooth emulsion. This will ensure the dressing has a creamy texture.
7
Once emulsified, add in the chopped cilantro and pulse a few times until just combined, preserving some texture in the cilantro.
8
Your dressing is now ready to be tossed over a mix of baby greens, corn, grilled chicken breasts, plum tomatoes, jack cheese, roasted red pepper, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
3.1g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
0g
Fiber
0.625g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad Dressing?
It is a vibrant and zesty dressing that combines fresh lime juice, seasoned rice vinegar, and chipotle chiles for a tantalizing kick.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The ingredients include seasoned rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, honey, salt, canola oil, and cilantro.
How many servings does this dressing recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 112.5 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this dressing?
There are 12.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 3.1g of carbohydrates.
Does this dressing provide any protein?
Yes, it contains 0.25g of protein per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
The dressing contains 0.625g of sugar per serving.
What type of vinegar is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of seasoned rice vinegar.
Should I use fresh or bottled lime juice?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be minced and then added to the food processor.
What are chipotle chiles in adobo sauce?
They are smoked jalapeños in a tangy sauce, typically found in the Mexican section of grocery stores.
How do I prepare the chipotle chiles for the dressing?
You should puree 2 teaspoons of the chipotle chiles in a food processor until smooth.
What kind of oil is best for this emulsion?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of canola oil to create a smooth, creamy texture.
How is the honey used in this recipe?
Two teaspoons of honey are blended into the dressing to balance the acidity and heat with sweetness.
When should I add the cilantro?
Add the chopped cilantro at the very end and pulse the food processor a few times to preserve some texture.
How much cilantro is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped cilantro.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
Begin by preparing the chipotle chiles and pureeing them in a food processor.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth and emulsified?
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the canola oil until the mixture becomes smooth.
What salad greens pair well with this dressing?
It is specifically recommended for a mix of baby greens.
What protein is suggested to serve with this dressing?
Grilled chicken breasts are the ideal protein choice for this salad.
What type of cheese goes well with cilantro-lime flavors?
Creamy jack cheese is a perfect match for the flavors in this dressing.
Are there any specific vegetables recommended for the salad?
The recipe suggests pairing it with plum tomatoes, corn, and roasted red peppers.
What crunchy topping is suggested for the final dish?
Toasted pumpkin seeds add a great crunch to the salad.
Is this dressing suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, it is ideal for summer picnics or light lunches.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Does the dressing contain any fiber?
No, the nutritional profile indicates 0g of fiber.
What is the overall flavor profile of the dressing?
It is a balance of bright lime, sweet honey, pungent garlic, and smoky chipotle heat.
Can I make this dressing without a food processor?
While a food processor is recommended for pureeing and emulsifying, you could use a blender for similar results.