Zesty Creamy Key Lime Dressing
This Zesty Creamy Key Lime Dressing perfectly balances the tangy brightness of fresh key limes with the rich creaminess of sour cream. Enhanced with the subtle sweetness of shallots, fresh parsley, and a touch of heat from Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, this dressing adds a vibrant kick to salads, grilled vegetables, or seafood dishes. Whether drizzled over a crisp green salad or used as a dip for fresh veggies, this versatile condiment is sure to elevate your meals. It’s simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time for added convenience.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sour cream
1 cup (none)
Nellie & Joe's Key West lime juice
2 tablespoons (none)
zest from 1 key lime
1 (zested)
small shallot
1 (finely diced)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Scotch bonnet peppers or habanero pepper
1/4 teaspoon (finely chopped (use gloves))
kosher salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, Key West lime juice, key lime zest, finely diced shallot, chopped parsley, and sugar.
2
Add the finely chopped Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, along with a pinch of kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
3
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.
5
Cover the bowl and chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, give the dressing a good stir. If a thinner consistency is preferred, whisk in a bit of milk until the desired texture is reached.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Creamy Key Lime Dressing?
It is a vibrant condiment that balances the tangy brightness of fresh key limes with the rich creaminess of sour cream, enhanced with shallots, parsley, and a touch of heat.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include sour cream, Nellie & Joe's Key West lime juice, key lime zest, shallots, parsley, sugar, and Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers.
How many servings does this dressing recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
How long should I chill the dressing before serving?
You should chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to properly meld.
What kind of lime juice is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for Nellie & Joe's Key West lime juice for an authentic tangy flavor.
Is this key lime dressing spicy?
It has a vibrant kick due to the inclusion of finely chopped Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, though you can adjust the amount to your preference.
What should I do if the dressing is too thick?
If a thinner consistency is preferred, you can whisk in a small amount of milk until you reach the desired texture.
Can I prepare this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, this dressing can be prepared ahead of time, which allows the flavors to develop even further in the refrigerator.
What dishes pair well with this dressing?
It is excellent on crisp green salads, grilled vegetables, or seafood dishes, and also works well as a dip for fresh vegetables.
What type of peppers can I use?
You can use either Scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers for the spicy element of the recipe.
Do I need to wear gloves when preparing the peppers?
Yes, it is recommended to use gloves when finely chopping Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers to avoid skin irritation.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are a total of 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, after mixing, you should taste the dressing and adjust with more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.
What kind of salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for kosher salt to be added to taste.
Is fresh parsley required?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for the best flavor profile.
What is the base of the dressing?
The base of this dressing is 1 cup of sour cream.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The small shallot should be finely diced before being added to the mixture.
Is there sugar in this dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is included to balance the acidity of the lime juice.
Does the recipe use lime zest?
Yes, the recipe uses the zest from one key lime to provide extra aromatic citrus flavor.
Is this a homemade dressing?
Yes, it is a simple-to-make homemade dressing that avoids the preservatives found in many store-bought options.
How do I ensure the flavors are well combined?
You should mix all the ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl until they are completely integrated.
Can I use this as a vegetable dip?
Absolutely, its creamy consistency and zesty flavor make it a perfect dip for fresh veggies.
What type of pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe recommends using fresh ground black pepper.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It falls under categories such as salad dressing, creamy dressing, and versatile condiments.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of Nellie & Joe's Key West lime juice.
What size bowl should I use?
A medium-sized bowl is recommended for combining all the ingredients.
Should I stir the dressing again after chilling?
Yes, you should give the dressing a good stir right before serving to ensure the consistency is even.
Is the recipe easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and involve simple mixing and chilling steps.
Can I substitute the Scotch bonnet pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests habanero pepper as a suitable alternative if Scotch bonnets are unavailable.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing has a creamy texture that can be adjusted with milk if a thinner pour is desired.