Zesty Southwest Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
Elevate your salads and grilled dishes with this vibrant Zesty Southwest Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette. Quick and easy to prepare, this dressing combines the freshness of lime juice and cilantro with a touch of jalapeño for a subtle kick. Perfect for drizzling over fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken and shrimp, this dressing brings a zesty flair to any meal. Whip it up in just minutes and enjoy a burst of southwestern flavor in every bite!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
water
3 tablespoons (none)
cilantro
3 tablespoons (minced)
chives
1 tablespoon (minced)
garlic clove
1 (grated or minced)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
jalapeno pepper
1 small (minced (optional))
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, and water. Use an immersion blender to emulsify the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.
2
Add the minced cilantro, chives, grated garlic, minced jalapeño (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
3
Blend the mixture again until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing has reached your desired consistency.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then transfer the dressing to a jar or bottle for storage.
5
Serve the dressing over your favorite salad, grilled vegetables, chicken, or shrimp. It can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Zesty Southwest Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.
What are the primary flavors in this dressing?
The primary flavors are fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a subtle kick from jalapeño.
Is this vinaigrette difficult to make?
No, it is a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in just a few minutes.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Should I use fresh or bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Why is water added to the vinaigrette?
Three tablespoons of water are added to help emulsify the mixture and balance the acidity.
What equipment do I need to emulsify the dressing?
An immersion blender is recommended to achieve a smooth and well-combined consistency.
How should the cilantro be prepared?
The cilantro should be minced before being added to the mixture.
Are chives included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one tablespoon of minced chives.
How is the garlic added to the dressing?
One garlic clove should be grated or minced before blending into the vinaigrette.
Is the jalapeño pepper required?
The jalapeño is optional; you can add one small minced pepper if you want a subtle kick.
What seasonings are used in this vinaigrette?
The dressing is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use this dressing for anything other than salad?
Yes, it is excellent for drizzling over grilled vegetables, roasted greens, chicken, or shrimp.
How should I store the vinaigrette?
Transfer the dressing to a jar or bottle and keep it in the refrigerator.
How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
The Zesty Southwest Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and uses fresh ingredients like olive oil and lime juice.
Is this dressing vegan-friendly?
Yes, the ingredients listed are entirely plant-based.
Is this vinaigrette gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don't have an immersion blender?
You can use a standard blender or whisk the ingredients vigorously in a bowl, though an immersion blender provides the smoothest results.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dressing?
Yes, you can omit the jalapeño for a mild version or add more for more heat.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Salad Dressings.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is listed for 1 serving, which yields about 1 cup of dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the optional jalapeño.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Absolutely, the lime and cilantro profile makes it a perfect marinade for chicken or shrimp.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dressing, vinegar, cilantro lime, southwest, quick, easy, zesty, fresh, and healthy.
Should I blend the herbs?
The instructions suggest blending the mixture again after adding the herbs to reach your desired consistency.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While olive oil is recommended, you could use avocado oil for a similar healthy fat profile.
What should I do if the dressing is too thick?
You can add an extra teaspoon of water or lime juice to thin it out to your preference.
Is it better to serve immediately?
It can be served immediately, but letting it sit for a short time allows the flavors to meld.