Easy Lime Vinaigrette

Easy Lime Vinaigrette

1 servings
This lime vinaigrette is so easy to put together: it takes just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes! Its zingy flavor is perfect for salads of any kind.

Ingredients

  • 1 lime: 1 tablespoon lime zest and 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

    plus more if needed

  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Directions

  1. 1

    Zest the lime. Sprinkle it with the kosher salt, then mince it as fine as possible. Holding the blunt edge of the knife, scrape the sharp edge of the blade over the minced lime zest, holding the knife at an angle and mashing the zest into a paste. This should only take a minute or so: don’t spend too long on it!

  2. 2

    Place the zest in a medium bowl and it whisk together with the Dijon mustard, lime juice, and maple syrup. Gradually whisk in the olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time (8 tablespoons total), until creamy and emulsified.

  3. 3

    Taste and if desired, season with additional salt (if the dressing tastes too tart, add a pinch of sugar or a bit of honey). Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks; bring to room temperature before serving. 

Easy Lime Vinaigrette

Easy Lime Vinaigrette

5.0(3)5 min1 servings

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Based on 3 ratings

acouplecooks.com
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About this Recipe

Tired of dull, uninspired salads? This Easy Lime Vinaigrette is your new secret weapon, delivering vibrant, zingy flavor in just 5 minutes with only 5 simple ingredients. It’s the perfect dressing to brighten any meal, transforming everyday greens into something truly special.

What makes this vinaigrette truly special is its incredible ease and the bright, fresh pop of real lime zest and juice. Unlike many store-bought dressings, you control the balance, ensuring a perfectly tailored, zesty kick every time. The addition of Dijon mustard acts as a natural emulsifier, ensuring a smooth, cohesive dressing without extra effort.

Expect a lively, bright vinaigrette with a perfect balance of citrus tang and subtle sweetness, rounded out by the rich olive oil. The Dijon mustard provides a creamy texture, preventing quick separation, while the maple syrup offers a hint of balance to the lime's natural acidity. It's a versatile, smooth dressing that clings beautifully to greens without weighing them down, making your salads shine with a fresh, clean flavor.

While perfect as is, you can always adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more maple syrup or dial up the salt to your preference. For an extra layer of flavor, consider a pinch of fresh black pepper or finely minced garlic. Don't have maple syrup? Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives for sweetness.

This versatile vinaigrette is ideal for brightening up any green salad, grain bowl, or even as a light dressing for roasted vegetables or a simple drizzle over grilled chicken or fish. It’s perfect for everyday meals or when you need a quick, impressive touch for entertaining.

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