Just 4 simple ingredients and 5 minutes is all it takes to whip up this Easy Honey Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette! It's crazy delicious with the perfect combo of sweet honey, spicy jalapeño, and zesty lime. This dressing brings serious flavor to any bowl of lettuce!
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The first time I whipped up this dressing (inspired by Crowded Kitchen), I was honestly blown away by how good it turned out. Ever since, it's been on repeat in my kitchen. My favorite way to enjoy it? Drizzled over a fresh strawberry and arugula salad (recipe linked below!).
And if you're loving bold, fresh flavors, don't stop here-try more salad recipes that'll wake up your tastebuds and make you actually look forward to getting those leafy greens in! Some of our other favorite dressing recipes are this Asian Slaw Dressing Recipe and this Creamy Mexican Salad Dressing Recipe.
Why this recipe is great
- Unique: This vinaigrette is in a league of its own-definitely not something you'll find in a store-bought bottle! It's fresh, bold, and made with real ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch.
- Crazy delicious: The combo of spicy jalapeño, sweet honey, and tangy lime is unexpectedly amazing-like, extra tasty!
- Super fast: You can whip it up in under 5 minutes flat.
Honey jalapeno lime dressing ingredients
This recipe only requires a few ingredients that are pantry staples! Ingredient quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips.
- Honey: The perfect all natural sweetener to take the edge off the heat from the pepper.
- Oil: Light olive oil is our go-to for any homemade salad dressing that needs a neutral oil.
- Lime: Lime zest and juice are both required for the perfect bright flavor!
- Jalapeno: Essential for both a touch of heat and also the flavor! So good!
- Salt: Just a touch brings out the flavor of everything else.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make jalapeno lime vinaigrette
Toss the honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt into a blender or small food processor. Give it a quick whirl until smooth, and you've got a vibrant, flavor-packed vinaigrette ready to go.
Run the blender or food processor for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the mixture is emulsified. Pour into a glass jar or salad dressing cruet.
Hint: Want to dial down the heat a bit? Just take out the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño before blending it into the dressing. Super easy trick that still gives you all the flavor without the extra kick.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use any neutral tasting salad oil. Our favorite is avocado oil.
- Use serrano, habanero, or fresno chilis instead of jalapenos.
- In place of the lime, try orange or grapefruit. Really good!
- Instead of honey try maple syrup or even agave.
How to use
- Spread across a Mexican-style bowl filled with chicken or steak, cilantro rice, beans.
- On this Mexican Salad in place of the creamy dressing.
- As a dressing for pasta salad with strawberries, arugula, and mozzarella.
- Strawberry Arugula Salad
How to store
Store any leftovers in a sealed airtight container - something like these jars works great - and pop it in the fridge. It'll stay fresh and tasty for 5 to 7 days.
If it separates after being stored, just give it a good shake or stir vigorously to bring it back together. Then use as usual.
Tips & tricks
- Make sure the oil you choose is neutral in flavor or else it might overpower the other flavors in this dressing.
- Adjust the level of heat by removing the ribs and and seeds.
More recipes that use lime
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Easy Honey Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette (Crazy Delicious!)
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 small jalapeno
- ⅔ cup light olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- ¼ cup lime juice 1-3 limes, depending on size
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeno if you want to lower the spiciness level. Slice the jalapeno into 5-6 pieces.
- Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until everything is combined. Taste. Add more salt or honey if desired. Store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Notes
- Make sure the oil you choose is neutral in flavor or else it might overpower the other flavors in this dressing.
- Adjust the level of heat by removing the ribs and and seeds.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Danielle says
So easy and the perfect dressing to add a burst of flavor to your salad.