If you’re looking to brighten up your salads or bring big flavor to your grilled dishes, this honey lime vinaigrette is your new go-to. It’s sweet, tangy, and just a little smoky. It’s perfect for everything from being drizzled on leafy greens to working as a marinade for shrimp or a basting sauce for grilled salmon.
Why You’ll Love This
This honey lime vinaigrette is gluten free, naturally sweetened, and loaded with bold flavor, making it even more crowd-friendly. It’s inspired by the beloved Chipotle honey dressing but with a twist—we swapped out the chipotle for smoked paprika for a milder, smoky kick. That said, if you want to bring the heat, feel free to sub in chipotle powder or even a whole chipotle in adobo for extra depth.
Honey Lime Vinaigrette Recipe Ingredients
Each ingredient in this honey lime vinaigrette pulls its weight in flavor and texture:
- Extra-virgin olive oil The silky base that brings everything together.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice Adds fresh, zesty brightness.
- Honey or maple syrup Brings a touch of natural sweetness that balances the acidity.
- Smoked paprika Adds subtle heat and smokiness; swap in chipotle for a spicier option.
- Dried oregano or dried thyme Provides herbaceous depth that pairs well with savory dishes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweet-tart profile.
How to Make This Recipe
This honey lime vinaigrette couldn’t be simpler to throw together. Just add all the ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake until well combined. Or, if i you want it extra creamy, blend it for about 30 seconds. Taste, season with salt and pepper, and store in the fridge for up to four days.
What to Serve With This
We originally made this honey lime vinaigrette to go with this Citrus Walnut Quinoa Feta Salad. But it’s so versatile, we use it all the time—as a dressing for a green salad, a marinade for chicken or shrimp, or even basted onto grilled salmon. It’s that kind of back-pocket recipe that you’ll reach for again and again. It would also be a great addition to any of these recipes:
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Honey Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake to incorporate evenly. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired. (The dressing can be made up to 4 days ahead of time. Store refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.)
