Cinnamon Free Cilantro-Lime Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Bright, tangy, and packed with fresh herb flavor, this cilantro-lime vinaigrette is the kind of dressing that makes you want to put salad on everything. The combination of apple cider vinegar and fresh lime juice creates a lively, layered acidity that feels far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. A touch of raw honey balances the sharpness, while ground cumin adds just enough earthy warmth to keep things interesting without overwhelming the other flavors. For anyone navigating spice sensitivities, store-bought dressings can be a minefield — cinnamon hides in blends, "warming spice" mixes, and even some unexpected vinaigrettes. This recipe keeps things clean and intentional, using only cumin and optional red pepper flakes for its spice notes, so you know exactly what's going in the bottle. Whisking the olive oil in slowly gives you a beautifully emulsified dressing that clings to greens rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl. It comes together in minutes and keeps in the fridge for up to five days, making it an easy weeknight staple you'll reach for again and again.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced or grated
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- ⅛ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the apple cider vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a small bowl or jar. Whisk or stir until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is combined.
- 2
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened, with no visible separation.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!