Emulsifier Free Cilantro-Lime Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Most store-bought dressings rely on synthetic emulsifiers and stabilizers to stay smooth on the shelf — this one skips all of that entirely. It's built from scratch with extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, and a touch of raw honey, so every ingredient is something you can actually recognize. The bright, herby punch of fresh cilantro pairs beautifully with the tang of the vinegar and citrus, while ground cumin adds a warm, earthy undertone that makes the whole thing feel a little more complex than your average vinaigrette. Whisking the oil in slowly is the only technique you need to bring it together into a glossy, cohesive dressing. It naturally separates as it sits in the fridge, which is completely normal without artificial stabilizers — just give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling it over salads, grain bowls, or grilled vegetables. Clean, vibrant, and genuinely delicious, this is the kind of dressing that makes you wonder why you ever bought the bottled stuff.
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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.
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