MSG Free Cilantro-Lime Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Bright, tangy, and just a little bit bold, this vinaigrette is the kind of dressing that makes you want to put it on everything — grain bowls, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable, which is exactly what you want when you're avoiding hidden additives and flavor enhancers that sneak into so many store-bought bottles. Fresh lime juice and apple cider vinegar do the heavy lifting on acidity, while raw honey rounds out the sharpness with just enough natural sweetness. Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy depth that ties the whole thing together beautifully. The technique is simple: whisk the base ingredients first, then slowly stream in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies into something smooth and slightly creamy. Freshly chopped cilantro stirred in at the end keeps the flavor vibrant and herbaceous rather than muted. Make a jar on Sunday and you'll have a clean, flavor-packed dressing ready to go all week long.
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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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