Nightshade Free Cilantro-Lime Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Bright, tangy, and herby, this vinaigrette is the kind of dressing that makes you want to pour it on absolutely everything. Apple cider vinegar and fresh lime juice create a zippy, layered acidity, while raw honey softens the edges and ground cumin adds a warm, earthy depth. Fresh cilantro brings a pop of green flavor that ties it all together beautifully. Avoiding nightshades can make store-bought dressings a minefield — paprika, tomato-derived ingredients, and hidden spice blends show up constantly on labels — so making your own from scratch is genuinely the smarter move. Every ingredient here is straightforward and nightshade-free by nature, with the optional red pepper flakes being the one easy swap to skip if you need to stay strict. The emulsification technique, slowly whisking in the olive oil, gives you a cohesive, restaurant-quality dressing rather than something thin and oily. Make a jar at the start of the week and you'll have a go-to for salads, grain bowls, grilled proteins, and more.
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)
Can be omittedred pepper flakes
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!