Seed Oil Free Cilantro-Lime Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Bottled dressings are one of the sneakiest sources of refined seed oils, with canola, soybean, and sunflower oil hiding in nearly every grocery store option. This bright, zesty vinaigrette sidesteps all of that by building its base entirely around extra-virgin olive oil — clean, fruity, and genuinely good for you. The combination of apple cider vinegar and fresh lime juice gives it a lively, layered tang that no store-bought bottle can replicate, while raw honey rounds out the acidity without tipping into sweetness. Fresh cilantro and a whisper of cumin pull the whole thing in a bold, herby direction that makes even a simple green salad feel like something special. It comes together in minutes with just a bowl and a whisk, and the emulsification technique — slowly drizzling in the olive oil while whisking — gives it a satisfying, slightly thickened texture that clings beautifully to whatever you're dressing. Make a jar at the start of the week and you'll have a reliable, feel-good drizzle ready for salads, grain bowls, grilled vegetables, or anything else that needs a little lift.
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!