Sesame Free Cilantro-Lime Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Bright, tangy, and just a little bit bold, this vinaigrette brings together fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and fragrant cilantro in a way that makes even a simple green salad feel like something special. Store-bought dressings are notorious for sneaking in tahini, sesame oil, or other sesame-derived ingredients — especially in anything with a "zesty" or "Asian-inspired" label — so making your own is genuinely the safest move. Every single ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, giving you full confidence in what's going into your bowl. A touch of raw honey softens the acidity, while ground cumin adds a warm, earthy undertone that keeps this dressing from feeling one-dimensional. Whisking the olive oil in slowly creates a beautifully emulsified texture that clings to greens, grains, or roasted vegetables rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl. It comes together in minutes and keeps in the fridge for up to five days, so you can drizzle it over everything from grain bowls to sliced avocado all week long.
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!