Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette

This is an easy dressing that you’ll want to put on every salad. Although it has a spicy kick, this vinaigrette bursts with herbaceous, zesty flavors. And if there is one thing we know…it’s flavor. This vinaigrette is an unusual departure from the traditional dressings you know and love, but that is why we love it. We are of the mind that you need to experiment with as many flavors and foods as possible. So if you bought a jalapeño and can’t figure out how to use it, try this recipe. Plus, it works great as a dipping sauce or marinade!

When it comes to dressings, it is essential to know the foundation of what makes a great vinaigrette. Whether you make a classically simple variation or an exciting one like this, you will usually find similar ingredients in all recipes, most of which include:

• Olive oil: Any vinaigrette worth its salt will have a great oil that binds the ingredients together. You can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil, but olive oil is an excellent choice.
• Acid: Acid usually comes in the form of vinegar or citrus. Sometimes, you use a little of both, as is the case in this recipe.
• Salt and pepper: A must-have duo for dressings, plain and simple.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro in a dressing is a game changer, but you usually see chives, parsley, basil, or oregano as common vinaigrette ingredients.
• Garlic or onions: Because raw garlic and onion have a strong flavor, use a light hand with these ingredients, so you don’t overwhelm the dressing. You can always use garlic powder or onion powder for a more mild flavor.