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 This jalapeño lime vinaigrette is spicy, creamy and absolutely addicting. It has just a hit of heat to have you coming back for bite after bite. In this post, I’ll show you how easily it comes together and all of the amazing meals you could use it on!

small jar with jalapeno lime dressing, a spoonful of dressing, jalapeno pepper, lime and extra virgin olive oil
Jump to:
  1. 1 Why you’ll love this recipe:
  2. 2 What you need to make it:
  3. 3 How to make:
  4. 4 Here are all the amazing things you could slather with jalapeño lime vinaigrette:
  5. 5 FAQs:
  6. 6 If you love this jalapeño lime vinaigrette , you’ll love these other simple homemade dressings and sauces:
  7. 7 Watch how to make:
  8. 8 Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette
    1. 8.1 Description
    2. 8.2 Ingredients
    3. 8.3 Instructions
    4. 8.4 Notes
    5. 8.5 Would you like to save this?
    6. 8.6 Nutrition
    7. 8.7 Did you make this recipe?

My CSA boxes this summer are always chock-full of beautifully spicy jalapeños. So I’ve been on a mission to make as many delicious jalapeño recipes as I possibly can while they are at the height of their season!

I absolutely love jalapeño poppers, bacon wrapped jalapeños, pickled jalapeño peppers, but I’ve got to tell ya, this jalapeno vinaigrette is probably my favorite way to consume jalapeños.

I like spicy food, I really do. But sometimes jalapeños are spicaaayyyy and biting into an entire stuffed or wrapped jalapeno is a little much for me.

So jalapeño lime dressing wins the day! Let’s make it.

cut limes, chunks of jalapeno, garlic cloves, small bowl with salt and glass bottle with olive oil

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • It’s balanced: the creaminess from the mayo balances the heat from the jalapeño, the honey balances the acid from the lime juice and a big pinch of salt elevates the whole shebang into flavorful perfection.
  • It’s easy: a handful of simple ingredients (6 to be exact) thrown in a blender and blitzed up until smooth, zippy and perfect.
  • It’s versatile: I can’t really think of anything, this dressing wouldn’t be good on. Well, except for maybe ice cream… and pancakes… But SAVORY SPEAKING, it elevates nearly anything. Keep reading for all my ideas on what to use it on!

What you need to make it:

picture of the ingredients needed

Jalapeño: one of the two main flavors here, the jalapeño pepper provides heat and flavor.

Limes: the second of the two key flavors- bright, zesty lime juice! A good dressing needs an acidic element, usually vinegar or juice of citrus fruits like lemon, lime or grapefruit. Feel free to add some lime zest too.

Olive oil: another key component to a good dressing is a source of fat. Extra virgin olive oil provides amazing texture, flavor and is a source of heart-healthy omega-3 fats and antioxidants.

Garlic: in addition to adding wonderful flavor, garlic contributes to the subtle spiciness of this dressing.

Honey: just a little bit of sweetness can go a long way in balancing the overall flavor of a dressing.

Mayo: mayo is optional, the dressing will still taste awesome without it. BUT it does add an irresistible creaminess that is to die for.

Salt and pepper: to elevate the flavors of all the other ingredients!

How to make:

Place all ingredients in a food processor or small bowl blending cup and blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust, if needed. Serve at room temperature.

small blender bowls with olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, salt and pepper

Here are all the amazing things you could slather with jalapeño lime vinaigrette:

and as a salad dressing for ANY salad! 

small jar of creamy jalapeno dressing

FAQs:

I don’t like spicy foods, how spicy is this?

This dressing does have a bit of a kick but is not overly spicy, I would give it a 2.5 out of 5 on heat. However, if you’re really sensitive to spice you may want to skip this recipe.

What can I use instead of honey?

You can use agave, sugar or even a non-nutritive sweetener like monkfruit. You will need to adjust the quantity if you use a hyper-sweet sweetener like stevia or monkfruit.

How should I store this jalapeño lime vinaigrette?

Store in an airtight container, a salad shaker or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid in the fridge. Keeps up to a week.

What can I use instead of mayo?

You can use sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or tahini. You can also leave it out!

Can I use a different pepper instead of jalapeños?

I have not tried this recipe with other peppers but comparable options would be serrano peppers or fresno chiles! If you try it and like it, let me know!

Can I add fresh cilantro to this?

Absolutely! Cilantro lime vinaigrette sounds like a major vibe. Keep in mind adding fresh herbs will decrease how long this dressing stays good.

If you love this jalapeño lime vinaigrette , you’ll love these other simple homemade dressings and sauces:

Spicy cashew dressing

Simple pesto

Balsamic vinaigrette

Peanut sauce

Watch how to make:

Next time you need a yummy sauce- this jalapeño vinaigrette is calling your name! I recommend making a double batch, because this stuff goes fast.

Print
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small jar with creamy jalapeno dressing

Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Erica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3/4 cup dressing 1x
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

From burrito bowls to fish tacos to roasted vegetable grain bowls to taco salads- this creamy spicy jalapeno lime vinaigrette is wildly versatile and so flavorful!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, chopped into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 large clove garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 cup good-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons good-quality mayo (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Instructions

Place all ingredients into a food processor or the small bowl blending attachment for a blender. Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds, until smooth and well combined. Taste and season with a pinch more salt, pepper, honey or lime juice, per your taste preferences.

Serve on anything and everything, but if I had a major recommendation I would tell you to make it for this salmon quinoa salad!

Notes

See blog post above for variation ideas, ingredient substitutions and ideas for how and what to use this jalapeño lime vinaigrette!

Feel free to use half the amount of lime juice and add 1-2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary slightly.

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Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 113
  • Sugar: 3.1 g
  • Sodium: 237.2 mg
  • Fat: 11.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4.1 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 1.7 mg

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