• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggie Desserts
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegan Cake and Desserts
    • Vegan Dinner
    • Vegan Breakfast
    • Vegan Guides
  • Cookbook
    • About My Cookbook
    • Buy Veggie Desserts + Cakes
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Press
    • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram Posts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Cookbook
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Cookbook
×
Home » Recipes » Condiments

Lime Vinaigrette

Published: May 9, 2023 by Kate Hackworthy · 6 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Jars of dressing and images of making it, with text: Lime Vinaigrette.
Jars of dressing, with text: Lime Vinaigrette.

Lime vinaigrette is a tangy, zesty, and versatile dressing that can be used on salads, vegetables, and more! It is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find, and it comes together quickly in just a few minutes.

Looking down into a jar of lime vinaigrette next to a bowl of salad and sliced limes.
Lime Vinaigrette

Today, I want to bring you one of my all-time favorite dressings: lime vinaigrette.

It's bright, tangy, zesty, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect addition to salad, or drizzled onto roasted veggies.

I love how zingy this dressing is! I've made it many many times over the years, tweaking each time.

Now that I've got the perfect balance of lime juice, Dijon, garlic, vinegar, and oil, I wanted to share it with you all!

Try it on this Mexican Quinoa Salad, drizzled onto Air Fryer Asparagus, or as a topping on these tasty Chickpea Tacos. For more salad ideas, try 28 Tasty Healthy Salad Recipes.

Looking for more dinner inspo? Find Vegetarian Recipes You'll Love!

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Ways to use Lime Vinaigrette
  • Storage
  • Top tips
  • Salad Recipes
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  1. Many store-bought dressings are packed with added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. By making your own Lime Vinaigrette, you can control the ingredients and make a healthier choice for you and your family.
  2. This vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to any salad or dish. It pairs well with leafy greens, grilled veggies, and even fruit salads.
  3. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of this dressing in no time.
  4. Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add a little maple syrup or honey for a sweeter dressing, or add more garlic or Dijon mustard for a stronger kick of flavor.
  5. This Lime Vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This makes it the perfect addition to your weekly meal prep routine.

Ingredients

Ingredients on a table.
  • Lime juice is the star of the show! It adds a zesty, bright flavor that pairs perfectly with greens and veggies.
  • White wine vinegar adds a nice tanginess to the dressing, and helps to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
  • Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a depth of flavor.
  • Garlic adds a subtle kick of flavor that helps to bring everything together.
  • Oregano adds an earthy, herbal flavor that pairs well with the lime.
  • Salt and pepper help to bring out all of the flavors in the dressing.
  • Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Like most dressings, this lime vinaigrette is a super easy recipe! You can put it together in just a few minutes.

Ingredients in a bowl.

Whisk the vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.

Slowly pouring in the oil.

Slowly stream in the olive oil, whisking continuously, combined. Whisk in the lime juice.

Whisking the lime vinaigrette.

Substitutions

  • White wine vinegar: You can substitute apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar. Keep in mind that these vinegars will give the dressing a slightly different flavor.
  • Dijon mustard: You can substitute whole grain mustard, yellow mustard, or spicy brown mustard for the Dijon mustard. Again, keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the dressing.
  • Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic on hand, you can use garlic powder or minced shallots instead.
  • Oregano: You can substitute dried basil, thyme, or parsley for the oregano. You can also use fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
  • Olive oil: You can substitute other types of oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil, for olive oil. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the dressing.
  • Lime juice: You can substitute lemon juice, or orange juice for the lime juice. You can also use other types of citrus, such as grapefruit or blood orange, for a more unique flavor. You can use fresh or bottled pure lime juice.

Ways to use Lime Vinaigrette

  • Toss it with your favorite salad greens.
  • Drizzle it over grilled or roasted vegetables.
  • Spoon it onto baked tofu.
  • Use it as a dipping sauce for chips or vegetables.
  • As a salad dressing is the most obvious use for Lime Vinaigrette. Drizzle it over your favorite greens and veggies for a zesty and flavorful salad.
  • As a marinade. Simply pour the dressing over your protein of choice and let it marinate for at least an hour (or overnight) before cooking.
  • Mix it with some Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy and creamy dip. Serve it with veggies, pita chips etc...
  • Toss roasted vegetables with Lime Vinaigrette for a delicious and flavorful side dish.
  • Use Lime Vinaigrette as a topping for tacos or burrito bowls.
  • Mix Lime Vinaigrette with some honey or maple syrup for a sweet and tangy dressing that goes great with fruit salads.
  • Drizzle your dressing over a bowl of quinoa, brown rice, or other grains for a flavorful and healthy meal.
  • Use is as a tasty and zesty dressing for pasta salads. It pairs well with all kinds of pasta, from penne to fusilli.
Small jar of lime vinaigrette on a wooden table.

Storage

  • Store your vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to a week.
  • The oil and vinegar may separate over time, so make sure to shake the container well before using the dressing.

Top tips

  1. Use a good quality oil and vinegar: Since vinaigrette is made with only a few simple ingredients, it's important to use high-quality oil and vinegar to ensure the best flavor.
  2. Emulsify the dressing: To ensure that your vinaigrette doesn't separate, it's important to emulsify the ingredients together. This is done by whisking or shaking the ingredients vigorously until they're fully combined.
  3. Add ingredients slowly: When making vinaigrette, it's important to add the oil to the vinegar slowly while whisking or shaking. This helps to create a smooth and creamy emulsion.
  4. Taste as you go: It's important to taste your vinaigrette as you're making it to ensure that it has the right balance of flavors. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired taste.

Salad Recipes

If you're looking for some salad recipes to try out your dressing, be sure to check these out!

  • Wooden table with a jar of maple dijon dressing in front of a bowl of salad.
    Maple Dijon Dressing
  • Looking down at a table with a serving dish of roasted beetroot and sweet potato salad with couscous.
    Roasted Beetroot Sweet Potato Salad
  • A wooden table with a bowl of roasted vegetable quinoa salad, with parsley and sliced lemons scattered around.
    Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
  • A wooden table with a dish of brussels sprout slaw, with a dish of pepper, two spring onions and some sprouts around it.
    Brussels Sprout Slaw

FAQ

What is vinaigrette?

Vinaigrette is a simple dressing made by whisking together oil, vinegar, and seasonings.

Can I use a different type of oil in vinaigrette?

Yes, you can use a variety of oils in vinaigrette, including olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, and grapeseed oil.

How do I store vinaigrette?

Store your vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to a week. The oil and vinegar may separate over time, so make sure to shake the container well before using the dressing.

Can I make vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can make vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. Just be sure to shake or whisk the vinaigrette well before using it, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.

Collage of quick vegan dinner recipes.

Sign up for our free newsletter and never miss a recipe!

Plus, you'll get a free eBook: 15 Minute Vegan Dinners!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe

Looking down into a jar of lime vinaigrette next to a bowl of salad and sliced limes.

Lime Vinaigrette

Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
Lime vinaigrette is a tangy, zesty, and versatile dressing that can be used on salads and more! Make it in minutes with simple ingredients.
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
SaveSaved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 99 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
 

  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Whisk the vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
  • Slowly stream in the olive oil, whisking continuously, combined.
  • Whisk in the lime juice.

Notes

 
  1. Use a good quality oil and vinegar: Since vinaigrette is made with only a few simple ingredients, it's important to use high-quality oil and vinegar to ensure the best flavor.
  2. Emulsify the dressing: To ensure that your vinaigrette doesn't separate, it's important to emulsify the ingredients together. This is done by whisking or shaking the ingredients vigorously until they're fully combined.
  3. Add ingredients slowly: When making vinaigrette, it's important to add the oil to the vinegar slowly while whisking or shaking. This helps to create a smooth and creamy emulsion.
  4. Taste as you go: It's important to taste your vinaigrette as you're making it to ensure that it has the right balance of flavors. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 17mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.2mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

More Condiment Recipes

  • A wooden table with a glass bottle of rhubarb simple syrup.
    Rhubarb Syrup
  • Close up of a dish of pease pudding with a spoon in it.
    Pease Pudding
  • Wooden table with a glass bottle of grapefruit syrup next to slices of pink grapefruit.
    Grapefruit Syrup
  • A wooden table with a dish of apple compote and a small dish of cinnamon.
    Apple Compote
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Regina Matonak

    March 18, 2025 at 7:23 pm

    5 stars
    I made this Lime vinaigrette yesterday to use up my limes. Then I refrigerated it. Today I made a Salad from my garden & used this dressing. It was absolutely delicious & refreshing. Definitely will make this regularly now. ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth

    May 10, 2023 at 3:38 pm

    5 stars
    I'm always looking for new salad dressing recipes and this one looks delicious! The addition of the Dijon mustard gives it a nice spicy flavor.

    Reply
  3. Kathleen

    May 09, 2023 at 3:12 pm

    5 stars
    I love homemade dressings like this fantastic lime vinaigrette. They just make salads brighter and flavorful.

    Reply
  4. diane

    May 09, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    5 stars
    This is what I am looking for! Added chopped fresh herbs, cause I have them, so good!

    Reply
  5. Quynh

    May 09, 2023 at 2:14 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for lunch and it was so tasty. I poured it over my salad and roast vegetables. YUM!

    Reply
  6. Angela

    May 09, 2023 at 2:13 pm

    5 stars
    Love using lime juice in dressing! This is so tangy and delicious, perfect for the summer!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. Here you'll find vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes celebrating vegetables, from dinner to dessert! If you love vegetables, you've come to the right place. About Me

Collage of press logos.

Popular recipes

  • Stack of naan breads on a plate.
    Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)

  • Plate of lentil dahl and rice.
    The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl

  • Soup in a bowl with a spoon.
    Easy Lentil Soup

  • Spoonful of sauce on a jar of it.
    Cane's Sauce Recipe (copycat)

Vegetable Cake Recipes

  • A cake and a piece of cake sitting on top of a table.
    Apple Kale Cake with Apple Icing

  • Close up of cut loaf cake.
    Parsnip Loaf Cake

  • Cake on a cake stand with slices missing
    Vanilla Spinach Cake

  • A slice of lemon cucumber cake on a plate.
    Lemon and Cucumber Cake

My cookbook

Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About me
  • Contact
  • Work with me
  • Press
  • Veggie Desserts Cookbook

Newsletter

  • Sign Up for newsletter updates

Partner Sites

  • You Say Potatoes

Disclaimers

  • Disclosures & Affiliate Policies
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Kate Hackworthy / Veggie Desserts

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This recipe worked out perfectly!
The whole family loved this recipe!
Easy and tasty!
I'm sure we'll be making this recipe again and again!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.