Bright, bold, and effortlessly versatile, this Honey Lime Dressing is a game-changer for any meal. With its perfect balance of zesty lime, sweet honey, and savory garlic, it transforms salads, grilled meats, and even fruit into something extraordinary - all in just 5 minutes. No blender, no fuss - just fresh, vibrant flavor with every drizzle!
Why you'll love honey lime dressing
- This dressing is made with everyday staples you probably already have on hand - no extra grocery shopping required!
- The irresistible combo of honey's mellow sweetness and lime's zesty punch creates a flavor that's both vibrant and balanced.
- This honey lime dressing goes with (almost) everything! Drizzle it on greens, marinate chicken or shrimp, jazz up roasted veggies, or even brighten fruit salads (just skip the garlic and pepper for a sweeter version).
- It's a 5-minute wonder. No blender, no fuss - just whisk and go.
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What is honey lime dressing
Honey lime dressing is a vibrant, sweet-tangy condiment that can effortlessly elevate both savory and sweet dishes. Its bright citrus notes from the fresh lime juice and zest mingle with the natural sweetness of honey, while the garlic and olive oil add depth and richness.
It's light yet flavorful, striking the perfect balance between refreshing and indulgent. Whether tossed with greens, drizzled over grilled meats, or used as a dipping sauce, this dressing brings a burst of brightness to every bite.
Ingredients
Minimal ingredients means you can put this honey lime dressing together in no time!
- Lime zest - Freshly grated zest of one lime. It brightens the dressing with intense citrus aroma and a subtle floral bitterness.
- Lime juice - Provides a vibrant, tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey and mellows the richness of the oils. Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Garlic - Adds a punch of savory depth and a slight pungency, giving the dressing a more complex, well-rounded profile.
- Honey - Brings natural sweetness to harmonize the sharp lime and garlic, while also helping to emulsify the dressing for a smoother texture.
- Olive oil - Contributes a fruity, peppery richness, tying all the flavors together.
- Neutral oil - Lightens the texture and ensures the dressing isn't overly heavy, letting the other ingredients shine. I like to use avocado oil.
- Salt - Enhances every layer of flavor, making the citrus pop and the sweetness more pronounced.
- Black pepper - Introduces a gentle warmth and slight earthiness, rounding out the dressing with a subtle kick of heat.
Instructions
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In a glass bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, and salt until fully blended
While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
Do the same with the neutral oil, whisking to create a smooth and well-integrated dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and whisk one last time.
Serving
This honey lime dressing adds a lovely boost of flavor to an array of salads, such as Steakhouse Salad, Kale Caesar Salad, Orzo Pasta Salad, or any salad recipe that calls for a citrusy vinaigrette.
Drizzle it over assembled tacos or chicken pitas, mix it into a plain chicken salad mixture, or use it to marinate shrimp and chicken breasts.
Spoon it over roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
Remove the garlic and black pepper to combine with fresh fruit salad. It particularly brightens sweet melon, pineapple, or citrus segments.
Tips and variations
- Storage: Store this honey lime dressing in a glass jar in the fridge for up to a week. I like to keep my homemade dressings in mason jars, but any sealable jar or airtight container will work. It's normal for the oil to solidify in the fridge - bring the chilled dressing to room temperature and give it a good shake or whisk before using again.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze this homemade citrus dressing in ice cube trays in the freezer. Once solid, you can transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and give the dressing a good whisk before using again as the dressing is likely to have separated.
- Tangy bite: Add a splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar that will stand up to salads with creamy cheese.
- Sweeter version: Omit the garlic and black pepper for a sweeter version which would pair beautifully with a dish like cucumber melon salad.
- Kick of spice: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a small amount of minced jalapeño for a kick of heat that contrasts with the sweet honey.
- Shallots: Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped shallot if you'd like a mild and slightly sweet onion flavor without it overpowering the rest of the flavors in this dressing.
- Vegan-friendly: Use maple syrup instead of honey for this dressing.
- Double the recipe: Make a double batch of this honey lime dressing - perfect if you know that you'll be needing to spread it across a couple of dishes in the days ahead.
- Always taste to test: It's important to taste the dressing once assembled so that you can adjust the ingredients, as needed to suit your preferences.
Recipes that go great with this dressing
Equipment
- whisk
Ingredients
- Zest of one lime
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice - about 2 limes
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped or put through a press
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil I use avocados
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl add the lime juice, zest, honey, garlic, and salt to a glass bowl. Whisk well to combine.
- Slowly pour in both oils while continuously whisking to blend and emulsify. Add pepper, give it a quick taste and add more salt and/pepper if desired to season to your liking.
Karianne says
Made this for a salmon bowl last night and it was great!