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Recipes › Courses › Salads & Dressings
20 Comments

Simple Cilantro Honey Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Feb 22, 2024

Jump to Recipe

Easy and quick honey lime dressing and marinade in jar with spoonful, for pinning.
Honey lime dressing drizzling on salad, jar of dressing and ingredients, to pin.
Honey Lime dressing in jar with veggies in background, to pin.
Honey Lime salad dressing and marinade, to pin.

This light honey lime vinaigrette whips up in minutes! Using fresh ingredients like lime juice, honey and fresh cilantro, the tangy flavor of this lime honey dressing and marinade will become a family favorite!

This cilantro lime vinaigrette is quickly made homemade salad dressing using healthy ingredients you probably have on hand. 

The fresh flavor of this dressing pairs great with savory salads, fresh fruit salad, grilled chicken, beef or pork, and seafood too!

Jar of Cilantro Honey Lime Dressing with spoon for serving.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe for Lime Vinaigrette

  • Homemade Dressing – Homemade dressings are always superior to their store-bought dressings!
  • Real Ingredients – Using a handful of ingredients; honey, fresh lime, oil, garlic, and cilantro.
  • Marinade – A delicious salad dressing and marinade recipe you will make on repeat; it works on so many salads and proteins, too!

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

  • Why You Will Love This Recipe for Lime Vinaigrette
  • Simple Ingredients for Lime Honey Dressing
  • How to Make Lime Vinaigrette
  • Storage Tips
  • Fresh Tips
  • Variations & Substitutions
  • Healthy Twist
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • 8 Ways to use Lime Honey Dressing
  • TOP TIP
  • Best Salads for Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing Recipe
  • Best Entrees to Serve with Lime Vinaigrette
  • More Delicious Sauces and Dressings
  • Simple Cilantro Honey Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Simple Ingredients for Lime Honey Dressing

  • Lime | Use minced lime zest and fresh lime juice for a tangy, brightening taste with a Caribbean salad vibe.
  • Honey | Adds a touch of natural sweetness and tones down the acidity in the lime; use local honey! Yum!
  • Seasonings | Season with freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt, and cumin.
  • Garlic | Add a fresh garlic clove, minced or pressed, in a pinch, sub garlic powder.
  • Oil | I use mild-tasting avocado oil, but vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil will also work great. 
  • Cilantro | Cilantro adds a great texture and flavor to this easy dressing, but if you dislike it, leave it out! 

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

Labeled ingredients cilantro honey lime dressing.
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How to Make Lime Vinaigrette

In a mason jar with a tight lid or in a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Add dressing ingredients to jar, shake with lid and enjoy! 

Different ways to blend lime honey dressing

If a smoother dressing is desired, add to a blender, use an immersion blender or food processor, and whir until smooth. 

Adding all ingredients to the jar for the honey lime vinaigrette.
Add dressing ingredients to jar
Mixing honey lime dressing in jar.
Shake with lid and enjoy!

Storage Tips

Store the lime vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, preferably at least 30 minutes for best results! Allow the dressing to come to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes) before serving on your favorite salads.

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Fresh Tips

  • If using olive oil for the dressing, remember to remove the jar or container from the fridge about 30 minutes before using it because it will harden in the refrigerator. 
  • Always shake or stir the dressing before adding it to a recipe.
  • This cilantro honey lime dressing becomes more and more flavorful as it sits in the refrigerator. Try making it ahead and serving it the next day to see for yourself!
Jar of honey lime dressing with spoon and veggies in background.

Check out more of my tasty salad dressing recipes, like this creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, Homemade Green Goddess Salad Dressing, fruity Pomegranate Salad Dressing Recipe, and tangy Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing.

Green goddess salad dressing in pretty pitcher for serving.
Light and flavorful, Green Goddess Dressing

Variations & Substitutions

  • Add zip: If more zip is desired, add chopped jalapeno peppers, Dijon mustard to the cilantro vinaigrette. 
  • Keto Cilantro Lime Dressing: For a low-carb version of this delicious dressing, omit the honey and replace it with a couple of teaspoons of Monk fruit sugar replacement or this Keto honey.
  • Vegan Lime Dressing: Omit the honey and replace it with maple syrup or your favorite plant-based sweetener. 
  • Spicy Cilantro Honey-Lime Dressing: Turn up the heat with seeded and coarsely chopped fresh jalapeno peppers.
  • Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing: Add plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, or sour cream to make a creamy version of this simple salad dressing.
  • Fruit Salad Dressing: Think outside the box; this dressing is delicious with your favorite fruits or on this tropical fruit salad – just omit the cilantro.

Healthy Twist

This lime honey dressing and marinade contains less sodium and just a touch of sea salt; you get all the zip and zest you need from all natural ingredients making it a great salad dressing and marinade for a heart-healthy diet.

Drizzling honey lime vinaigrette dressing onto Mexican Chopped Salad.
Drizzle on your favorite salad (like this Mexican Chopped Salad)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my lime vinaigrette bitter?

If using olive oil, use a high-quality, extra virgin olive oil. Smoother neutral oils, like canola oil or avocado oil, balance the flavors better in this simple dressing.

Can I substitute the cilantro in the dressing with other fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute cilantro with other herbs like parsley, basil, mint, or a combination of herbs based on your preference. This can alter the flavor profile of the dressing, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes, you can make cilantro honey lime dressing in advance. Allowing the flavors to meld together by refrigerating it for a few hours or overnight can enhance the taste.

8 Ways to use Lime Honey Dressing

  1. Salad dressing: Toss it with mixed leafy greens, try it on my Mexican Chopped Salad – a meal in itself!
  2. Marinade: Use it for chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Let the protein marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours to absorb the flavors before grilling, baking, or sautéing.
  3. Drizzle over grilled vegetables: Brush the lime honey dressing over vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to add a tangy and sweet glaze.
  4. Tacos and wraps: Drizzle the dressing over tacos, burritos, or wraps for a burst of flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or fish tacos.
  5. Vegetable Dip: Serve the vinaigrette with crudite and fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. 
  6. Grilled fruit: Brush the dressing onto halved peaches, pineapples, or watermelon slices before grilling them. The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors is delightful.
  7. Grain bowl or Buddha bowl: Use the dressing as a sauce for a grain bowl or Buddha bowl. Drizzle it over cooked quinoa or brown rice, along with roasted vegetables, avocado, and protein of your choice.
  8. Sandwich spread: Spread the honey lime dressing on sandwiches or wraps to add flavor. 

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can always get creative and experiment with different dishes to discover new ways to use honey lime dressing. Let me know your favorite!

Cilantro honey lime vinaigrette in jar with veggies nearby.

TOP TIP

Let it marinate for better flavor. Allow the dressing to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using it to let the flavors meld together, a day ahead is even better.

Best Salads for Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing Recipe

This salad dressing is perfect for a taco salad, like this Mexican Chopped Salad, a classic and Easy Italian Chopped Salad Recipe, and this Hearty Chicken Cobb Salad.

Easy Healthy Mexican Chopped Salad in large bowl with wooden serving tools nearby.

Best Healthy Mexican Chopped Salad with Lime Dressing

A Healthy Mexican Chopped Salad recipe with honey lime dressing full of fresh corn, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, jicama, and black beans.

Read more
Easy Mexican Fruit salad in serving bowl and fruit salad served in orange fruit cups.

Best Mexican Fruit Salad Recipe

This Mexican fruit salad recipe is refreshing, and bursting with juicy and sweet fruits that will make your taste buds salsa dance! Tropical fruits paired with citrus, strawberries, and grapes in a light honey-lime Tajin dressing.

Read more
Italian chopped salad recipe in large bowl with serving utensils.

Best Easy Italian Chopped Salad Recipe

Loaded Italian chopped salad with fresh veggies, salami, provolone, kalamata olives, and homemade Italian vinaigrette. A light and delicious meal that will make you love salads!

Read more

Best Entrees to Serve with Lime Vinaigrette

Serve with these Mexican Barbacoa Tacos, this Southwest Chicken Soup and these authentic Mexican Chicken Fajitas.

Tortilla chips are beside bowl of soup topped with veggies, cheese, and sour cream.

Southwest Chicken Soup

This 10 minute prep, one-pot Southwest Chicken Soup is a fiesta in every spoonful!

Southwestern soup is hearty, easy, and flavorful chicken taco soup! Olé!

Get the easy recipe below!

Read more
Square image of Mexican Barbacoa Beef in form of street tacos sitting on a white plate with cheese, avocado, tomatoes and lime.

Mexican Barbacoa Tacos

Simple and tasty, Mexican Barbacoa Beef. Slow-cooked in a savory, spicy (but not hot) sauce with loads of fresh taco toppings. Make delicious Chipotle-style Mexican Barbacoa Street Tacos.

Read more
Delicious chicken fajitas in a cast iron pan.

Authentic Mexican Chicken Fajitas

An Authentic Mexican Chicken Fajita Recipe that’s bursting with flavor! Our Fajitas de Pollo, with perfectly marinated and sautéed chicken, bell peppers, and onions.

Read more

More Delicious Sauces and Dressings

  • Rocky Mountain Homemade Barbecue Sauce
  • Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
  • Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Recipe
  • Easy Nut-Free Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe
  • Best Homemade Italian Marinara Sauce Recipe

Honey Lime dressing in jar with veggies in background, to pin.

I hope you loved this Lime Honey Dressing — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest?

And please come back and comment and rate below — it really helps me and other readers!

Recipe Card
Honey lime dressing with cilantro in a mason jar.

Simple Cilantro Honey Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

5 from 10 readers
Author: Kathleen Pope
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Print Pin SaveSaved!
This light honey lime vinaigrette whips up in minutes!  Using fresh ingredients like lime juice, honey and fresh cilantro, the tangy flavor of this lime honey dressing and marinade will become a family favorite.

Equipment

  • Mason jar
  • Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer (Lime)
  • Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Grater

Ingredients 
US Customary – Metric

  • 1 lime zested
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice about 2-3 limes
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey omit if low carb, replace with sugar free honey or similar
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup avocado oil or your favorite oil, any vegetable oil or even extra virgin olive oil*
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped, optional
  • freshly ground black pepper
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients, cover and shake to combine, or whir for a second in a blender, food processor or with immersion blender.
    *Note, if using olive oil for the dressing, remember to remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before using; the olive oil will harden.
  • Then, add the dressing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve, preferably at least 30 minutes for best results! Allow the dressing to come to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes) before serving on your favorite salads.
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

Variations & Substitutions
  • Keto Cilantro Lime Dressing: For a low-carb version of this delicious dressing, omit the honey and replace it with a couple of teaspoons of Monk fruit sugar replacement or a Keto honey. 
  • Vegan Lime Dressing: Omit the honey and replace it with maple syrup. 
  • Spicy Cilantro Honey-Lime Dressing: Add seeded and coarsely chopped fresh jalapeno peppers.
  • Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing: Add a couple of tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, or sour cream to make a creamy version of this simple salad dressing.
  • Fruit Salad Dressing: Think outside the box; this dressing is delicious with your favorite fruits or on this tropical fruit salad.
  • *Oil: Use your favorite oil, if using heavier oils like extra virgin olive oil, be sure to allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. 
Storage Tips | Keep your homemade cilantro lime honey dressing in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a 7-14 days.
8 Ways to use Cilantro Honey-Lime Dressing
  1. Salad dressing: Toss it with mixed leafy greens, try it on my Mexican Chopped Salad – a meal in itself!
  2. Marinade: Use it for chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Let the protein marinate for a few hours to absorb the flavors before grilling, baking, or sautéing.
  3. Grilled vegetables: Brush or drizzle the honey lime dressing over vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to add a tangy and sweet glaze.
  4. Tacos and wraps: Drizzle the dressing over tacos, burritos, or wraps for a burst of flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or fish tacos.
  5. Dip for vegetables: Serve the honey lime dressing for fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. 
  6. Grilled fruit: Brush the dressing onto halved peaches, pineapples, or watermelon slices before grilling them. The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors is delightful.
  7. Grain bowl or Buddha bowl: Use the dressing as a sauce for a grain bowl or Buddha bowl. Drizzle it over cooked quinoa or brown rice, along with roasted vegetables, avocado, and protein of your choice.
  8. Sandwich spread: Spread the honey lime dressing on sandwiches or wraps to add flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (about 2 tablespoons) | Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Honey lime dressing with cilantro in a mason jar.
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Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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  1. julia

    Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 11:50 am

    5 stars
    we love this dressing and today I made another batch, always perfect! easy dressing for any salad!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 1:16 pm

      Love hearing that, thank you Julia!

      Reply
  2. Elisa

    Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 11:05 am

    5 stars
    Love this Simple Cilantro Honey Lime Vinaigrette Recipe, always looking for fresh vinaigrette recipes, and this is delicious and easy. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  3. Harriet Young

    Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 10:39 am

    5 stars
    Super quick and simple but delicious, I used it on my salad last night and it was lovely

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 10:40 am

      Thanks so much Harriet!

      Reply
  4. rebecca

    Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 10:15 am

    5 stars
    great suggestion to drizzle this over fruit! it’s so flavorful and perfect with fruit. Also fantastic for chicken

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 10:40 am

      So fabulous on both of those!

      Reply
  5. TAYLER ROSS

    Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 10:13 am

    5 stars
    I made this vinaigrette with our salad for dinner last night and it was amazing! Perfectly tart and citrusy!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 10:40 am

      It really is! Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Ned

    Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 9:04 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this amazing dressing on our salads tonight for dinner and it was so light and refreshing and simply just perfect. Thank you for the recipe!!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sat, Jul 15, 2023 at 5:53 am

      So glad you enjoyed it, Ned!

      Reply
  7. Gina Abernathy

    Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 8:53 pm

    5 stars
    A tasty dressing for my salad. The family loved it and the cilantro and lime added so much flavor and freshness.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sat, Jul 15, 2023 at 5:53 am

      So glad you liked it.

      Reply
  8. Erik

    Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 5:51 pm

    5 stars
    This came together so fast, it was perfect. The flavor really hits the spot!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 8:53 pm

      So glad to hear, Erik!

      Reply
  9. Gina

    Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 5:00 pm

    5 stars
    Nothing beats homemade. This dressing is amazing and so much better than store bought. This will be a go-to salad dressing of mine!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  10. Anjali

    Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 4:22 pm

    5 stars
    I made a Mexican chopped salad today and used this dressing and it tasted amazing!! The sweet sour combination of the honey and lime added such great flavor to the salad!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 8:54 pm

      Love to hear that, Anjali! Thank you!

      Reply

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Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

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