Honey Lime Dressing
This Honey Lime Dressing is my go-to when I want something fresh and bright without much effort. The mix of sweet honey and tangy lime makes everything from salads to grilled chicken taste a little livelier. It’s the kind of simple recipe that always earns a spot in the fridge.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories:
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed, about 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon lime zest finely grated
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
Instructions
- Add the extra-virgin olive oil, honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and kosher salt to a small bowl or mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, seal the jar and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds until the dressing is emulsified.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt, honey, or lime juice as needed.
- Drizzle over your favorite salad or use as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, fish, or vegetables. Shake or whisk again before serving if the dressing has separated.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice. Fresh juice gives the dressing a much brighter, cleaner citrus flavor than bottled lime juice.
- Zest the limes before juicing. Whole limes are much easier to zest and help you get the full amount without struggling with squeezed halves.
- Warm crystallized honey briefly. Microwave it for 5 to 10 seconds so it blends smoothly into the olive oil and lime juice.
- Shake the dressing vigorously. A mason jar makes it easy to combine the honey and oil into a smoother, more evenly emulsified dressing.
- Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes. A short rest gives the lime, honey, and salt time to meld together.
- Taste before serving. Add more honey for sweetness, lime juice for extra tang, or salt to bring the flavors into balance.
- Shake before each use. The dressing will naturally separate as it sits because it does not contain a strong emulsifier.
- Add Dijon mustard for a creamier texture. One teaspoon helps the dressing stay emulsified longer while adding a subtle savory note.
- Make it spicy. Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or chipotle powder for gentle heat, or stir in ½ teaspoon cumin for a warmer, savory flavor.
- Store it properly. Keep the dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Bring chilled dressing to room temperature before serving. Olive oil can solidify in the refrigerator, so let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes, then shake or whisk until smooth again.