Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette is a zesty and flavorful dressing that is perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for meats. The combination of fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and savory garlic creates a versatile vinaigrette that can elevate any dish.

History

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette is a popular dressing that originated in Latin American cuisine. The bright flavors of cilantro and lime are commonly used in dishes from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This vinaigrette has become a staple in many kitchens for its fresh and vibrant taste.

Ingredients

2 small cloves of garlic
0.5 tsp of coarse salt
0.25 cup of fresh lime juice (3 to 4 limes)
3 tbsp of dark sesame oil
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 tbsp of cider vinegar
0.25 tsp of dijon mustard
2 tbsp of chopped fresh cilantro
2 tsp of grated lime peel

How to prepare

Using a mortar and pestle or a cutting board with the flat side of a chef's knife, mash the garlic and salt together until it forms a paste.
In a small bowl or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the garlic paste, lime juice, both oils, vinegar, and mustard. Whisk or shake the mixture until it is well blended. Add the cilantro and lime peel, and mix well.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitute lemon juice for lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Use avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for a creamier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and garlic will give the vinaigrette a bright and zesty taste.

- Adjust the amount of garlic and lime to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add more garlic. If you like a more tangy vinaigrette, add extra lime juice.

- Store the vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette is perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette is to blend the ingredients well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. Whisking or shaking the vinaigrette vigorously will help emulsify the oil and vinegar.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro or parsley as a substitute. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette in a small pitcher or jar for a rustic presentation. Drizzle the vinaigrette over a colorful salad for a vibrant and appetizing dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. It also complements roasted vegetables, quinoa salads, or tacos.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or whisk the vinaigrette before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette contains approximately 140 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette contains approximately 14 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette contains negligible amounts of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette is rich in Vitamin C from the lime juice and cilantro. It also contains Vitamin A from the cilantro and garlic.

Alergens

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette contains garlic and may not be suitable for individuals with garlic allergies.

Summary

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette is a flavorful dressing that is low in carbohydrates and protein but high in healthy fats. It is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Summary

Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette is a versatile and flavorful dressing that can elevate any dish. With its zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and savory garlic, this vinaigrette is perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or marinating meats. Enjoy the bright and vibrant flavors of this delicious dressing!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a talented cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. On that particular day, she was preparing a fresh salad with a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of cilantro and lime. I watched in awe as Maria whipped up the vinaigrette with such ease and grace. She explained to me that the key to a perfect vinaigrette is all about the balance of flavors – the tangy lime juice, the herbaceous cilantro, the hint of sweetness from honey, and the kick of garlic. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I asked Maria where she learned to make such a delicious dressing, and she chuckled, saying it was a recipe passed down from her grandmother in Mexico. She shared with me the recipe, jotting down the ingredients and measurements on a little scrap of paper. I tucked it away in my purse, promising myself that I would make it for my family as soon as I got home.

When I finally tried the cilantro-lime vinaigrette on a crisp green salad, it was a revelation. The flavors were bright and refreshing, the perfect complement to the fresh vegetables. My family devoured the salad, asking for seconds and thirds. From that moment on, the cilantro-lime vinaigrette became a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made this vinaigrette countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my taste. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy of this delicious dressing. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that always brings a smile to the faces of those who taste it.

One summer, I decided to enter a cooking competition at the local fair. I knew that my cilantro-lime vinaigrette would be the perfect dish to showcase my skills. As I stood in the bustling fairground kitchen, surrounded by other talented cooks, I felt a sense of pride in my creation.

When the judges tasted my salad with the cilantro-lime vinaigrette, their faces lit up with delight. They praised the bold flavors and the perfect balance of ingredients. I was overjoyed when they awarded me first place in the salad category. It was a proud moment for me, knowing that my beloved vinaigrette had impressed even the toughest critics.

As the years passed, I continued to make the cilantro-lime vinaigrette for special occasions and everyday meals alike. It became a tradition in our family, a dish that brought us together around the dinner table. My grandchildren would always request it when they came to visit, knowing that Grandma's salad with the zesty dressing was a treat not to be missed.

I have since passed on the recipe for the cilantro-lime vinaigrette to my children and grandchildren, ensuring that it will be enjoyed for generations to come. It warms my heart to see them carry on the tradition, creating their own memories with this beloved dish.

So, the next time you want to add a burst of flavor to your salad, why not try making my cilantro-lime vinaigrette? It's a recipe that has brought me so much joy over the years, and I hope it will do the same for you. Happy cooking!