Blended Jalapeño Cilantro Vinaigrette

Prep: 5 min1 servingsmediumMexican-inspired
Blended Jalapeño Cilantro Vinaigrette

Bright, herbaceous vinaigrette made by blending fresh cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and honey into a creamy emulsion with olive oil. Quick to prepare and holds flavor for several days refrigerated. Works as a drizzle for grilled proteins, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed
    fresh parsley1:1herbaceous

    milder flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • ½ jalapeño pepper, seeds and membrane removed
    serrano0.5:1heat

    significantly spicier

  • 2 limes, juiced
    lemon1:1acid

    slightly less bright

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoon honey
    agave nectar1:1sweetener

    neutral flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    avocado oil1:1fat

    higher smoke point

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, honey, garlic, and salt to a blender

  2. 2

    Blend on high until combined and emulsified, about 20-30 seconds

  3. 3

    Ensure no large chunks of jalapeño remain, though cilantro flecks are acceptable

  4. 4

    Transfer to a glass dish or jar with a lid

  5. 5

    Refrigerate until ready to use

Tips

Tip 1

Blend only 20-30 seconds to avoid over-processing; texture should remain slightly herbaceous

Tip 2

Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for optimal flavor

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid for 2-3 days. Shake or stir before each use as separation may occur.

Make Ahead

Prepare up to 2-3 days in advance and store refrigerated.

Serve With

Drizzle over grilled chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or use as a marinade base.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Blend longer than 30 seconds to avoid over-processing and loss of herbaceous texture

Watch

Include jalapeño seeds and membrane to avoid excessive heat

Substitutions

honey
agave nectar1:1sweetener

neutral flavor

Full guide →
extra virgin olive oil
avocado oil1:1fat

higher smoke point

Full guide →
fresh cilantro
fresh parsley1:1herbaceous

milder flavor profile

Full guide →
lime
lemon1:1acid

slightly less bright

Full guide →
jalapeño
serrano0.5:1heat

significantly spicier

Find more substitutions →