This super simple 4-ingredient Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette is spicy, sour, and fresh tasting way to add a delicious punch of flavor to everything from roasted vegetables to salads to grilled chicken or fish.

Super Simple 4-Ingredient Jalapeño Lime Dressing
You can go ahead and skip down to the recipe if you like, but honestly all you need to know about this vinaigrette is to add these ingredients to a bowl and stir:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Lime Juice
- Salt
Honestly, it feels like cheating to even call this a "recipe", but there you have it. For all it's simplicity, this vinaigrette is really super delicious.
It's fabulous with only those 4 simple ingredients, but you can also toss in some lime zest and a handful of chopped cilantro if you like.
Or, make a creamy version that is perfect for drizzling over tacos by stirring in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or aioli.
Favorite Ways to Use this Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette
At the moment, my favorite way to eat this Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette is spooned over a plate of Roasted Beets. The combination of this spicy and sour dressing with the sweet concentrated flavor of roasted beets is truly delicious.
But, I also love to eat this vinaigrette over salads, like this chopped Israeli Salad. Or, if I want to add a deliciously unexpected twist to a classic Niçoise salad.
Of course, it's fabulous spooned over simple Roasted Vegetables, or Sautéed Vegetables.
Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette is also one of the quickest, easiest ways I know to add flavor to simple grilled (or baked, or roasted) chicken or fish. Simply cook the chicken or fish with nothing more than a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then drizzle this dressing over the top right before serving. SO GOOD.
This dressing is also a delicious way to spice up a standard Sheet Pan Dinner. Follow this anything-goes recipe for the Ultimate Sheet Pan Dinner to cook whatever protein, veggies, and greens you like for an easy, no-fuss, one-pan meal. Right before serving, drizzle the whole thing with a couple spoonfuls of Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette. I know I keep saying this, but... SO GOOD.
Can You Use Fresh Jalapeños Instead of Pickled Jalapeños in this Dressing?
Yes! I prefer the extra vinegar pickled jalapeños add to this vinaigrette, but fresh jalapeños are also delicious in this dressing. If using fresh jalapeños, mince them into very small pieces after removing the stem and seeds.
The other thing to be cautious of when it comes to fresh jalapeños is their heat level. Sometimes you get super duper spicy jalapeños, and sometimes they are more mild.
There's no way to tell for sure without tasting them... so cut a small piece and pop it in your mouth, then proceed to add as many or as few as you like to get your vinaigrette to the heat level you desire.
📖 Recipe
Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette
This super simple 4-ingredient vinaigrette is spicy, sour, and fresh tasting, and adds a delicious punch of flavor to everything from roasted vegetables to salads to grilled chicken or fish.
One of my favorite ways to use this vinaigrette is drizzled over a plate full of tender, Roasted Beets.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz (3 generous tbsp) pickled jalapeños (spicy or mild)
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or aioli (to make a creamy vinaigrette; see note below)
Instructions
- Roughly chop the jalapeños and add them to a small bowl. Add the olive oil and lime juice and stir to mix.
- Add a pinch of salt; taste, and add more if desired.
- Add the optional grated lime zest and/or cilantro if you like.
- Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Can you use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled jalapeños?
Yes! I prefer the extra vinegar pickled jalapeños add to this vinaigrette, but fresh jalapeños are also delicious in this dressing. If using fresh jalapeños, mince them into very small pieces after removing the stem and seeds.
To make a Creamy Version of this Dressing:
Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or aioli. This thickens the dressing slightly and adds just enough creaminess to make a perfect dressing for tacos.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
3 tablespoonsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 129Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 647mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
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