Low FODMAP Honey Lime Salad Dressing (Paleo, Dairy-Free)

Ingredients

• 45 ml (3 tablespoons)freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 medium lime)
• 45 ml (3 tablespoons)garlic-infused olive oil
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon)extra virgin olive oil
• 20 ml (4 teaspoons)honey
• 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon), or to tastesea salt
• 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon), or to tasteground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Whisk the dressing

   Add the lime juice, garlic-infused olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt and pepper to a small bowl. Use a spatula to scrape all the honey from the teaspoon into the bowl, then whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until well combined.

2. 2

   Store if needed

   The dressing is best eaten fresh. Alternatively, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar, and refrigerate for up to 7 days; stir well before serving.

3. 3

   Serve with salad

   Drizzle the dressing over your favourite salads, such as a grilled chicken fajita salad.

What is honey lime dressing?

This is a quick vinaigrette-style dressing with a fresh, tart citrus flavour balanced by honey and olive oil. It suits salads with Mexican-inspired ingredients, including grilled chicken, peppers and crisp greens.

The recipe is an American-style salad dressing rather than a traditional regional sauce. Garlic-infused oil adds savoury flavour, while the separate extra virgin olive oil contributes its own fruity notes.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 145 calories, 0g protein, 7g carbs, 14g fat.

The olive oils provide most of the fat, while honey supplies most of the carbohydrate; the lime juice contributes a smaller amount of carbohydrate. Protein is minimal, so serve the dressing with a protein-rich salad topping such as grilled chicken and plenty of vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Choosing the ingredients

Fresh lime: Squeeze the lime shortly before mixing for a bright citrus flavour. Strain out any pips so the dressing stays smooth.

Garlic-infused oil: This brings garlic flavour to the dressing. Use the infused oil specified rather than swapping in garlic itself.

Honey: The honey softens the lime’s sharpness. Scrape it off the measuring spoon with a spatula so the intended amount makes it into the bowl.

Getting a smooth emulsion

Whisking: Add everything to a small bowl and whisk vigorously for about 1 minute. This helps disperse the honey and bring the lime juice and oils together.

Before serving: The ingredients may separate as the dressing stands. Stir or whisk it again to recombine.

Balancing the flavour

Taste the dressing after whisking and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. If the lime tastes particularly sharp, make sure the honey is fully mixed in before deciding whether to adjust the seasoning.

Keep the citrus and honey balance in mind when pairing it with a salad: hearty grilled ingredients can take a generous drizzle, while delicate leaves need less.

Serving ideas

Salad pairings: Try it with a grilled chicken fajita salad or another salad featuring greens, peppers and savoury toppings. Its sweet-tart flavour also works as a bright finish for simple leafy salads.

Adding the dressing: Drizzle it over the salad shortly before serving, then toss so the leaves are lightly coated.

Making it ahead

Fresh is best, but the dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 7 days. A glass jar is convenient for storage and for shaking the dressing back together before serving.

If the oils have firmed up in the fridge, let the container stand briefly until the dressing is easy to stir.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a small bowl with enough room to whisk without splashing.
• Scrape the honey from the teaspoon so it does not stay behind on the utensil.
• Whisk for the full minute to help combine the oil, lime and honey.
• Taste before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
• Stir or shake the dressing again after refrigeration.

Variations

• More citrus: Add a little extra lime juice for a sharper finish.
• Sweeter dressing: Increase the honey slightly if you prefer a softer tang.
• Peppery finish: Add extra ground black pepper to taste.
• Herb addition: Whisk in finely chopped fresh coriander for a leafy, aromatic note.
• Salad bowl: Pair it with grilled chicken, peppers and greens for a fajita-inspired salad.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Honey left on the spoon: Scrape it into the bowl with a spatula so the measured amount is included.
• Insufficient whisking: Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
• Skipping the re-stir: The dressing can separate during storage, so stir well before serving.
• Adding it too early: Dress the salad shortly before serving to keep the leaves from becoming weighed down.

How to store

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; it is best consumed fresh. Stir or shake well before serving.

Frequently asked questions