Inflammation can sneak into your life in unexpected ways, leaving you feeling sluggish and out of balance. The good news? Your diet can be a powerful tool to help manage it.
Enter this smoky, tangy chipotle-lime vinaigrette—a flavorful and nutrient-packed dressing that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With just a few minutes in the kitchen, you’ll have a versatile condiment that supports your anti-inflammatory goals while elevating every bite.
Why Chipotle-Lime Vinaigrette Supports Anti-Inflammation
The secret behind this vinaigrette’s anti-inflammatory potential lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Lime juice is rich in vitamin C, an essential antioxidant known to combat oxidative stress.
Chipotle paste, made from smoked jalapeños, contains capsaicin, a compound with natural anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic, another key ingredient, has been celebrated for its ability to support immune health and reduce inflammation.
When combined with heart-healthy canola oil, this vinaigrette becomes more than a dressing—it’s a simple way to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your meals.
Simple Uses for Maximum Impact
This chipotle-lime vinaigrette isn’t just for salads. It’s a multitasking marvel that can be drizzled, dipped, or used as a marinade to enhance a variety of dishes.
Try these ideas to enjoy its bold flavors and anti-inflammatory benefits:
- Salads: Toss with mixed greens, avocado, and roasted veggies for a smoky, tangy twist.
- Grilled Proteins: Use it as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or shrimp to infuse them with vibrant flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over sweet potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower to elevate their natural sweetness.
- Dip for Veggies: Serve with fresh carrot sticks, cucumber, or bell pepper slices for a quick and healthy snack.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is flexible enough to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ways you can make it your own:
- Adjust the Heat: Start with 2 teaspoons of chipotle paste for a mild kick, and increase to 2 tablespoons for bolder heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect level.
- Add Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, add an extra drizzle of honey. For a vegan option, substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Boost the Anti-Inflammatory Power: Add a pinch of turmeric to the mix for an extra dose of anti-inflammatory goodness without altering the flavor too much.
- Oil Options: Swap canola oil for avocado oil if you prefer, as both provide healthy fats that complement the recipe.
Storage & Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the best things about this chipotle-lime vinaigrette is its convenience. Whip up a batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This makes it perfect for meal prepping and ensuring you have a quick, flavorful option on hand whenever you need it. Just give it a good shake before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.
A Flavorful Step Toward Better Health
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. With this chipotle-lime vinaigrette, you can enjoy bold, smoky flavors while supporting your health goals.
Whether it’s drizzled over a crisp salad or used as a marinade for your favorite proteins, this versatile recipe proves that eating for wellness can be as delicious as it is nourishing.
Anti-Inflammation Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- ½ cup lime juice
- 2 tsp to 2 Tbsp chipotle paste
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
- kosher salt
- ½ cup organic canola oil
- Freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
- Combine the lime juice, 2 tsp of chipotle paste, honey, garlic, and kosher salt in a blender.
- Blend the ingredients until smooth.
- On low speed, gradually add the canola oil and continue blending until the mixture is fully emulsified.
- Taste and adjust as needed by adding black pepper, more salt, or additional chipotle paste for heat.
- Store the vinaigrette in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake before serving to re-emulsify.
Notes
- If you prefer milder heat, start with 2 tsp of chipotle paste and increase to taste.
- This vinaigrette is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted with olive oil for additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
- For nightshade sensitivity, substitute with a Curried Black Pepper Vinaigrette or similar options.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.