Chile Pepper Dressing
Spice up your meals with this bold and tangy Chile Pepper Dressing, a versatile condiment bursting with flavor! Made with vibrant red chile peppers like Fresno or red jalapeños, this dressing combines the smoky warmth of paprika, the zesty brightness of lime juice, and a hint of sweetness from honey for a perfectly balanced kick. Its rich base of extra virgin olive oil ensures a silky texture, while cumin and apple cider vinegar add depth and complexity. Quick and easy to make in under 15 minutes, this dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads, grilled vegetables, or roasted meats, and even works as a zippy dipping sauce. Customize the heat level to your preference, and let it chill to meld its dynamic flavors before serving. This homemade chile pepper dressing is your new go-to recipe for adding a fiery twist to any dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole red chile peppers (e.g., Fresno, red jalapeños, or cayenne)
- 2 whole garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thin the dressing)
Instructions
Wash and dry the chile peppers. If you prefer a milder dressing, remove the seeds and membranes. For more heat, leave them in.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the chile peppers for 1-2 minutes on each side to bring out their aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Peel the garlic cloves and coarsely chop them.
Roughly chop the toasted chile peppers and add them to a blender or food processor along with the garlic, olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper.
Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and blend again to reach your desired consistency.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if needed.
Transfer the Chile Pepper Dressing to a jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Shake well before serving.
Serve over salads, grilled vegetables, meats, or use as a dipping sauce. Store refrigerated for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
178 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.2 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 163 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.4 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 7 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 36 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
