Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Rebecca Novak published on November 14, 2023

Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette is a classic recipe that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This delicious vinaigrette is made from a combination of fresh citrus juices, lime juice, and a blend of spices and herbs. 

It is perfect for salads, marinades, and as a dip for vegetables or chips. This vinaigrette is easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways. 

Whether you are looking for a light and fresh dressing for a summer salad or wanting to add some zing to your marinade, this recipe is sure to please.

qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette recipe

What is qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette?

Qdoba is a chain of fast casual restaurants in the United States and Canada serving Mexican-style cuisine. 

Their Lime Vinaigrette is so versatile and flavorful. It is made with fresh citrus juices, lime juice, olive oil, and a variety of spices and herbs. The combination of flavors gives it a unique taste that is perfect for salads, marinades, and dips. 

This vinaigrette is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What does it taste like?

Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette has a bright and tangy flavor. The combination of citrus juices and lime juice give it a nice balance of sweet and tart. The addition of herbs and spices add depth and complexity to the flavor. This vinaigrette is perfect for adding a little zing to your salads, marinades, and dips.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of honey: Sweeten your recipe with a generous half cup of honey, providing a natural and delightful sweetness.
  • 1.5 cups of orange juice: Infuse your dish with a vibrant and tangy citrus flavor using 1.5 cups of fresh orange juice, adding a refreshing twist.
  • 12 teaspoons of lemon juice: Introduce a zesty and acidic note with 12 teaspoons of lemon juice, enhancing the overall brightness of your creation.
  • 12 teaspoons of Dijon mustard: Elevate the flavor profile with 12 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, offering a combination of tanginess and mild heat.
  • 4 cloves of minced garlic: Enhance the savory undertones of your recipe with the aromatic richness of 4 cloves of minced garlic.
  • 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil: Provide a smooth and luscious texture to your dish by incorporating half a cup of extra virgin olive oil, a source of heart-healthy fats.
  • Salt to your liking: Tailor the seasoning to perfection by adding salt to your liking, ensuring a well-balanced and customized flavor profile.
qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette

Directions

  • Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  • Citrus Blend: In a mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of orange juice and 12 teaspoons of lemon juice, creating a vibrant citrus base.
  • Sweeten with Honey: Add 1/2 cup of honey to the citrus blend, stirring well to incorporate the natural sweetness.
  • Mustard Addition: Integrate 12 teaspoons of Dijon mustard into the mixture, providing a tangy and flavorful component.
  • Garlic Aroma: Incorporate the minced garlic cloves for an aromatic infusion, enhancing the savory notes.
  • Emulsify with Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to create a well-emulsified vinaigrette.
  • Season to Perfection: Add salt to your liking, tasting as you go to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
  • Final Blend: Whisk the vinaigrette until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and flavorful dressing.
  • Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavors, refrigerate the vinaigrette for a couple of hours before serving.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle this homemade Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette over your favorite salads, bowls, or grilled dishes. Enjoy the zesty and refreshing flavors!

Tips

• To make sure the vinaigrette is properly emulsified, slowly add the olive oil while whisking constantly.

• Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more herbs and spices as desired to give it an extra punch of flavor.

• This vinaigrette can be used as a marinade for meats and fish, as a dip for vegetables and chips, or as a dressing for salads.

• Use freshly squeezed citrus juices for the best flavor.

• If you don’t have all the spices on hand, you can substitute other herbs like rosemary or parsley.

• Make sure to store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette

Nutrition Information

Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette is a healthy and flavorful dressing. One serving, which is 2 tablespoons, has 60 calories and 5.5 grams of fat. It also has 0 grams of cholesterol, 0 grams of sodium, and 0 grams of sugar.

What to serve with qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette recipe

Salads: This vinaigrette is perfect for adding a zesty flavor to your salads. Try it with spinach, kale, or mixed greens.

Veggies: This vinaigrette is great for dipping fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers.

Fish: Use the vinaigrette as a marinade for grilled or baked fish like salmon or tilapia.

Rice: Use the vinaigrette as a topper for cooked rice or quinoa.

Nachos: Use the vinaigrette as a dip for nachos or taco chips.

Fruits: This vinaigrette is also great for adding a little zing to fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and strawberries.

How to store leftover qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette recipe

Leftover Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent the vinaigrette from separating, make sure to shake or stir it before each use.

What other substitute can I use in qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette recipe?

• You can substitute orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

• Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a healthier option.

• You can replace dried herbs with fresh herbs for a more intense flavor.

• Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a more tart flavor.

• Substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for a more pungent flavor.

• Substitute onion powder with fresh minced onion for a more intense flavor.

• Alter black pepper with cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

• Substitute kosher salt with sea salt for a more natural flavor.

Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette

Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette is a classic recipe that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This delicious vinaigrette is made from a combination of fresh citrus juices, lime juice, and a blend of spices and herbs.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette recipe
Servings: 2
Calories: 72kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • Honey 1/2 cup: Natural sweetener for a delightful touch in your recipe.
  • Fresh Orange Juice 1.5 cups: Infuse a vibrant and tangy citrus flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice 12 teaspoons: Zesty acidity to brighten up the dish.
  • Dijon Mustard 12 teaspoons: Tangy and mildly spicy, adding depth to the dressing.
  • Minced Garlic 4 cloves: Aromatic richness to enhance the savory notes.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 cup: Provides a smooth, luscious texture and heart-healthy fats.
  • Salt to taste: Customize seasoning for a perfectly balanced flavor

Instructions

  • Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  • Citrus Blend: In a mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of orange juice and 12 teaspoons of lemon juice, creating a vibrant citrus base.
  • Sweeten with Honey: Add 1/2 cup of honey to the citrus blend, stirring well to incorporate the natural sweetness.
  • Mustard Addition: Integrate 12 teaspoons of Dijon mustard into the mixture, providing a tangy and flavorful component.
  • Garlic Aroma: Incorporate the minced garlic cloves for an aromatic infusion, enhancing the savory notes.
  • Emulsify with Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to create a well-emulsified vinaigrette.
  • Season to Perfection: Add salt to your liking, tasting as you go to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
  • Final Blend: Whisk the vinaigrette until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and flavorful dressing.
  • Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavors, refrigerate the vinaigrette for a couple of hours before serving.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle this homemade Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette over your favorite salads, bowls, or grilled dishes. Enjoy the zesty and refreshing flavors!

Notes

  • To make sure the vinaigrette is properly emulsified, slowly add the olive oil while whisking constantly.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more herbs and spices as desired to give it an extra punch of flavor.
  • This vinaigrette can be used as a marinade for meats and fish, as a dip for vegetables and chips, or as a dressing for salads.
  • Use freshly squeezed citrus juices for the best flavor.
  • If you don’t have all the spices on hand, you can substitute other herbs like rosemary or parsley.
  • Make sure to store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette last in the refrigerator?

Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette?

No, it is not recommended to freeze qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette as the texture and flavor will be compromised.

Is qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette vegan?

Yes, qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette is vegan as it does not contain any animal-based ingredients.

Is qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette gluten-free?

Yes, qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette is gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.

Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?

Yes, you can substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a more tart flavor.

Can I substitute olive oil with avocado oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a healthier option.

Can I use qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette as a marinade?

Yes, qdoba citrus lime vinaigrette can be used as a marinade for meats and fish.

Conclusion

Qdoba Citrus Lime Vinaigrette is a classic recipe that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This delicious vinaigrette is made from a combination of fresh citrus juices, lime juice, and a blend of spices and herbs. 

It is perfect for salads, marinades, and as a dip for vegetables or chips. This vinaigrette is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

With its bright and tangy flavor, this vinaigrette is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

You’ll also like these latest recipes!
Author Profile
Rebecca Novak, Registered Dietitian & Chef

Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more

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