Get ready to upgrade your salad game with this Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette that effortlessly blends bright, tangy flavors with creamy nuttiness and a little whisper of heat. This is not your average homemade dressing—the combination of rice vinegar, almond butter, sweet chili sauce, and a drizzle of olive oil creates a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that’s as gorgeous on roasted veggies as it is drizzled over crunchy greens. Whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting friends, or just want an easy way to make any bowl of greens sing, this Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette is your new weeknight hero!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing just the right mix of ingredients is the key to making this vinaigrette pop. Each element brings something special—creamy, tangy, sweet, or savory—working together to create a dressing that’s truly irresistible.
- Rice Vinegar: This provides a mellow tang that lifts all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness perfectly balances the savoriness and adds body to the dressing.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives the vinaigrette its mild heat and a gentle, garlicky sweetness—totally addictive!
- Almond Butter: The secret to creaminess, adding a nutty depth and luscious, velvety texture.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Silky and rich, it helps to emulsify and round out the vinaigrette’s texture.
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: A splash brings that needed umami punch for serious savory complexity.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic wakes up every bite with bold, zippy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into focus.
- Toasted Sesame Oil (optional): Just a teaspoon will add smoky, nutty depth that makes this vinaigrette unforgettable.
How to Make Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette
Step 1: Whisk the Base
In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sweet chili sauce, almond butter, soy sauce (or tamari), and minced garlic. Whisk until you get a creamy, smooth base. This step is where all those flavors start mingling, so be generous with your whisking and watch the mixture turn irresistibly silky.
Step 2: Emulsify with Olive Oil
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while you whisk continuously. This helps the vinaigrette emulsify, turning it from a simple mix into a thick, glossy dressing that clings beautifully to every leafy green or roasted veggie you toss it with.
Step 3: Season and Enhance
Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous or want a toastier flavor profile, add that optional teaspoon of toasted sesame oil here. Give it a final mix and taste—adjust seasoning if needed. You’re looking for a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and just a hint of heat.
Step 4: Store and Shake
Pour your Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette into an airtight container or a mason jar and pop it in the fridge. It will keep for up to one week. Make sure to shake it well before each use, as the almond butter likes to cozy up at the bottom after it sits for a while.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette
Garnishes
Sprinkle your salads or bowls with a handful of toasted sliced almonds or a scattering of sesame seeds for texture and visual flair. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint are fantastic garnishes that brighten up the vinaigrette’s punchy flavors. A few thinly sliced scallions or a pinch of red chili flakes can add even more excitement.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette pairs beautifully with grain bowls (try it on quinoa or farro), grilled vegetables, or even as a light drizzle over steamed fish or chicken. It’s stunning with crunchy Asian-inspired slaw and can liven up everything from roasted sweet potatoes to a classic green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to think beyond salad. Try using the vinaigrette as a dipping sauce for summer rolls or a finishing drizzle on grain-stuffed peppers. For your next party, serve it in a pretty pourable jar alongside crisp raw veggies and watch it disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette in a tightly sealed jar or small bottle in the refrigerator. Its flavors actually get better as they mingle, so making it ahead can be a real time-saver. Expect it to remain fresh and tasty for up to a week.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this vinaigrette due to the almond butter and oil, which can separate unpleasantly when thawed. If you’re determined to freeze, give it an incredibly robust shake after thawing and be aware the texture may not be quite as smooth as freshly made.
Reheating
There’s no need to heat this vinaigrette; just bring it to room temperature and shake well if it thickens in the fridge. If it feels a bit stiff, a quick whisk or a few seconds in the microwave (barely warm, not hot!) can help return it to liquid gold status.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter for this vinaigrette?
Absolutely! Peanut butter will give you a different but equally delicious nutty flavor. The result will be slightly richer and a little more assertive, but it works wonderfully if that’s what you have on hand.
Is this Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce (which can contain wheat), this recipe is completely gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
How can I make this vinaigrette spicier?
If you want an extra hit of spice, try stirring in a dash of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes when whisking the ingredients. You can also opt for a spicy variety of sweet chili sauce for a subtle upgrade.
How long does Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to one week. Just remember to give it a good shake or stir before each use to re-combine the flavors.
What type of salads pair best with this vinaigrette?
This dressing shines on salads with hearty greens like spinach or kale, as well as noodle salads, slaws, and bowls featuring crunchy vegetables, grilled chicken, or tofu. It’s especially good with salads that have sweet or citrusy elements!
Final Thoughts
With its bold flavors and irresistible creamy texture, Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette is the fastest way to make any salad absolutely crave-worthy. I hope you’ll give it a try in your own kitchen—once you taste how easy and versatile this dressing is, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!
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Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 1 cup of dressing 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and versatile Sweet Chili Almond Vinaigrette that adds a flavorful kick to your salads or dishes. This homemade dressing combines the sweetness of honey, the heat of chili sauce, and the nuttiness of almond butter for a unique taste.
Ingredients
Main Dressing:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, honey, sweet chili sauce, almond butter, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Season and Flavor: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add toasted sesame oil for a richer, nutty flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
