5 Lime-Infused Olive Oil Recipes

Apr 14, 2025

Lime-infused olive oil is a versatile ingredient that can elevate both savory and sweet dishes. Whether you're looking to enhance your salads, grill seafood, or bake a moist cake, this ingredient adds a zesty, citrusy twist. Below are five easy and flavorful recipes to try:

  • Cilantro-Lime Dressing: A tangy, herb-packed dressing perfect for salads or roasted veggies.
  • Spicy Lime Shrimp: Bold, citrus-marinated shrimp with a touch of heat, ideal for grilling.
  • Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn coated with lime oil, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
  • Citrus Olive Oil Cake: A moist dessert with lime zest and a sweet lime glaze.
  • Lime Chicken Marinade: A simple marinade that makes chicken tender and flavorful.

Lime-infused olive oil pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients, making it a must-have for your kitchen. Dive into these recipes and discover new ways to enjoy this unique oil.

Cilantro-Lime Dressing - Lynn's Recipes

1. Simple Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Take your salads to the next level with this zesty cilantro-lime dressing. It’s packed with flavor and adds a refreshing twist to any dish.

Here’s how to make it:

  • Base Ingredients: Mix ¼ cup lime-infused olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp honey.
  • Fresh Elements: Stir in ½ cup finely chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
  • Seasoning: Add ¼ tsp sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust as needed to suit your taste.

This dressing works beautifully with:

  • Grilled romaine hearts
  • Mexican-style corn salad
  • Roasted sweet potato wedges
  • Grilled bell peppers and zucchini
  • Spring mix with avocado

Tips for Best Results:

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • If the olive oil solidifies, let the dressing sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before using.
  • Shake well before each use to ensure everything is blended.
  • Adjust the honey to match the sweetness of your lime-infused olive oil.

Taste as you go to find the perfect balance of citrus, herbs, and richness!

2. Spicy Lime Shrimp

This shrimp dish brings a bold, citrusy kick to the table. Perfect for grilling or quick dinners, it combines the tang of lime with just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients (serves 4):

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ¼ cup lime-infused olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp lime zest
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Preparation Method:

  1. Pat the shrimp dry.
  2. In a bowl, mix the lime-infused olive oil, garlic, chili powder, lime zest, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Add the shrimp to the mixture and coat evenly.
  4. Let the shrimp marinate for 15–20 minutes.

Cooking Instructions:

  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to 375°F.
  • If grilling, thread the shrimp onto skewers.
  • Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink with a slight char.
  • Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Pro Tips:

  • Choose a high-quality olive oil with a smoke point above 410°F, and use it within 9 months of its crush date for the best flavor.
  • Keep the shrimp cold until you're ready to cook.
  • Avoid overcrowding the grill or pan to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Spoon over cilantro-lime rice.
  • Use as a filling for corn tortilla tacos.

Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro. The shrimp’s natural sweetness blends perfectly with the tangy olive oil and warm spices for a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

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3. Mexican Street Corn with Lime Oil

Mexican Street Corn

Bring a bold twist to your barbecue with this take on Mexican street corn, featuring a citrusy kick from lime-infused olive oil.

Ingredients (Serves 6):

  • 6 fresh ears of corn, husked
  • ¼ cup lime-infused olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Preparation Method:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  3. Brush each ear of corn with a thin layer of lime-infused olive oil.
  4. Grill the corn for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes to achieve an even char.

Assembly:

  1. Take the corn off the grill and, while still hot, brush with any leftover lime-infused olive oil.
  2. Sprinkle each ear with chili powder and sea salt, then roll in the cotija cheese to coat evenly.
  3. Serve right away with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Tip: Lime-infused olive oil not only adds a zesty flavor but also has a high smoke point, making it perfect for grilling.

4. Citrus Olive Oil Cake

This citrus olive oil cake is moist, zesty, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients (Serves 8-10):

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup lime-infused olive oil
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lime zest (about 2 medium limes)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Lime Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest

How to Make It:

  1. Prepare Your Pan
    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients
    Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Slowly drizzle in the lime-infused olive oil while whisking. Stir in the yogurt, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Combine and Bake
    Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Finish with the Glaze:
Once the cake is completely cool, whisk the powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest together until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips:

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
  • Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and tender.
  • Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.

The lime-infused olive oil not only enhances the citrus flavor but also keeps the cake moist for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

5. Basic Lime Chicken Marinade

This herb-lime marinade makes chicken tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

Ingredients (for 2 pounds of chicken):

  • ½ cup lime-infused olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

How to Prepare and Use:

  1. Mix the Marinade
    Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
  2. Marinate the Chicken
    Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate.

Recommended Marinating Times:

  • Chicken breasts: 2-4 hours
  • Chicken thighs: 4-6 hours
  • Whole chicken: 8-12 hours
  1. Cook the Chicken
    Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet to the appropriate temperature:
    • Grilling: Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
    • Baking: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
    • Pan-searing: Sear over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

Tips for Best Results:

  • Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking for a better sear.
  • Discard any leftover marinade that touched raw chicken.
  • If you want to baste during cooking, set aside 2 tablespoons of marinade before adding it to the raw chicken.

Store any unused marinade in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the olive oil solidifies, let it return to room temperature before using.

Conclusion

The recipes above highlight the versatility of lime-infused olive oil, which works beautifully in both savory and sweet dishes. Lime and olive oil are a natural match: they tenderize marinades, as shown in the chicken recipe, and blend Mediterranean and Mexican flavors seamlessly.

Big Horn Olive Oil's lime-infused olive oil stands out for its quality. Made from extra virgin oils that are cold-pressed within 2 hours and featuring a smoke point of 410°F, it’s perfect for cooking or finishing. Their dedication to freshness ensures you’ll receive oils within 1-3 months of harvest, preserving the bright lime flavor.

To keep your lime-infused olive oil at its best:

  • Store it in a cool, dark place
  • Use it within 9 months of the crush date
  • Start with small amounts when replacing regular olive oil
  • Balance its citrus notes with other seasonings as needed

Big Horn Olive Oil uses only the top 5% of olives for their products, delivering consistently premium results.

"Having never tasted quality balsamics and olive oils, I had no idea what was in store when I happened upon this pretty storefront in Reno. What an experience!" - Cathy R., Google Review

Whether you’re making a simple vinaigrette or an elaborate entrée, lime-infused olive oil adds a distinctive touch to your cooking. Start experimenting with a high-quality lime-infused oil and discover how it can elevate your recipes.

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