Zesty Cilantro Vinaigrette on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

This cilantro vinaigrette brings a burst of fresh, zesty flavor to your grilled dishes. Made with freshly chopped cilantro, garlic, lime, and olive oil, it’s the perfect dressing for grilled vegetables, meats, or even as a salad topper. By preparing the garlic and cilantro on the Arteflame grill, the vinaigrette takes on a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor. The grill's even heat zones make it easy to quickly toast the garlic, giving this vinaigrette a deep, savory note.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame:

Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins, place them in the grill, and stack firewood over top. Light the napkins and let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes.

2. Grill the Garlic:

Place the peeled garlic cloves on the flat cooktop near the center where the heat is higher. Toast the garlic for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred and softened. Remove and set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Cilantro Vinaigrette:

In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped cilantro, grilled garlic, lime juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, cumin, and honey (if using). Blend until smooth.

4. Season and Adjust:

Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lime juice as needed. If the dressing is too thick, add a bit more olive oil to thin it out.

5. Serve:

Pour the cilantro vinaigrette over grilled vegetables, meats, or use it as a dipping sauce for fresh bread. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or as a zesty salad dressing.

Tips

• Grilling the garlic adds a smoky flavor to the vinaigrette, but you can also roast it longer for a sweeter taste.
• For a spicier version, blend in a small roasted chili pepper.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the garlic to one clove.

Variations

1. Spicy Cilantro Vinaigrette: Add a roasted jalapeño pepper for a spicy kick.
2. Citrus Cilantro Vinaigrette: Swap half the lime juice for fresh orange juice to add sweetness and balance.
3. Creamy Cilantro Vinaigrette: Blend in 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt for a creamy version with tang.
4. Mint-Cilantro Vinaigrette: Add 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves to the cilantro for an extra refreshing twist.
5. Ginger Cilantro Vinaigrette: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for a zesty, slightly spicy variation.

Best pairings

• Grilled chicken breasts or thighs
• Grilled shrimp or fish
• Grilled asparagus or bell peppers
• Mixed green salads
• Grilled flatbreads

Conclusion

This cilantro vinaigrette, made with the fresh zing of lime and grilled garlic, is a vibrant sauce that complements a variety of grilled dishes. Its bright flavors, combined with a touch of smokiness from the Arteflame grill, make it a must-try for salads, grilled veggies, or as a marinade for meats. Enjoy the versatility of this simple yet flavor-packed dressing!