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Sweet Chili Vinaigrette for Salads and Marinades

A jar of homemade sweet chili vinaigrette.

I was recently craving a large bowl of crunchy vegetables but wanted a change from hummus and something a little sweet to brighten the flavors. This homemade sweet chili vinaigrette delivered exactly what I needed. It balances bright acidity, a hint of sesame, and a touch of honey for sweetness while keeping a gentle spicy note. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple: combine the ingredients, shake, and it’s ready to drizzle over salads or use as a dip for fresh vegetables.

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Below are the main components of this vinaigrette and simple swaps if you need them. See the full recipe card for exact amounts and nutrition.

  • Sweet chili sauce – Often labeled sweet Thai chili sauce. Any sweet chili variety will work and provides both sweetness and mild heat.
  • Rice vinegar – Rice vinegar is mildly sweet and bright. Apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch, though it has a tangier profile.
  • Honey – Honey adds rounded sweetness. Maple syrup makes a good vegan-friendly swap.
  • Garlic chili sauce – Adds a savory, garlicky heat. Adjust the amount to suit your tolerance for spice.

How To Make Sweet Chili Vinaigrette

A mason jar with the salad dressing ingredients being shaked.
Add all of the ingredients into a small mason jar, put the lid on, and give it all a good shake.
Sweet chili vinaigrette being poured over a chopped pea salad.
Serve over a crunchy chopped salad or any crisp summer salad for bright, balanced flavor.

Recipe FAQs and Tips

  • What’s the difference between sweet chili sauce and sweet and sour? Sweet chili sauce is typically sweet with a spicy kick. Sweet and sour sauces are sweeter and usually lack heat.
  • Is chili sauce the same as sweet chili sauce? Not exactly. Regular chili sauce is more savory and focused on heat, while sweet chili sauce combines savory, sweet, and mild spice.
  • What pairs well with sweet chili vinaigrette? This vinaigrette is versatile. Use it on mixed greens or crunchy chopped salads, as a dip for raw vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled chicken lettuce wraps or grain bowls.
A jar of homemade sweet chili vinaigrette dressing with a spoon sticking out of it and a salad behind it.
5 from 1 vote

Sweet Chili Vinaigrette Recipe

Author:
Erin Jensen
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Total Time:
5 mins
Servings:
8 servings
Course:
Dressing
Cuisine:
Asian-Inspired
A simple-to-make sweet chili vinaigrette that brings balanced flavor and a touch of sweetness to any salad. It’s bright, slightly spicy, and perfect for summer greens.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2-4 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 2-4 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce

Instructions

  • Combine: Add all ingredients to a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is uniform and slightly emulsified.
  • Serve: Drizzle over your favorite crunchy salad or use as a dip for fresh vegetables. The dressing pairs especially well with chopped salads featuring crisp peas, cucumbers, or bell peppers.

Notes

  • Spice level: Increase or decrease the garlic chili sauce to fine-tune the heat.
  • Storage: Keep the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake before using, as separation may occur.
Calories
104kcal

Nutrition

Calories: 104 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 10 g
|
Protein: 0.2 g
|
Fat: 7 g


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