Three Easy Ways to Use Key Limes
The following recipe and photography were provided by local blogger Carolyn Hodges of The Dinner Shift.
Citrus season is in full swing at Heinen’s! Now is the time to stock up on the freshest and most flavorful citrus fruits, including unique varieties of oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes.
Key limes are best known for their use in key lime pie, but they’re so versatile and can be incorporated into sweet and savory recipes alike, including beverages. Lucky for us, Heinen’s carries Melissa’s key limes, which are perfect for cooking and baking.
Here are three unique and easy ways to enjoy key limes, including key lime pie granola and yogurt parfaits, a salad dressing which doubles as a marinade, and refreshing “spa” water flavored with key lime and fresh mint.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- They’re a Great Way to Celebrate Citrus Season. Peak citrus season occurs in the winter. Incorporating fresh citrus fruits into these meals and snacks delivers a little sunshine during the chilly days of a Midwest cold spell.
- They’re Bursting with Flavor. The bright key lime flavor in all of these recipes will ignite and refresh your taste buds.
- They’re Versatile. You have a range of choices! These versatile recipes are adaptable and will complement nearly any citrus fruit, whether it’s oranges, lemons or others.
Three Easy Ways to Use Key Limes
Ingredients
For the Key Lime Pie Granola and Yogurt Parfaits
- ⅓ cup Heinen’s honey
- ¼ cup Heinen’s coconut oil, melted
- Zest and juice from 2 Melissa’s key limes
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp. fine sea salt
- 2 cups Heinen’s old fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- ⅔ cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
- Greek-style vanilla yogurt
For the Key Lime Cumin Cilantro Vinaigrette and Marinade
- ½ cup Heinen’s extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- Juice from 2 Melissa’s key limes
- 1 tsp. Heinen’s ground cumin
- ½ tsp. Heinen’s garlic powder
- ½ tsp. Kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
For the Key Lime and Mint Spa Water
- Filtered water
- Key limes, rinsed well and sliced
- Fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
Key Lime Pie Granola and Yogurt Parfaits
- To make the granola, preheat the oven to 300°F. Whisk together the honey, melted coconut oil, key lime zest and juice, vanilla and salt in a large bowl. Fold in the oats and nuts. Spread the granola on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
- In a bowl, stir together the yogurt with key lime zest and juice to taste. Sweeten with additional honey, if desired.
- Serve the yogurt topped with the granola.
- Meal Prep Tip: Prepare parfaits for the week by layering yogurt and granola into small jars and refrigerate up to 4 days. The granola will lose some of its crunch and taste more like the crust of key lime pie. If you prefer a crunchier granola, keep the yogurt and granola separate and combine just before serving.
Key Lime Cumin Cilantro Vinaigrette and Marinade
- Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. Cover tightly with a lid and shake to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week to enjoy as a salad dressing or a marinade poultry, pork or seafood.
Key Lime and Mint Spa Water
- Fill a large glass jar with cold filtered water. Add sliced limes and fresh mint sprigs to the jar and cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve over ice with additional sliced lime and mint leaves, if desired. Water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
