Fitness / July 27, 2023

Cilantro Lime Dressing (Cilantro Vinaigrette)

Add to your meals the zing that only this Cilantro Lime Dressing can provide. This vinaigrette is so refreshing and zesty, it will whisk your taste buds off to a sunny beachside café!

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I have a secret in my stash of recipes. It’s something I whip up when I’m after a particular flavor. And this DIY Cilantro Lime Dressing (or Cilantro Vinaigrette, if you want to be fancy) is it.

This rad dressing is way more than just a pour-and-go condiment. It’s jammed with a big, bold, citrus kick, courtesy of fresh-off-the-tree limes. Its combination of sweet, tart, and hot vibes is taken to the next level by the invigorating smell of cilantro.

If you’re a fan of Avocado Caesar Dressing, Basil Pesto, or this Cashew Cilantro Pesto I used for this recipe, you’ll definitely want to consider this Cilantro Lime Dressing. It will add a zing to your meals that you didn’t know you were missing.

Is Cilantro Lime Dressing Healthy?

It sure is. This Cilantro Lime Dressing is stuffed with antioxidant-packed cilantro and full of avocados and olive oil, which bring loads of goodies for the heart. Sweet tooth? You’re covered with a stream of honey for that natural sweet fix. Oh, and don’t forget about the garlic and jalapeno! They’re doing their thing to keep you in tip-top health, as is the coriander — an incredibly nutrient-dense herb. Bottom line: This cilantro lime dressing has no additives, preservatives, or added sugars, making it a natural choice for your meals.

INGREDIENTS

As I note above, these are all natural ingredients, so feel good as you collect them from the store shelves!

2 cups fresh cilantro
1 avocado
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic
1 jalapeno
3 tbsp lime juice
salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Put all you ingredients in a food processor.

Blend

Blend all the ingredients and completely emulsified.

Season

Taste for seasoning,

Store

Keep in a jar in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

Tips & Tricks

Quality of Ingredients: Opt for ripe avocados, fresh cilantro leaves, and high-quality olive oil to ensure maximum flavor and creaminess.

Blending: This is a dressing, not a dip, so you will want to keep blending until it is totally smooth and creamy.

Heat Level Control: If you want to minimize the heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before blending. If you like the burn, keep the seeds intact.

Taste Test: Add the seasoning after you’re done blending. Do it in small amounts — it’s easier to add more salt, lime, or honey than to take it away.

FAQs

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?

Sure, as long as you’re okay with your dressing tasting like lemon instead of lime.

I hate Cilantro, can I use another herb instead?

You either love cilantro or you hate it. If you hate it, you can use parsley, mint, or basil. Of course, the dressing will taste much different (though if you hate cilantro, I suppose that’s the point).

Can I Use Dried Cilantro Instead of Fresh?

Well, you definitely can, but you’ll notice the difference. Fresh cilantro tastes better and gives the dressing its brilliant green color. Dried cilantro just won’t pack the same punch.

I Don’t Have a Food Processor, Can I Still Make This Dressing?

While a food processor is more effective, a blender will work too. Toss in all the ingredients as the recipe prescribes and blend until it’s super creamy and smooth.

is there any way to change up This Recipe?

You can spice this dressing up any way you like. Not a cilantro fan? No worries, switch it up with some fresh basil or parsley. Fancy something sweeter? Add a ripe mango.

Serving Suggestions

Put this vibrant dressing to work by pouring it generously over your favorite greens for a zesty salad. Alternatively, use it to enliven grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish taco bowls. For a casual yet creative twist, try drizzling it over roasted veggies or making it the star dip at your next picnic or cocktail gathering.

Make Ahead and How To Store Cilantro Lime Dressing

You can make this zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing about three days in advance. Given how it will taste better over time, I recommend that you do. Any leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Note that it might get a tad thicker when it’s in the fridge, so you may need to give it a hearty shake before you use it again.