Cilantro Lime Dressing
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Published Apr 20, 2021, Updated Jun 23, 2022
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This cilantro lime dressing is loaded with flavor and takes no time to whip up. It’s the perfect zesty vinaigrette to use for salads, tacos, chicken, fish and more!
This tangy cilantro lime dressing is extremely versatile and one of my all time favorite dressing recipes!
I know sometimes it can feel easier just grab a store-bought salad dressing, but I want to challenge you to make your own!
Homemade dressings are really simple to make, budget-friendly and they taste so much better. Seriously, this homemade dressing doesn’t compare to store-bought dressings. The flavors from the fresh lime juice, cilantro and garlic really shine through and make it taste absolutely delish.
Cilantro Lime Dressing Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients for this dressing, many of which are pantry staples you likely already have on hand:
- limes – The fresh lime juice gives this dressing the perfect amount of tang! Make sure you use fresh squeezed lime juice and not bottled lime juice for the best flavor.
- fresh cilantro – this makes the dressing green and gives it a fresh herby flavor! Plus, cilantro + lime = perfection.
- olive oil – the oil base to the dressing. You could also use avocado oil if you want.
- garlic – a staple ingredient for almost all of my dressing recipes! Be sure to use fresh garlic if possible. Garlic powder won’t compare.
- maple syrup – this adds a touch of sweetness to bring the dressing together.
- ground coriander – coriander is just ground cilantro seeds so this helps bring out the cilantro flavor!
- seasonings – sea salt, ground pepper
Optional Additions
My recipe below is a great base vinaigrette that you can tweak if desired. Here are some awesome additions to take the dressing up a notch:
- Avocado – want this dressing to be extra creamy? Try adding in a quarter or half of an avocado.
- Greek yogurt – if you don’t have avocado or want a little protein boost, Greek yogurt will also make this dressing deliciously creamy!
- Jalapeño – kick it up in the spice department by adding 1/2 deseeded jalapeño.
How to Serve Cilantro Dressing
The cilantro lime flavor combo lends itself well to Mexican dishes, but the options with this dressing are truly endless. Here are some ideas!
- Use it as a sauce for tacos. Try it on these tempeh tacos or grilled fish tacos.
- Use as the dressing on taco salad.
- Drizzle over a vegan burrito bowl.
- As a dressing on my avocado salad
- Use as a marinade for grilled meat, tofu, salmon or shrimp. It’s so tasty on shrimp!
Storage Suggestions
For storage, place dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If separation occurs in the fridge, simply let the dressing come to room temperature on the counter and shake to combine.
More Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes
- Mexican Goddess Dressing
- Maple Dressing
- Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Lemon Vinaigrette
- Turmeric Tahini Dressing
- Avocado Caesar Dressing
- Chili Almond Dressing
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Alternatively, you can whisk this dressing together, but there will be little chunks of the minced garlic and cilantro rather than a cohesive blended dressing.
Notes
- Avocado – want this dressing to be extra creamy? Try adding in a quarter or half of an avocado.
- Greek yogurt – if you don’t have avocado or want a little protein boost, Greek yogurt will also make this dressing deliciously creamy!
- Jalapeño – kick it up in the spice department by adding 1/2 deseeded jalapeño.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This dressing is so good! We drizzled it over the Mexican kale salad with the street corn and some quinoa. It tasted almost exactly like Chopt! Will make this often!
Ahh yay!! So pumped you loved this dressing, Emily. Thanks for making it and for the review. I so appreciate it!
I just made this. Added the Greek yogurt and used it as a spread on my turkey sandwich. It is delicious!
Yay! What a great way to use this dressing, Pat! So glad you’re enjoying it! Thanks for the review 🙂
The Cilantro Lime dressing recipe is a favourite at home. It’s just perfect in salads.
Love this dressing. Makes for a very refreshing and yummy salad.
So glad you enjoyed this dressing! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
This was so light and refreshing on a salad! A coworker made it for a lunch, and I immediately asked for the recipe. I may try it as a chicken marinade next!
Yum! I am so glad you are enjoying this dressing, Lisa. Thank you for your review & star rating, I appreciate it!