Cilantro Lime Dressing

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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!

Bowl of cilantro lime dressing with a spoon.

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.

Olive oil, cilantro, salt, pepper, coriander, garlic, lime and maple measured out on a table. Each ingredient is labeled.

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
Mason jar with a whisk and ingredients for a cilantro lime dressing.

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.
Spoon with a spoonful of cilantro lime dressing.

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!

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.

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4.87 from 15 votes

Cilantro Lime Dressing

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!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12

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

Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 394mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad Dressing
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cilantro lime dressing
Did you make this recipe?Mention @eatingbirdfood and tag #eatingbirdfood!

About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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Recipe Rating




9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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!

    1. Ahh yay!! So pumped you loved this dressing, Emily. Thanks for making it and for the review. I so appreciate it!

  2. 5 stars
    I just made this. Added the Greek yogurt and used it as a spread on my turkey sandwich. It is delicious!

    1. Yay! What a great way to use this dressing, Pat! So glad you’re enjoying it! Thanks for the review 🙂

    1. So glad you enjoyed this dressing! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!

  3. 5 stars
    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!

    1. Yum! I am so glad you are enjoying this dressing, Lisa. Thank you for your review & star rating, I appreciate it!