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    Home » Recipes » Salads » Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe

    PUBLISHED: July 7, 2021 • By Toni Dash 12 Comments

    Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    cilantro lime dressing title

    This tangy Cilantro Lime Dressing is full of fresh ingredients and zesty flavor. Fresh cilantro, avocado, fresh lime juice, garlic and more make this easy dressing recipe a family favorite.

    cilantro lime dressing title

    Homemade dressings really take salads to the next level. They are easy recipes to make and pay off in fresh flavor.

    Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing is a perfect example. It whirls up in minutes and can be used is so many different ways.

    This dressing is thicker and works great as a sauce or marinade too.

    If you love Cilantro Lime Rice, you HAVE to try this!

    Easy Cilantro Lime Dressing

    This delicious homemade dressing recipe is one you’ll make on repeat. It’s an exciting creamy dressing with a hint of heat!

    Made using just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find at the store.

    It will become one of your favorite salad dressings without a doubt.

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    Avocado. Use one ripe avocado (not too firm, not overly soft) peeled and pitted. This adds flavor, natural fat and a creamy texture to the dressing.

    Cilantro. One bunch of cilantro (about 1 cup), rinsed and patted dry with paper towels. Use the leaves and the stems, discarding any thicker bottom portions of the stems.

    Garlic. Two peeled fresh garlic cloves add some great flavor.

    Lime juice. We recommend freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. Using a handheld juicer makes it fast and strains out the seeds.

    Jalapeno. Use a half of a jalapeno pepper to add some spicy zing to the dressing. To make it less spicy remove the seeds. Always wash hands well after handling any chile peppers.

    Olive oil. This will emulsify the dressing making it a wonderful creamy consistency.

    Salt. We recommend kosher salt for a better salt flavor.

    cilantro lime dressing ingredients labeled

    Variations

    Add some chili powder or cumin. If you love that southwestern flavor, these spices will pump up that flavor. They can be used instead of jalapeno or in addition.

    Want it spicier? Use more jalapeno (we recommend tasting it before adding more) or chili pepper flakes.

    Try some fresh herbs. Fresh dill or basil added to bolster the herby flavor.

    Mix it with Ranch Dressing. Combining this Cilantro Lime dressing with some Ranch Dressing makes a tangy ‘best of both worlds’ mix of flavors.

    Add some sour cream or Greek yogurt. For some tangy creamy flavor feel free to add a dollop of either sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. This will also tone down the cilantro flavor a bit too.

    Add some onion or scallions. If you enjoy the bold flavor of onions in dressing add some!

    cilantro lime dressing in food processor

    How to make Cilantro Lime Dressing – Step-by-Step

    This homemade salad dressing is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

    STEP 1. Add all the ingredients except the olive oil to a food processor.

    cilantro lime dressing ingredients in food processor

    STEP 2. Pulse to blend all ingredients.

    cilantro lime dressing recipe steps before olive oil

    STEP 3. Add the olive oil and process until smooth. Season as needed.

    finished homemade cilantro lime dressing

    How to Use it

    • Mexican Cobb Salad or Taco Salad
    • Drizzle on Fish Tacos
    • It’s a great dipping sauce for fresh vegetables
    • Burrito Bowls
    • Make these boneless chicken breasts (don’t shred them) and drizzle with the dressing for Cilantro Lime Chicken
    • On Carnitas Tacos
    • It makes a great marinade too!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you use cilantro stems in the dressing?

    Yes! Trim the ends and discard any thick stems.

    Can you freeze the dressing?

    We haven’t tried it but you should be able to since there is no dairy product in the recipe. Freeze in ice cube molds to take out the amount you need!

    Can Cilantro Lime Dressing be made in a blender?

    It can! If your blender is powerful enough to pulverize vegtables into a puree it will work fine.

    Pro Tips

    Make it ahead and let it chill. The flavors will blend together as the dressing is chilling. You’ll love the resulting fresh tangy flavor!

    Store in a sealed container or Mason jar. This helps the color from fading from the avocado.

    How to Store it

    Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    cilantro lime dressing in bottle with spoon

    You’ll love these Salad Dressing recipes too!

    • Green Goddess Dressing
    • Raspberry Vinaigrette
    • Meyer Lemon Salad Dressing
    • How to Make Russian Dressing
    • Roasted Tomato Homemade Salad Dressing
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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    cilantro lime dressing in bottle sq

    Cilantro Lime Dressing

    Zesty fresh Cilantro Lime Dressing is perfect for salads, as a sauce or marinade. Creamy avocado adds a rich flavor making the dressing a favorite.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Salad, salad dressing
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 14 2-tablespoon servings
    Calories: 71kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium ripe avocado removed from the peel
    • 2 cups fresh cilantro about 1 medium size bunch, larger stems removed
    • 2 garlic cloves peeled
    • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice juice of about 2 medium limes
    • 1/2 jalapeño pepper seeded (leave seeds for a spicier flavor)
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/3 cup olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to adjust seasoning

    Instructions

    • Add all of the ingredients except the olive oil to a large food processor and blend for 2-3 minutes or until smooth.
    • Add the olive oil and blend once again just until smooth then add more salt to taste and serve.

    Notes

    Total yield: 1 3/4 cups. Serving size: 2 tablespoons (for nutritional info).
    Variations (ways to change it up!)
    Add some chili powder or cumin. If you love that southwestern flavor, these spices will pump up that flavor. They can be used instead of jalapeno or in addition.
    Want it spicier? Use more jalapeno (we recommend tasting it before adding more) or chili pepper flakes.
    Try some fresh herbs. Fresh dill or basil added to bolster the herby flavor.
    Mix it with Ranch Dressing. Combining this Cilantro Lime dressing with some Ranch Dressing makes a tangy ‘best of both worlds’ mix of flavors.
    Add some sour cream or Greek yogurt. For some tangy creamy flavor feel free to add a dollop of either sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. This will also tone down the cilantro flavor a bit too.
    Add some onion or scallions. If you enjoy the bold flavor of onions in dressing add some!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 183IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    « Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe
    Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Comments

    1. Lexa says

      July 07, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      What an amazing dressing idea with avocado and cilantro. Had all the ingredients and made it for lunch. We both loved it and will make it again!

      Reply
    2. Jere Cassidy says

      July 07, 2021 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      We love cilantro and I use a lot of it but I have never made a dressing with it. I love the avocado for the creamy texture. Perfect for so many uses.

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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