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.
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.
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!
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.
STEP 2. Pulse to blend all ingredients.
STEP 3. Add the olive oil and process until smooth. Season as needed.
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
Yes! Trim the ends and discard any thick stems.
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!
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.
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Cilantro Lime Dressing
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.
Lexa says
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!
Jere Cassidy says
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.