Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

This Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is full of fresh and bright flavors for a fun twist on a homemade salad dressing! Mexican flavors make this perfect for salads and more.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

When it comes to elevating the flavors of a salad or adding a vibrant touch to grilled meats, a good dressing can work wonders.

And if you’re looking for a dressing that bursts with freshness and tanginess, look no further than cilantro lime vinaigrette.

This versatile dressing combines the bright flavors of cilantro and lime to create a zesty and herbaceous taste.

This salad dressing is gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, keto low carb, and dairy free which makes it great for so many dietary lifestyles!

Combination of Cilantro and Lime

Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is an herb that adds a refreshing and citrusy element to dishes. Its bright green leaves pack a punch of flavor and provide a unique taste profile that pairs beautifully with lime.

Lime juice, with its tanginess and natural acidity, complements cilantro perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Together, they create a vinaigrette that is both refreshing and versatile.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need for Cilantro Lime Dressing:

• Olive Oil – Good quality oil is important here because it is such a large portion of this recipe!
• Lime Juice – fresh is best! Bottled lime can taste bitter and has less fresh flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro
• Dijon Mustard
• Salt
• Black Pepper

Equipment

You only need a few pieces of equipment for this homemade salad dressing:

• Blender (or small food processor)
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoon
• Mason Jar – or other jar/container for storing

Instruction Overview

To make this Mexican salad dressing, put all of your ingredients in a blender.

Blend until they are well incorporated, about 1 minute.

Season to taste as desired with salt and pepper.

That is it!

Ways to Use

1. Salad Dressing:
   • Drizzle the cilantro lime vinaigrette over mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and grilled chicken for a refreshing and vibrant salad. Try it on our Mexican Cobb Salad!
2. Marinade:
   • Use the vinaigrette as a marinade for grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Let the protein marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling to infuse it with the flavors of cilantro and lime.
3. Dipping Sauce:
   • Serve the dressing as a dipping sauce for grilled vegetables, kebabs, or even crispy potato wedges. Its zesty flavors will add a delightful flavor to any appetizer or snack.
4. Grain Bowls:
   • Drizzle the vinaigrette over grain bowls, such as quinoa or brown rice, along with roasted vegetables, beans, and your favorite vegetables or meats.

Modifications and Substitutions

I do not recommend making this by shaking in a jar. I compared both methods side by side and the jar shaking method tasted strongly of just olive oil.

Do not have a blender or food processor? You can whisk by hand until well incorporated.

This dressing is tart. Want to balance it with a touch of sweetness? Add a squeeze or two of honey.

Kim’s Tips

Fresh lime juice will taste much better than bottled.

Use a good quality olive oil since it is such a big part of this recipe.

If made in advance, make sure to mix it back together before using to reincorporate all of the ingredients as they separate over time.

FAQs

More Salad and Dressing Recipes