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Home » Recipes » Salads

Modified: Oct 15, 2024 · Published: May 6, 2024 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing

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Overhead view of salad in white bowl beside a fork and jar of dressing.
Close up side view of dressing in a jar.
Overhead view of finished dressing in food processor.
Overhead view of salad in white bowl on black tile surface.
Overhead view of dressing in a jar on black tile surface pin with text overlay.
Two photos of dressing on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of salad in white bowl beside a fork and jar of dressing.

This Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe is the perfect balance of creamy and tangy. Loaded with flavor and perfect to use on your favorite salad mix, drizzle on top of tacos, or use to dip fresh vegetables.

Try pairing this tangy dressing with Cast Iron Chicken Breast, Baked Honey Sriracha Salmon, Rice, and Pineapple Mango Salsa. 

Overhead view of salad in white bowl beside a fork and jar with dressing in it.

With summer arriving soon, I definitely find myself eating more salads than usual.

Largely because I live in Florida and the heat and humidity make you not want to spend much time over a hot stove to make a meal. Plus there are so many great vegetables in season that making a salad is the perfect way to utilize them.

When it comes to salads, anything goes and if you've been following me, you already know that I love a salad with a lot of stuff in it. No boring salads with iceberg lettuce and a few cherry tomatoes here. None of that. When it comes to salads, the dressing is just as important and although I love a good store-bought dressing, I also love whipping up homemade dressing using a few simple ingredients.

For a creamy based salad dressing, I love using Greek yogurt because it's affordable and easy to locate in the dairy section of the grocery store. Today I will share a quick and easy cilantro lime vinaigrette that goes perfectly with almost any salad.

Let's get started!

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing?

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make dressing in separate bowls on black tile surface.
  1. Cilantro - The star ingredient of the show! The fresh base of the dressing makes the dressing green with a lemon and peppery pungent taste. Add in the cilantro leaves and stems. 
  2. Fresh Lime Juice - Adds a bit of acid with some tangy citrus flavor. 
  3. Plain Greek Yogurt - Helps to slightly thicken the dressing and add a creamy and sour flavor. May substitute with sour cream instead. 
  4. Garlic - Gives the dressing a little garlic flavor. Feel free to use more. 
  5. Olive Oil - Needed to blend everything and smooth out the cilantro vinaigrette. Avocado oil can be used as a substitute. 
  6. Apple Cider Vinegar - Additional acid with a dry and pungent flavor. White wine vinegar can be used instead. 
  7. Honey - Balances the ingredient flavors with a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup could be used instead. 
  8. Ground Cumin - Savory and slightly nutty spice flavor. 
  9. Cayenne Pepper - A bit of heat, no worries it will not make the dressing hot or too spicy. 
  10. Salt & Ground Black Pepper - Seasons the salad dressing and prevent it from tasting bland. Adjust if needed. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Dressing

Using a food processor, add in the cloves of garlic and process to mince.

Minced garlic in food processor.

Add the fresh cilantro, plain Greek yogurt, lime juice, and honey. Process until combined.

Overhead view of dressing ingredients added to food processor.

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Slowly stream in the olive oil and apple cider vinegar until emulsified.

Overhead view of processed dressing in food processor.

Add in cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Process again to combine. Place in a jar with a lid or an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Enjoy!

Close up side view of jar with finished dressing in it.

Ways To Use This Cilantro Dressing

  • Salad - Use this dressing to top your favorite salad mix. It is perfect to use with Tex-Mex or Mexican flavors. Try making a salad with baby spring mix, corn, black beans, tomato, and avocado. 
  • Tacos - Drizzle on top of your favorite tacos to add another layer of flavor. 
  • Dipping Sauce - Use it as a dip for your favorite raw vegetables as a snack option. 
  • Burritos or Burrito Bowls - Add to compliment any burrito or burrito bowl for a little something extra. Try pairing it with some cilantro lime rice and your favorite seafood. 

Recipe Tips & Tricks 

  • To make the dressing smooth use an immersion blender or high powdered blender instead of a food processor. 
  • If you're using a food processor, keep in mind the order counts. Process the garlic first, followed by the other ingredients, and finish with the oil and vinegar. 
  • It's perfectly fine to use the fresh cilantro leaves and stems, but trim off any excess stems if needed. 
  • Adjust the spices to your preference. Add in some garlic powder, hot sauce, or jalapeño pepper. 

Storage Tips

Store the homemade dressing in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you notice that it's separated a bit, simply give it a stir or a shake before serving. Try not to allow the dressing to sit out at room temperature for longer than a few minutes. It's best to keep it chilled. 

Overhead view of dressing in a jar on black tile surface.

Want More Simple Salad and Dressing Ideas? Try These:

  • Pear Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad 
  • Tomato Peach Salad
  • Everyday Salad
  • Lemon Pasta Salad
  • Ranch Dressing 
  • Grilled Corn Salad 
  • Greek Chicken Salad 
  • Egg Salad 
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    The Only Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe You’ll Ever Need
  • Overhead view of finished pasta in white bowl surrounded by other ingredients used.
    The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
  • Close up side view of egg salad sandwich on white plate.
    Egg Salad Recipe with Relish 
  • Overhead view of finished pasta salad in large glass bowl.
    BLT Pasta Salad with Ranch

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas for this Tangy Cilantro Lime Dressing? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

Close up side view of dressing in a jar.

Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing

LaKita Anderson
This Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe is the perfect balance of creamy and tangy. Loaded with flavor and perfect to use on your favorite salad.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 69 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1 ½ cups cilantro, loosely packed
  • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Using a food processor, add in the 2 cloves of garlic and process to mince.
  • Add the 1 ½ cups fresh cilantro, ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ teaspoon honey, and the juice of 1 lime. Process until combined.
  • Slowly stream in the ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar until emulsified.
  • Add ¼ teaspoon cumin, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Process again to combine.
  • Place in a jar with a lid or an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • To make the dressing smooth use an immersion blender or high powdered blender instead of a food processor. 
  • If you're using a food processor, keep in mind the order counts. Process the garlic first, followed by the other ingredients, and finish with the oil and vinegar. 
  • It's perfectly fine to use the fresh cilantro leaves and stems, but trim off any excess stems if needed. 
  • Adjust the spices to your preference. Add in some garlic powder, hot sauce, or jalapeño pepper. 
Calories: 69kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 36mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 217IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.2mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword cilantro lime salad dressing
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 06/17/2020. Updated 05/06/2024.

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Comments

    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Sonya says

    July 06, 2017 at 10:32 am

    I love making salad dressing and I've been trying to eat eat more cilantro to help with breakouts I'm currently experiencing. So I would love to try this recipe.

    Reply
    • admin says

      July 11, 2017 at 1:11 pm

      I love making my own salad dressing and I did not know cilantro was good for breakouts! I guess its a good thing that I love it 🙂

      Reply
  2. Akaleistar says

    July 01, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    I don't eat a lot of salads, but that salad dressing looks really good 🙂

    Reply
    • admin says

      July 11, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Reply
  3. Tamara says

    June 29, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    Look how fresh this is! I can't stand store bought salad dressings and will always try to make them. This one looks great - such awesome ingredients.

    Reply
    • admin says

      July 11, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you! I'm not a big fan of store bought salad dressings either, but for some reason I keep buying new ones hoping...it just never seems to work out.

      Reply
  4. Mary says

    June 28, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    I have a hard time coming up with interesting salad dressings, so I usually opt out, that’s right, I’m one of those weird people that eats her salad dry. Your cilantro lime salad dressing looks simple and delicious. I love adding apple cider vinegar to dressings, it always adds a much-needed kick.

    Reply
    • admin says

      July 11, 2017 at 1:08 pm

      I cannot eat my salad dry, but I also do not like a lot of dressing on my salad...lol...I'm very picky. I love ACV in my salad dressing and making it myself allows me to basically put whatever I want into it 🙂

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

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