Cilantro Lime Salad 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. 

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?

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.

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

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

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!

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. 

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 

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

📖 Recipe

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