Cilantro Lime Dressing

5 from 1 vote

This zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing is bursting with fresh lime and citrusy cilantro. Just toss everything in a blender, and you’re done!

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Condiment, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: Cilantro Lime Dressing, Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe

Servings: cup (12 servings)

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $3.12

Equipment

Food processor or blender

Ingredients

1/3 cup loosely packed cilantro some stems are fine
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño peppers remove ribs/seeds—see note 1
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar see note 2
3 to 4 limes
3/4 cup olive oil see note 3
Salt and pepper

US - Metric

Instructions

Zest and juice limes to get 1 teaspoon zest and 1/4 cup juice. Add all ingredients except the oil to a food processor or blender. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste.
Blend until smooth. While running the motor, slowly drizzle in the oil to emulsify. Don’t over-blend with the oil. If your blender doesn’t allow adding oil while blending, add all the oil at once and blend again just to emulsify.
Taste and adjust flavors to preference. Transfer to a mason jar with a plastic lid and chill in the fridge. Shake before using.

Notes

Note 1: Wear kitchen gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation. This dressing is mild, but you can adjust the heat—use less jalapeño for milder flavor or add more for extra spice!

Note 2: White wine vinegar is not the same as white vinegar. It is milder and slightly fruity, while white vinegar has a higher acetic level and sourness.

Note 3: For a richer, more robust flavor, use high-quality olive oil. I recommend extra-virgin olive oil for this dressing.

Storage: This Cilantro Lime Dressing stays fresh 5–7 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftover dressing may separate and solidify due to the olive oil. Let it stand at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then shake to recombine.

Nutrition