Cilantro Lime Dressing (Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette)

A glass bottle of cilantro lime dressing being poured over a green salad on a white plate.

5 from 35 votes

Cilantro Lime Dressing (Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette)

Give your salad a kick with this easy and delicious Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette recipe! This Cilantro Lime Dressing is the perfect Southwest Salad Dressing. Add it to simple mixed greens, wraps, burrito bowls, as a marinade for chicken, and more! Fresh lime juice is the key to this light, flavorful vinaigrette.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Servings:

Author: Julie Blanner

Ingredients

½ bunch cilantro destemmed
2 limes juiced (or ¼ cup lime juice)
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons jalapeño Seeds removed (approximately ½ a jalapeño)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
8 cracks of salt
¾ teaspoon spicy mustard
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil extra virgin

Instructions

In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, and vinegar. Blend well.
½ bunch cilantro, 2 limes, 1 clove garlic, 2 tablespoons jalapeño, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Add salt, mustard and olive oil. Blend.
8 cracks of salt, ¾ teaspoon spicy mustard, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Toss with mixed greens.

Video

Notes

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the best flavor. Pre-packaged or bottled lime juice won’t give the same vibrant taste.
Balance Flavors: Taste the dressing as you go. If it’s too tangy, add a bit of honey or a pinch of sugar. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a bit more olive oil or a splash of water.
Blending: Use a blender or food processor for a smooth and creamy dressing. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can chop the cilantro finely and whisk everything together by hand.

Variations

If you want even more kick, just add a hint of red pepper!
To add a creamy touch, just add a little plain greek yogurt or sour cream.
You can also sub fresh cilantro for dried if you're in a pinch.
You can substitute with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

Salads: over green salads or grain salads.
Tacos: Use as a topping for tacos or burrito bowls.
Marinade: Use as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or fish before grilling.
Dipping Sauce: Serve as a dip for veggies, chips, or quesadillas.

To Store

While some vinaigrette dressings store well on your kitchen counter, this one is not shelf stable. This fresh cilantro lime dressing will store in the refrigerator for up to five days. Use a container with a tight seal to seal in fresh flavor!

Nutrition