Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

Creamy cilantro lime dressing is perfect to jazz up your salad. Fresh cilantro, avocado, garlic and lime make this so much better than store-bought! Vegan, gluten-free and paleo, plus a video to show you just how to make it.

I used to think I wasn't a condiment person because I wasn't a huge fan of ketchup, mustard, or ranch. However, I think I would have changed my mind if this cilantro lime dressing was more common! I originally whipped it up as a vinaigrette for a light lunch salad with some leftover chipotle shrimp. Halfway through the salad, I decided I loved the dressed avocado pieces the most, so I got up and instantly blended the rest of the vinaigrette with the remaining avocado! It turned an already-great vinaigrette into a rich and creamy dressing that I want on everything now.

We've made it at least a dozen times since to tweak the ratios and perfect it. I can confirm it's amazing drizzled on tacos, breakfast burritos, enchiladas, and all kinds of taco salads. We even added extra avocado to leftovers to make a thicker spread for sandwiches and burgers! It's truly one of the most versatile recipes on this site. Pro tip: It cools down spicy foods well, so offer it alongside your taco bar if you're not sure everyone can handle the heat!

Recipe video

Watch this 1-minute video to see how easy it is to prep this dressing! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.

Don't forget to pin this recipe to save it for later!

Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Dressing

This dressing uses the a delicious combination of fresh ingredients to give a unique blend of citrussy, herbaceous, tangy, savory and sweet flavors.

• olive oil to help disperse the dressing
• white wine vinegar to add tanginess
• dijon to help emulsify the dressing (helps keep the oil and vinegar from separating)
• lime for acid and bright, citrussy flavor
• honey or maple syrup to balance the sourness of the lime and the tanginess of the vinegar
• garlic to add flavor dimension to the dressing
• cilantro for that classic fresh, herbaceous and slightly citrussy flavor
• salt to enhance the flavors and bring them all together
• avocado (optional) to make the dressing creamy

How to Make Cilantro Lime Dressing

For this recipe, you will need a blender (stand or immersion), or a food processor. Place all ingredients into the cup that comes with the immersion blender, or into the stand mixer, and blend for 30 seconds. You may need to scrape the sides down to get the cilantro properly pureed. Your dressing will be thin like a vinaigrette without the avocado, but will be thick and creamy with half an avocado added.

If you add the avocado and find the consistency too thick, add water by the tablespoon to thin out. If you find it not creamy enough, you can try adding an extra ¼ to ½ of the avocado.

Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe Top Tips

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  If you don't have avocado but still prefer a creamy dressing, you can replace it with Greek yogurt! Start with ¼ cup and add more as you like.

  
  
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  Keep fiddling until the texture is perfect for what you like. More avocado makes it thicker and creamier, more water makes it thinner and more drizzly.

  
  
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  Use the freshest ingredients possible. Herbs, garlic, and lime juice always have the best flavor if they're perfectly ripe and fresh.

  
  

Cilantro Lime Dressing Variations and Substitutions

Consider this as a great base recipe that you can put your own twist on!

• swap the honey for maple syrup to make it vegan
• omit the cilantro to make a creamy avocado dressing (it's still very tasty!)
• add a jalapeno for a spicy kick
• swap the avocado for ¼ to ½ cup of plain yogurt
  

  How to Serve Creamy Cilantro Dressing

  This dressing goes really well with Mexican flavors, or paired with anything spicy. Here are some suggestions to use the dressing

  • use it on a chopped green, pasta or southwestern inspired salad
  • pair it with something spicy like chipotle chicken
  • use it as a dip for vegetables
  • use it as a dip for these baked beef taquitos
  • spread it on a sandwich, wrap or turkey burger
  • drizzle it over a burrito bowl or on your tacos

Creamy Cilantro Dressing Storage and Make Ahead Tips

This dressing can be prepared ahead! Thanks to the lime in the dressing, it keeps the avocado from browning for several days.

• Dressing tastes best when it is fresh but is still tasty after a few days in the fridge
• Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Shake or stir back up to serve
• Do not freeze

Creamy Cilantro Dressing FAQs

More salad dressings

• 7 Basic Vinaigrette Recipes
• 5 Minute Asian Salad Dressing
• Homemade Red Wine Vinaigrette
• Healthier Caesar Dressing
• Classic Greek Salad Dressing