Cilantro Lime Dressing

Easy, creamy and delicious Cilantro Lime Dressing that is great for salads, but also served over veggies, meat or even in tacos and burritos!

If you love this homemade dressing, you’ll also love some of our other dressings like Cilantro Ranch and Chipotle Ranch.

Cilantro ranch dressing

Not Just for salad

This cilantro dressing is so delicious! You can serve it over salads of all kinds, especially southwest salads, but it’s great for other things too!

It’s super yummy drizzled over grilled veggies or as a dip for raw veggies. I like to add it to my burritos and tacos. It’s also so good drizzled over seasoned pork, beef or chicken. Just think of your favorite savory Mexican dish, and I’m quite certain this dressing would be great with it!

Because you can’t find this dressing at the grocery store, we think it will become a quick family favorite – especially because it’s so easy. 😉

Jalapeno and garlic in blender

How to Make Cilantro Lime Dressing

One of the ingredients is a jalapeno that has been de-seeded so here is how you do that.

How to deseed a jalapeno: This may seem like a no brainer, but if you’re new to cooking you may appreciate the info. 

  1. Remove the stem, and cut the jalapeno in half from top to bottom
  2. Use a spoon and gently scrape out the center membrain and the seeds. Don’t scrape any of the jalapeno flesh. 
  3. If you’re working with a hot jalapeno you may want to wear gloves.
  4. Avoid touching your eyes and face. Wash your hands when you’re finished.

Once you have your de-seeded jalapeno, use a food processor, or a blender, to pulse the jalapeno pepper and garlic clove until they’re finely chopped.

Add the lime juice, honey, vinegar, 1 tsp garlic salt and cilantro. Pulse a few more times then blend. While blending slowly drizzle in the olive oil.

Once the olive oil is incorporated use remaining garlic salt to taste.

Homemade cilantro ranch dressing in blender

dressing Tips

Mix in the oil, don’t blend: Did you know that when you blend olive oil in can take on a bitter flavor? It’s something I just learned and is the reason you want to blend all the ingredients, then Mix in the olive oil. 

Tip: For a creamier dressing add ½ of a ripe avocado

Storage: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When using make sure the dressing does not stay at room temperature for more than two hours.

Cilantro ranch dressing recipe in pouring cup

This cilantro lime dressing is so simple and so delicious! Just try it and let us know what you think. 😉

For more salad dressings, check out:

Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

5 from 6 votes
Easy, creamy and delicious Cilantro Lime Dressing that is great for salads, but also served over veggies, meat or even in tacos and burritos!
Course Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine Mexican
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 140.25 kcal
Author Lil' Luna

Ingredients

  • 1 jalapeno seeded and chopped
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup lime juice
  • 1/8 cup honey
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1-2 tsp garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Using a food processor, or a blender, pulse the jalapeno pepper and garlic clove until they're finely chopped.
  • Add the lime juice, honey, vinegar, 1 tsp garlic salt and cilantro. Pulse a few more times then blend.
  • While blending slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
  • Once the olive oil is incorporated use remaining garlic salt to taste.

Southwest Salad

  • This easy Southwest Salad pairs well with the dressing: 1-2 heads of lettuce, 2 cobs of raw white corn kernels, 1 large can of black beans drained and rinsed, 1 bag of Monterrey Jack Cheese, 1 red onion sliced, cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and sliced grilled chicken breast.

Like this recipe?

Pin it now to remember it later! Share it with your Facebook friends (you know they’ll love it). Or tweet it to the world. Maybe even email it to your favorite cousin!

Related Posts

Hamburger Dip

This savory hamburger dip is always a hit at parties. It’s cheesy, hearty, and made with only 4 ingredients! We love to have some tasty appetizers on hand for company…

2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

5 from 24 votes

Peach Salsa

Fresh peach salsa is delicious with chips, on top of fish or pork, or spooned over tacos! You’ll love the flavor combinations in this recipe! Although it’s far from our…

10 minutes minutes

5 from 18 votes

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh, naturally sweet, colorful, and absolutely delicious. Serve it as a quick lunch or a dinner side! This tasty salad is similar to our Strawberry Harvest…

1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

5 from 10 votes

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Quick and simple, this Strawberry Vinaigrette is delicious. It’s sweet, tart, and goes wonderfully on top of a bed of greens. Homemade dressing beats store-bought any day! This Strawberry Vinaigrette…

5 minutes minutes

5 from 20 votes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

Join the Conversation

Rate and Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    I’m not sure If I can choose between your cafe rio copycat recipe or this dressing. Both are so yummy!

  2. 5 stars
    Next to ranch this is our most favorite dressing, it just seems to add a great flavor to everything its added to.