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Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

April 24, 2024
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Introducing our Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe! Bursting with fresh flavors, this zesty dressing is perfect for salads, dipping, or marinating.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Get ready to add a zesty kick to your salads and more with our Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe! Bursting with fresh flavors of cilantro + lime, this creamy dressing is the perfect way to brighten up any dish. Whether you're drizzling it over a salad, using it as a dip, or as a marinade, this versatile dressing is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Completely Dairy-free + Vegan Option.

Pouring of dressing in a jar.

Whipping up your own salad dressing might seem daunting, but trust me, it's a breeze! This Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing comes together in just a few minutes and beats anything you'll find at the store. It's perfect for salads, grain bowls, chicken, steak, lamb, salmon, roasted veggies and tacos—you name it! Tangy, herbaceous, and downright delicious, this dressing elevates any dish it touches!

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing is seriously a game-changer—it's so quick to whip up, just 5 minutes and a quick blend, and you're good to go! I always make a batch ahead of time and stash it in the fridge because it's just that good. if you're a fan of herby dressings and sauces like I am, you've gotta try my Homemade Green Goddess Dressing, Creamy Avocado Pesto Mayo Sauce, Jalapeno Ranch Sauce, and Homemade Pesto Sauce. Trust me, they'll take your meals to the next level!

It's totally dairy-free + egg-free, so everyone can dig in. I'm not kidding when I say I could slather it on everything! Homemade dressings always taste a million times better than store-bought. It's such an easy thing to make + can be done in batches for meal prep or various dishes throughout the week.

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Ingredients on a brown/grey table.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • Creamy texture without dairy products.
  • It's a totally healthy dressing that you could (literally) eat by the spoonful.
  • Ready when you are---- Keep it handy for a flavor boost whenever hunger calls.
  • Simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Elevates every bite to the next level.
  • Homemade goodness--- better than store-bought options
  • Versatile - use it on salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and beyond!
Fresh cilantro being held on a table.

How To Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick blend in a good high-powered blender, you can create a rich + luscious dressing/sauce that's perfect for salads, tacos, and much more! Trust me, once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever survived without it.

Ingredients

DRESSING:

  • Cilantro leaves. Adds a burst of fresh flavor + vibrant color to the sauce.
  • Vegan mayonnaise. I love using Follow Your Heart Veganaise. It is super creamy and smooth but feel free to add your fave if you prefer.
  • Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
  • Lime. Freshly-squeezed.
  • Organic raw honey. You can use maple syrup or Agave instead.
  • Jalapeño. Our spicy delicious powerhouse!
  • Garlic clove. Adds a nice pop of flavor.
  • Almond milk. Helps to make the sauce creamier. You can use your fave plant-based milk. Learn how to make homemade almond milk!
  • Sea salt + black pepper. To taste.
Dressing in a black blender.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SAUCE!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing. Everything from whisks, blenders, knives, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Green dressing in a jar with lime and honey in the background.

What To Serve With Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Having this dressing in the fridge is a total game-changer! It brings a burst of bright, zesty flavor to everything from basic green salads to tacos, nachos, sandwiches, and beyond.

Here are some of my fave ways to enjoy it:

Dressing in a jar with lime and garlic.

Can You Eat Cilantro Stems?

While cilantro leaves are often the go-to, don't forget about the stems—they're completely edible! However, thicker, tougher stems may not offer as much flavor as the delicate, thinner ones. So, it's wise to trim away any old or thick stems before they'll be blended anyway.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Q + A's

How to store cilantro dressing?

Add the dressing to your favorite mason jar or tightly sealed container and refrigerate for 7-10 days for optimal freshness. 

Is this cilantro dressing gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayo.

Can i make this dairy-free dressing ahead of time?

Yup! In fact, this sauce can benefit from some time in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together. You can make it a few days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Can i use regular mayo?

Absolutely! If you're not following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can use regular mayonnaise in your homemade poppy seed dressing recipe. Traditional mayonnaise works perfectly well and will give you that classic creamy texture and flavor.

Can i make the dressing thinner?

Yes! To make this more of a dressing for salads, etc. you can add more milk to make it more like a drizzle. I would add about ½ cup milk as a substitute for the original amount. 

Can i make a bigger batch of this cilantro lime dressing recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe makes enough for 2 servings, however, for more or a larger batch simply double or triple the ingredients. 

Can I make this dressing vegan?

Yes just use maple syrup or agave instead of honey as the sweetener.

Two jars of dressing with lime, garlic, and cilantro in the background.

More Homemade Sauces + Dressings

Check out these mouthwatering sauce/dressing recipes that your whole family will love, especially after trying the delicious Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Two jars of dressing with lime, garlic, and cilantro in the background.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

April 24, 2024
5 from 1 vote
Get ready to add a zesty kick to your salads and more with our Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe! Bursting with fresh flavors of cilantro + lime, this creamy dressing is the perfect way to brighten up any dish. Whether you're drizzling it over a salad, using it as a dip, or as a marinade, this versatile dressing is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Completely Dairy-free + Vegan Option.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

DRESSING:

  • 1 bunch organic cilantro leaves
  • ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 limes, freshly-squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon organic raw honey (You can use maple syrup or Agave instead)
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1-2 Tbsps Almond milk (You can use your fave plant-based milk)
  • sea salt + black pepper, to taste

Instructions

TO MAKE THE DRESSING:

  • Add the vegan mayo, cilantro, sliced jalapeño, olive oil, lime juice, milk, salt, black pepper and garlic clove into a high-powdered blender and blend until sauce becomes creamy.
  • Add dressing to your favorite mason jar or tightly sealed container and refrigerate for 3-4 days for optimal freshness. 
  • Bon Appetit!

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.3mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Xx, Shanika in script writing

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