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This bright and zesty Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette comes together in minutes with fresh, simple ingredients. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, tacos, grilled veggies, or even as a marinade. Everything blends up beautifully for a smooth, flavorful finish.
the Best Cilantro Lime vinaigrette
The first time I tried the side salad at The Green Lemon here in Tampa, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was simple, but the tangy cilantro lime dressing totally stole the show. It had that fresh, zippy flavor that just makes everything taste better—and I knew right then I had to recreate it at home.
When I went searching for a bottled version, there really wasn’t anything out there that came close. Most of them fall flat, anyway — or they’re packed with ingredients I can’t even pronounce. That’s why I love making my own. This homemade version tastes bright and fresh, and it’s made with real, simple ingredients you mostly likely already have in my kitchen.
This dressing is one I always keep on hand—and here’s why:
❥ It’s fresh and flavorful: The lime and cilantro shine through, giving it a vibrant punch you just don’t get from store-bought.
❥ Takes 5 minutes or less: Everything goes straight into the blender—no chopping, no fuss.
❥ Super versatile: Use it as a dressing, marinade, or drizzle—it pairs well with Mexican, Tex-Mex, or even grilled meats and seafood.
NikkiIngredients
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves gives the dressing its bold, herby flavor and bright green color.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral, smooth oil that lets the lime and cilantro shine. Light olive oil works too.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A must for that zippy, fresh flavor—bottled just doesn’t compare.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a mellow tang that balances the lime and ties the flavors together.
- Mexican Oregano: Slightly citrusy and earthy—perfect here. Regular oregano works in a pinch.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth without overpowering or adding texture. Easy and smooth.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t skip these—they bring out all the flavors. Taste and adjust as needed.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: Add everything to the blender
Toss the cilantro, oil, lime juice, water, vinegar, spices, salt, and pepper into your blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend until smooth
Pulse until the cilantro is finely chopped and the dressing looks smooth and creamy. It only takes about 30 seconds
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Step 3: Taste and adjust
Give it a quick taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed to match your flavor preference.
Step 4: Store and shake
Pour into a mason jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge and shake well before each use.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it creamy: Blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even mayo for a creamy version that’s great as a dip or thicker dressing.
- Add some heat: Toss in a bit of jalapeño, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even hot sauce if you like a little kick.
- Swap the oil: No avocado oil? Light olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil will work too.
- Try lemon juice: If you’re out of limes, fresh lemon juice can step in. It’ll be slightly different, but still bright and fresh.
- Use fresh garlic: Prefer a stronger garlic flavor? Use one small clove of fresh garlic instead of garlic powder—just know it’ll be a bit sharper.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Pour it into an ice cube tray to freeze, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge and shake well before using.
You can use a food processor, or finely chop the cilantro (kitchen scissors also work great) and whisk everything together by hand. The texture won’t be as smooth, but the flavor will still be great.
Not as written—it’s flavorful but mild. Want heat? Add jalapeño, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to taste.
Fresh cilantro is best here. Dried just won’t give you that bright, herby punch this dressing is known for.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is more than just a salad dressing—it’s a flavor booster for all kinds of meals. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- Mexican Chopped Salad: The perfect match—fresh, crunchy, and loaded with color. This dressing was made for it!
- Taco Bowls or Burrito Bowls: Drizzle it over rice, beans, grilled chicken or steak, and all your favorite toppings.
- Grilled Veggies: Adds a fresh, zesty finish to anything from zucchini to bell peppers.
- Chicken or Shrimp Marinade: It works beautifully as a marinade—just let your protein soak up that lime and cilantro goodness before cooking.
- Avocado Toast: A light drizzle over mashed avocado adds a fresh twist.
- Roasted Potatoes or Corn: Toss with warm veggies for a vibrant pop of flavor.
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Homemade Cilantro Lime Dressing
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Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup cilantro leaves
- ½ cup avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt - or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper - or to taste
Instructions
- To a blender or in a food processor: add cilantro, avocado oil, lime juice, honey, water, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, Mexican oregano, kosher salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined and cilantro leaves are finely chopped.
- Pour into a mason jar or salad dressing jar with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
- When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and shake vigorously to combine.
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