Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette – Carmy

July 2, 2023

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Posted: Jul 2, 2023 Last Modified: Jun 21, 2023 by Carmy · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this simple but delicious cilantro lime vinaigrette. Not just for salad, this versatile dressing can be served over some chicken, fish, vegetables, or pasta. It’s bright, light, and so fresh!

This cilantro lime vinaigrette is one of my go-to dressings. It pairs wonderfully with everything from salad to meat. It’s zesty, bright, and flavorful. You won’t have another bland salad with this dressing on top.

A jar of cilantro lime vinaigrette on a coaster with some cilantro and a cut lime around it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s easily customizable! Want more fresh, tart flavor? Add more lime. Want it spicier? Add some red chili flakes! Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup!
It’s extremely easy to make. All you have to do is throw everything into a food processor and let it do all the work.
It’s versatile! I love this vinaigrette on salad but also on grain bowls, proteins, and veggies! It’s SO good on grilled chicken breasts, grilled chicken thighs, or grilled chicken drumsticks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make cilantro lime vinaigrette.

cilantro — fresh cilantro is a must! It has a delightfully fresh and citrusy flavor. The more, the better! The thin stems are full of flavor as well, so don’t worry about just picking the individual leaves off.
lime — you need freshly squeezed lime juice! Not lime juice from a bottle, as it doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor. It adds such a delicious tangy and tart flavor to the vinaigrette.
garlic — I’m using garlic powder, but you can also use a garlic clove.
maple syrup — this adds just the right amount of sweetness.
salt & pepper
oil — use your oil of choice. I like to use olive oil or avocado oil.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Ingredients for cilantro lime dressing in a food processor before and after mixing.

To a food processor, add the cilantro, lime juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt, pepper, and oil.
Blend it until well combined and smooth.
Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Recipe Tips and Notes

For a little bit of extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes! You can also add a bit of jalapeno to the food processor.
This cilantro lime vinaigrette can double as a marinade as well!
Don’t have a food processor? Use a blender instead! This is the food processor I use. If you have neither, you can finely chop the cilantro and then mix everything together.
After washing the cilantro, make sure to pat it dry thoroughly, as any leftover water won’t mix well with the oil.
If you’d like a creamy cilantro lime dressing, add half a cup of plain Greek yogurt to the food processor along with the other ingredients.

A slightly overhead angle of a jar of cilantro lime vinaigrette.

Make Ahead Tips

This basil vinaigrette will keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s normal for vinaigrettes to separate in the fridge. Simply give it a shake before you use it.
If you use a high quality olive oil, odds are that it will solidify in the fridge. Not to worry, it’s totally normal! Let the vinaigrette sit out at room temperature for around 30 minutes before using it so it comes back to room temperature, or place it in a warm water bath.

Salads To Try

Want some salad recipes to serve with this salad dressing? Try these ones: