Are you ready to spice up your salads and Mexican recipes? This might be your new favorite! Let me present the best creamy cilantro lime dressing recipe!
Forget about store-bought dressings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a flavorful sauce that’s way better than anything from the grocery store. The best part? It’s quick and easy!
This homemade dressing is perfect for taco salads or as a dipping sauce. It’s like a creamy cilantro lime crema that goes with everything. You’ll love the fresh flavors of cilantro leaves and fresh limes.
Using a food processor or immersion blender, you can whip up this creamy sauce in no time. It’s so good, you might want to make a double batch!
Whether you’re a fan of Café Rio cilantro lime dressing or just love homemade salad dressings, this recipe is a winner. So grab your recipe card and let’s get started on this easy cilantro lime dressing!
Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
The luscious blend of cilantro, lime, and a creamy touch transforms any dish. With a base of Greek yogurt, the creamy cilantro dressing turns delightfully tangy. Swirl it over grilled chicken or drizzle it on a spicy taco.
A lime dressing recipe doesn’t get easier. Just toss everything in a blender, and voilà!
Ingredients:
- 1 large bunch of cilantro (about 1-2 cups)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 2 limes (or 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional alternative to lime)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1 avocado (optional for creaminess)
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons quality mayonnaise (optional)
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeds and stem removed (optional for heat)
Instructions:
- 1 large bunch fresh cilantro (about 1 cup, chopped)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 2 limes (or about 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1 ripe avocado (optional for creaminess)
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons quality mayonnaise (optional)
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeds and stem removed (optional for heat)
Ideal Consistency for Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Getting the right consistency for your creamy dressing is key. You want it to be thick enough to coat your salad, but not so thick it clumps.
The best way to achieve this is by starting with less liquid. You can always add more if needed. Using plain yogurt as a base gives extra creaminess without making it too heavy.
If your homemade cilantro lime dressing is too thick, add a bit of water or lime juice. Too thin? Add more yogurt or a ripe avocado for a different flavor.
Remember, fresh ingredients like a clove of garlic will give the best taste. This dressing isn’t just for salads – try it on pasta salad for a zesty twist!
Serving Ideas and Pairings for Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
This homemade cilantro lime dressing is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. It’s not just for a good salad!
Try it as a dip for fresh veggies or chips. It’s a great alternative to plain yogurt dips. The creamy dressing also works wonders as a sauce for tacos or burritos.
Drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish for a zesty kick. It’s a perfect match for seafood, adding a burst of fresh flavor. For a twist on pasta salad, toss it with cold noodles and diced vegetables.
Use it as a marinade for meat or tofu. The clove of garlic and bunch of cilantro in the dressing will infuse your proteins with delicious flavor. You can even use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for a different flavor profile.
Remember, homemade dressings like this are great for experimenting. Don’t be afraid to try it with different dishes and discover your favorite pairings!
Storing Your Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Effectively
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade cilantro lime dressing fresh and tasty. The best way to store it is in an airtight container in the fridge.
This creamy dressing will stay good for about a week when refrigerated. Give it a quick stir before using, as some separation is normal with homemade dressings.
For longer storage, try freezing your dressing. An ice cube tray works great for this! Pour the dressing into the tray and freeze. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag.
When you need some dressing, just thaw a cube or two. This method is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to a quick pasta salad or good salad. Remember, frozen dressing might lose a bit of its creaminess, but the taste of fresh ingredients like cilantro and garlic will still shine through.
Three Common Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Variations to Try
Spicy Cilantro Lime Dressing
For those who like it hot, add a jalapeño or serrano pepper to your homemade cilantro lime dressing. Remove the seeds for less heat or leave them in for extra kick. This spicy version is great on taco salads or as a dipping sauce for quesadillas.
Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing
Add half an avocado to your creamy dressing for extra creaminess and a different flavor. This version is perfect for those who love guacamole. It’s thicker than the original, making it ideal for pasta salad or as a spread on sandwiches.
Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
For a lighter option, skip the plain yogurt and use olive oil instead. This creates a vinaigrette-style dressing that’s closer to Italian dressing in texture. It’s still packed with fresh ingredients like a bunch of cilantro and a clove of garlic. This version is perfect for a good salad with mixed greens.
Cafe Rio Dressing Copy
To create this zesty, creamy dressing inspired by a popular Mexican restaurant, you’ll need a blend of fresh and prepared ingredients. The recipe calls for 1 cup mayonnaise, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and ranch seasoning mix as the base. Fresh ingredients include 2 tomatillos, 1 bunch cilantro, jalapeño (to taste and remove seeds for less heat), lime juice, and 2 garlic cloves.
You’ll also need a blender to combine everything smoothly. The process is simple: add all ingredients to the blender in a specific order, then blend until smooth. After blending, the dressing needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
This versatile dressing can be adjusted to your taste. If you want it thinner, you can add a bit more buttermilk. The result is a creamy, flavorful dressing perfect for salads, tacos, or as a dip.
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious and easy cilantro lime dressing recipe! This creamy sauce is perfect for taco salads or as a dipping sauce for your favorite Mexican recipes.
The best part? You can whip it up in no time with just a handful of ingredients. No need to run to the grocery store for store-bought dressings when you can make this flavorful sauce at home.
Using a food processor or immersion blender makes this recipe quick and simple. Don’t forget to include those tender stems of cilantro for extra flavor!
This homemade dressing is so good, you might want to make a double batch. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it all week long.
Remember, homemade salad dressings like this one are often healthier than store-bought options. You control the ingredients and can adjust to your taste.
So next time you’re craving fresh flavors, give this creamy cilantro lime dressing recipe a try. It might just become one of your favorite recipes, no matter the time of year!
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