Zesty Cilantro Herb Dressing
Elevate your salad experience with this vibrant and zesty cilantro herb dressing. Perfect for drizzling over fresh vegetable salads, chicken salads, crisp green salads, or as a flavorful addition to taco salads. Its bold flavors complement Mexican entrees beautifully. With a harmonious blend of garlic, cilantro, parsley, and a hint of spice, this dressing will become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon
cilantro
1 cup (packed)
parsley
1 cup (packed)
sherry wine vinegar
1/4 cup (can substitute with red wine or cider vinegar)
olive oil
3/4 cup (lite)
hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
sugar
1 pinch
Instructions
1
Start by preparing a paste with the garlic and salt. Using a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse the minced garlic together with the salt until a smooth paste forms.
2
Add the fresh cilantro and parsley to the processor. Blend until the herbs are finely minced and well incorporated into the paste.
3
Pour in the sherry wine vinegar and process for about 10 seconds to combine the flavors.
4
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running. This ensures the dressing emulsifies into a smooth and creamy consistency.
5
Finish by adding the hot pepper sauce to your taste preference and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
6
Transfer the dressing to a glass jar and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld. Shake well before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Herb Dressing?
It is a vibrant and zesty cilantro herb dressing perfect for fresh vegetable salads, chicken salads, and taco salads.
What are the primary ingredients in this dressing?
The main ingredients include garlic, salt, fresh cilantro, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, olive oil, hot pepper sauce, and sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this dressing is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
Is the Zesty Cilantro Herb Dressing gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How should I prepare the garlic for this dressing?
You should first mince 2 cloves of garlic and then pulse them with salt in a food processor to form a smooth paste.
Can I substitute the sherry wine vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute sherry wine vinegar with red wine vinegar or cider vinegar.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of lite olive oil.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth and creamy?
Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the food processor while it is running to properly emulsify the mixture.
Is this dressing spicy?
It has a hint of heat from 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, but this can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
A pinch of sugar is used to balance the bold and acidic flavors of the vinegar and herbs.
Should I use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe requires 1 cup each of fresh, packed cilantro and parsley for the best flavor and texture.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the dressing for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the best way to store the dressing?
Transfer the finished dressing to a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.
Should I shake the dressing before using?
Yes, you should shake the jar well before serving to recombine the ingredients.
Does this dressing work well with Mexican food?
Absolutely, its bold flavors are designed to complement Mexican entrees and taco salads beautifully.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this dressing is categorized as low carb.
Can I use this as a marinade?
While primarily a dressing, its herb and vinegar base makes it a flavorful addition to chicken or vegetables.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, used to create the initial garlic paste.
What equipment do I need?
A food processor fitted with a steel blade is recommended for mincing the herbs and emulsifying the oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total: garlic, salt, cilantro, parsley, vinegar, olive oil, hot sauce, and sugar.
Is this dressing healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, vegetarian, and nutrient-dense herb-based dressing.
Can I make this without a food processor?
While a food processor is easiest, you could use a high-powered blender or very finely mince everything by hand and whisk vigorously.
What kind of parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed fresh parsley; either flat-leaf or curly will work, though flat-leaf is common for dressings.
How much hot sauce should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon, but you can adjust this 'to taste' depending on your spice tolerance.
Is there any cholesterol in this dressing?
Based on the ingredients like olive oil and fresh herbs, this dressing is naturally cholesterol-free.
How long does the processing take?
Processing the vinegar takes about 10 seconds, while the garlic and herbs are pulsed until minced and oil is drizzled slowly.
What is the serving suggestion?
It is perfect for drizzling over green salads, vegetable salads, or even as a sauce for chicken.
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
Yes, cider vinegar is a suitable substitute if you do not have sherry wine vinegar.
Is this dressing dairy-free?
Yes, it is entirely dairy-free.
What makes this dressing 'zesty'?
The combination of garlic, fresh cilantro, sherry vinegar, and hot pepper sauce provides its signature zesty profile.