Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing
Elevate your salads and tacos with this refreshing Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing that brings the vibrant flavors of lime and cilantro right to your kitchen. Inspired by popular restaurant recipes, this dressing balances tangy lime juice and vinegar with the earthy notes of cumin and the zing of garlic. The addition of canned diced green chilis adds a mild kick that makes it perfect for drizzling over fresh greens or as a dip for crispy tortilla chips. Best of all, this recipe allows you to adjust the cilantro to your taste, ensuring that even those who are less fond of cilantro can enjoy its bright flavor. Give it a whirl and let us know how it compares!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
Canned diced green chilis
1/3 cup (None)
Garlic clove
1 (Peeled)
Pepper
to taste (None)
Cumin
1 pinch (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Sugar
3 teaspoons (None)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Canola oil
1/2 cup (None)
Fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (Juiced)
Instructions
1
In a blender, add the vinegar, canned diced green chilis, garlic clove, salt, sugar, cumin, pepper, lime juice, and canola oil.
2
Blend the ingredients together until smooth and slightly thickened, about 30-60 seconds.
3
Once blended, add the fresh cilantro and pulse gently a few times until the cilantro is finely chopped and incorporated into the dressing.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.
5
Serve immediately on your favorite salads, tacos, or as a dipping sauce, or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing?
It is a refreshing, vibrant dressing that combines lime, cilantro, garlic, and green chilis, perfect for salads and tacos.
How do I prepare this dressing?
Blend all ingredients except cilantro until smooth, then pulse in the fresh cilantro at the end until finely chopped.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include vinegar, canned green chilis, garlic, lime juice, canola oil, and fresh cilantro.
Can I use a different oil instead of canola?
Yes, you can substitute canola oil with other neutral oils or light olive oil if preferred.
Is this cilantro lime dressing vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does the dressing last in the refrigerator?
You can store the dressing in an airtight container for up to one week.
Can I freeze this dressing?
Freezing is not recommended as the fresh cilantro and oil emulsion may separate and lose quality upon thawing.
What are the best foods to serve with this dressing?
It pairs excellently with fresh green salads, street tacos, or as a dip for crispy tortilla chips.
How can I make the dressing spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more canned green chilis or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is highly recommended for this recipe to achieve the bright, vibrant flavor intended.
What if I am not a fan of cilantro?
You can adjust the amount of cilantro to your taste or pulse it very briefly to keep the flavor mild.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
While lemon juice works as an acid, lime juice provides the specific zesty flavor profile characteristic of this dressing.
Is there a way to make this sugar-free?
You can omit the sugar or use a sugar-free sweetener of your choice to suit your dietary needs.
How do I make the dressing creamier?
To create a creamy version, you could blend in a small amount of Greek yogurt or a ripe avocado.
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used and adds a slightly fruity tang to the dressing.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
A blender or food processor is required to properly emulsify the oil and finely chop the garlic and chilis.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your personal preference.
Can I skip the canned green chilis?
Yes, but the chilis provide a mild kick and depth of flavor that defines the 'zesty' nature of the recipe.
What is the serving size for this dressing?
While not explicitly stated, a standard serving for salad dressing is typically 2 tablespoons.
Is this a copycat restaurant recipe?
This recipe is inspired by popular restaurant-style cilantro lime dressings often found at Mexican grills.
How should I store leftover dressing?
Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed glass jar or airtight plastic container.
Can I double this recipe easily?
Absolutely, the proportions can be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
What if the dressing is too thick?
If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply whisk in a small amount of water until it reaches your desired thickness.
What if the dressing is too thin?
You can thicken it slightly by adding a few more green chilis or reducing the amount of water used.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is preferred for flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
Is this dressing kid-friendly?
Yes, it has a mild flavor profile that is generally enjoyed by children, especially when served with tacos.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey or agave nectar are excellent natural substitutes for the sugar in this recipe.
What type of vinegar is best?
White vinegar or white wine vinegar works best to keep the flavors sharp and clean.
Does this dressing contain any dairy?
No, this is a dairy-free recipe, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.