Cilantro Lime Dressing – a fresh and tangy dressing that is perfect for any salad, burrito bowl, tacos, or even as a dip.
Mexican food has to be one of my favorite cuisines of all time. And one of the flavors I think of when I think Mexican is cilantro and lime. It is just a classic bright and fresh combo that makes for the best dressing!
I first made this cilantro lime vinaigrette over 10 years ago when I started blogging. It is still a must make today and deserved better pictures and a little more information in the recipe!

What’s In Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Vegetable Oil
- Lime Juice
- Cilantro
- White Wine Vinegar
- Garlic
- Sugar
- Salt

Recipe Variations
- Often times you will see a creamy version of this that is equally as delicious. Mix in 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt and you will have a creamy and delicious dressing.
- Like it spicy? Add a little jalapeno in the first step.
- Honey or Agave would be a great substitute if you wanted to avoid refined sugar.
This cilantro lime dressing is so easy to throw together in just minute with the help of a blender. And not only does it make a great salad dressing, it is a GREAT marinade for meats.
Cilantro Lime Chicken is basically chicken marinated in this dressing and then grilled. Gives so much great flavor without a lot of work.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Dressing
- In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, and sugar. Blend until well combined.
- Then with the food processor running, add in a slow stream of oil. You want it to get nice and well blended together.
- Next pulse in the cilantro. You want the cilantro to be well blended, but still be able to see plenty of flecks, so don’t puree it for a long time.
Why Is It White
I get this question every single time I share this recipe on Facebook. It is white because I used a high powdered blender to emulsify the oil. It is a very similar process to when you make homemade mayo. That is just how the oil reacts when you slowly stream it in under high power. It is still a vinaigrette consistency. If you want it creamy, see the recipe variations section.

Storing Cilantro Lime Dressing
You want to make sure it is in an air tight container. I like to use a mason jar with a screw on lid, so not only is it air tight it is always easy to pour and serve from.
How Long Will Cilantro Lime Dressing Last
You want to store this covered in the fridge for about a week. Let it warm up and shake well before you serve it.

More Great Salad Recipes
- Homemade Croutons
- BLT Salad
- Greek Dressing
- Lemon Vinaigrette
- Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Spinach Chicken Salad
- Chicken Fajita Salad
Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Cilantro Lime Dressing - a fresh and tangy dressing that is perfect for any salad, burrito bowl, tacos, or even as a dip.
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine lime juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, and sugar. Blend until well combined.
- With the food processor running, add in a slow stream of oil.
- Pulse in the cilantro. You want the cilantro to be well blended, but still be able to see plenty of flecks.
- Store in the fridge. Shake or stir well before serving.
Notes
Recipe from Our Best Bites
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 168Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 0g
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Did you know there is a Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts SHOP? Check out all of my E-books as well as branded merchandise HERE! Or you can buy me a coffee to say thanks!
- Homemade Ravioli - March 22, 2023
- Chocolate Pizza - March 20, 2023
- Chicken Taco Soup - March 17, 2023
LeAnn says
AAAAAAAAAAAh, this is so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
Krystle says
This stuff is so addicting! We love it on salads, burgers, and for dipping veggies.
Claire says
This dressing is a bomb! My whole family loved it. Will definitely try this again soon!
Beth says
I definitely agree that this is a must have dressing! My hubby and I love adding this to our salads. Such a delicious and perfect dressing! I love having this on hand!
Tisha says
This would be so good in a burrito bowl!
Amanda Livesay says
We love using this for burrito bowls! And it’s so simple.
Steph says
Has anyone tried this with extra virgen Olive oil? Trying to make as healthy as possible. Thanks!
Erin S says
It works out great, just a little richer flavor.
Angela says
My husband isn’t a fan of cilantro and begs for this dressing constantly! It’s sooooo good!!
Dottie says
The picture of the dressing you have looks white. What did you add to the dressing? I’d assume mayo or sour cream or yogurt, but those ingredients are not in the recipe.
Erin S says
It is white because that is how emulsification works in a high powered blender. Very similar to when you make a mayo, it doesn’t contain any dairy, but emulsifying it makes it white. You can add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream if you want it creamy, those directions are in the post. But making the recipe as stated in a high powered blender, when you stream in the oil slowly, it will be white, but have a vinaigrette consistency
Dottie Bacon says
Thanks, that’s what I was thinking, but wasn’t too sure, and wanted to make it correctly!
Thanks for your response!