Take a trip to culinary excellence with this zesty and refreshing Cilantro-Lime Dressing, a flavor-packed addition that will give your salads and grilled dishes a fresh upgrade!
Iāve been making my own salad dressings for a long time. Iām not sure why I started doing this, but itās had an unintended side effect: most store-bought salad dressings now taste āoffā to me. Iām not sure if itās the excessive soybean oil or extra ingredients that typically hide in these products, but either way, Iād much rather make my own. Friends might roll their eyes at me when I skip the vat of ranch at the salad bar, but theyāre not cursed with the knowledge of how easy and tasty homemade dressings can be. Iām too far gone to go back!
Usually I stick to a classic oil-and-vinegar type of salad dressing at home, but every now and then, I want something with a little more bodyā¦like my old friend, ranch dressing. Creamy enough to coat every piece of lettuce or baby carrot, and tangy enough to settle the acidic craving I always have.
Enter my cilantro-lime dressing recipe. This thick, Greek yogurt-based dressing will cover every inch of your saladās surface area in a creamy, spicy, limey zing, with just enough of a honey-sweet touch to take the edge off. Itās got raw garlic and raw jalapeƱo, so be sure to let it settle in the fridge for half an hour before you use it. The best thing about this dressing, perhaps, is that itās a perfect, tangy gateway to homemade salad dressings. So beware, friend: This recipe might ruin store-bought salad dressing for you.
Top tips for a perfect cilantro-lime dressing
Iāve been making this dressing for a long timeāplenty long enough to have learned the perfect ways to adjust it. Here are some tips to make it just how you like it!
- Make it thinner: Donāt like your dressing too thick? Add a little extra oil or milk to thin it out.
- Use fresh produce: Using fresh cilantro and limes will create the best flavors.
- Make it less spicy: Not a fan of spicy? Deseed the jalapeƱo for that bright pop of green pepper flavor without the overwhelming spice.
- Adjust the garlic and sweetness: Feel free to add more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or another clove of garlic if youāre a fan of the raw garlic bite.
- Achieve perfect smoothness without over-blending: The trick is to blend until smooth but donāt overdo it. Too much blending can cause the dressing to heat up, which can affect both consistency and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your dressing in an airtight container, like a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, and refrigerate it for up to 7 days. Donāt worry about reheating, as this is best served cold.
I donāt recommend freezing this dressing because freezing and thawing will likely affect the texture of the Greek yogurt. If you donāt mind a texture change, however, feel free to freeze leftover dressing in an ice cube tray until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and store frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestions
You can upgrade a fresh Green Salad with a generous drizzle of this dressing for a refreshing lunch by itself, or a side for dinner. Alternatively, use this dressing as a sauce to top your Grilled Halibut Fish Tacos. Even your Roasted Broccoli And Carrots or Grilled Corn On The Cob will soar to a new level of flavor with a splash or brush of this stuff.
Cilantro-Lime Dressing Recipe
IngredientsĀ Ā
- 2 cups fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 jalapeƱo
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
InstructionsĀ
- Add all the ingredients into a blender or a food processor.
- Blend until mixture is smooth and turns a beautiful green color. Taste the dressing to make sure it has enough salt, pepper, and lime juice. Adjust if necessary.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and let the flavors meld in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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