Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
When life gets hectic, there’s nothing like a simple, homemade dressing that can elevate your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. This creamy cilantro lime dressing has become a staple in my household, and I’m thrilled to share it with you! The first time I made this dressing, it was out of necessity—I needed something quick yet delicious to dress up a lackluster salad. To my surprise, it not only saved dinner but also earned rave reviews from my family.
What makes this dressing so special? It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. The zesty lime juice pairs beautifully with the fresh cilantro, while the creamy base ties everything together seamlessly. Whether you’re using it as a salad dressing, a dip for veggies, or even a drizzle for tacos, it’s incredibly versatile and irresistibly good.
The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. In just minutes, you can whip up this dressing and keep it in the fridge to use throughout the week. My kids love it, and even my picky eater requests it on everything from chicken wraps to roasted veggies. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.
So, grab your blender and get ready to transform your meals with this game-changing dressing. Trust me, it’s about to become your new favorite kitchen companion!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is highly recommended for this recipe to get the vibrant, fresh flavor. Dried cilantro won’t provide the same taste or texture, but if it’s your only option, use about half the amount and adjust to taste.
How long does this dressing keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for about 5-7 days. Give it a good stir or shake before using.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut yogurt or vegan mayo.
What can I use this dressing for?
It’s fantastic on salads, tacos, grain bowls, or as a dip for veggies and chips. You can also drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish for an extra burst of flavor.
What You Need to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (loosely packed, stems removed)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 small garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency, as needed)
Equipment:
Blender or food processor
Measuring cups and spoons
Citrus zester
How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Prepare the cilantro: Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Remove any tough stems.
Blend the ingredients: Add the cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
Adjust consistency: Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, blending after each addition until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
Store: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro make a big difference in flavor, so avoid bottled juice or wilted herbs.
Blend well: Ensure the dressing is fully blended for a smooth and creamy texture.
Customize the flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat, or a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.
Make it ahead: This dressing tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have time to meld together.
Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, this dressing is easy to scale up.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This dressing is amazing! I used it on a taco salad, and it was the perfect finishing touch. Even my kids loved it!” – Sarah R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’ve tried many cilantro lime dressings, but this one is by far the best. The flavors are so fresh and vibrant.” – Mike D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great recipe! Next time, I think I’ll add a bit more lime juice for extra tang.” – Emily K.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made this dairy-free using coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. It turned out fantastic!” – Tanya L.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for busy weeknights. I whipped this up in minutes, and it made my salad taste restaurant-quality.” – Jessica M.
Printable Recipe
Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
This creamy cilantro lime dressing is the perfect combination of tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a versatile dressing for salads, tacos, or as a dip for veggies. Made with simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (loosely packed, stems removed)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency, as needed)
- Equipment:
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus zester
Instructions
- Prepare the cilantro: Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Remove any tough stems.
- Blend the ingredients: Add the cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Adjust consistency: Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, blending after each addition until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
- Store: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts
Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake
Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Cooking is all about bringing people together, and this dressing is sure to spark smiles around your dinner table. If you love this creamy cilantro lime dressing as much as we do, please share it with your friends and family on social media! Tag your creations so we can see your delicious dishes. Let’s spread the joy of great food, one recipe at a time!
