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To make the creamy cilantro lime dressing, you'll need some simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed) - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin, if necessary) Each ingredient plays a key role. The fresh cilantro gives that bright flavor. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein. Mayonnaise brings a rich taste, while lime juice gives a zesty kick. Garlic adds depth, and honey balances the flavors. Finally, salt and pepper enhance everything. Water helps to adjust the dressing’s thickness. With these ingredients, you can create a tasty dressing that goes well with many dishes. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Rinse and chop cilantro: Start by rinsing 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves under cold water. This step cleans the leaves from dirt. After rinsing, shake off the excess water and roughly chop the cilantro. - Mince garlic: Take 1 clove of garlic and mince it finely. This will add a nice flavor. - Gather all ingredients: Ensure you have all your items ready. You will need Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. - Combine ingredients in a food processor: In a food processor, add the chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, the minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of honey. - Blend until smooth: Turn on the food processor and blend everything until it is smooth. This should take about 30 seconds. - Taste and season: After blending, taste your dressing. Add salt and pepper based on your liking. - Add water if necessary: If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Blend again until you reach your desired consistency. To make this dressing shine, I recommend adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder. These spices bring a warm note that works well with the lime and cilantro. If you want it sweeter, you can add more honey or agave syrup. Start with a teaspoon, blend, and taste again. Adjust slowly to avoid making it too sweet. This creamy cilantro lime dressing pairs perfectly with fresh salads, grilled chicken, or fish tacos. You can also use it as a dip for veggies or chips. Get creative! Try it on grain bowls or drizzled over roasted veggies. It adds a bright flavor to any dish. To make your dish pop, garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro. This adds color and freshness. You can serve the dressing in a small bowl for dipping or drizzle it over your food for a beautiful finish. It’s all about making your meal look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Freshness is Key: Always use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Dried cilantro will not provide the same vibrant taste. Adjust the Tanginess: If you prefer a tangier dressing, feel free to add more lime juice to your taste. Mix and Match: This dressing works well with other herbs like parsley or mint, so experiment to find your perfect blend! Storage Tips: Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using as it may separate over time. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dressing vegan. Just swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Use 1/2 cup of silken tofu blended until smooth instead of yogurt. For mayonnaise, try using avocado or a vegan mayo. This keeps the creaminess without any dairy. Want a kick? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with half a jalapeño, seeds removed, for a mild heat. Blend it in with the other ingredients. If you like it hotter, add more. Hot sauce works well too, just a few dashes can enhance the flavor. Feel free to mix in other herbs. Try parsley, dill, or basil for a different taste. Each herb adds its own flavor, making the dressing unique. Just remember to keep the cilantro as a base for that fresh taste. For the best storage, use a glass jar or an airtight container. These keep the dressing fresh and tasty. Make sure to seal it tight. This helps prevent air from spoiling the flavor. Always label your container with the date. This way, you’ll know when you made it. In the fridge, this creamy cilantro lime dressing will stay fresh for about one week. After that, the flavors may fade. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see any discoloration or an off smell, it’s best to toss it. Trust your senses to keep safe. You can easily use any leftover dressing in many ways. Drizzle it over grilled veggies or use it as a dip for chips. It tastes great on tacos or as a sauce for fish. Get creative! This dressing can spice up many dishes you make. You can use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt. Both options work well. If you want a lighter version, try buttermilk. Each alternative gives a different taste. You might want to adjust the salt and lime juice based on which one you choose. Yes, you can make this dressing ahead of time. It tastes better after resting in the fridge. Prepare it up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container. This way, the flavors meld together nicely, and you save time later. This dressing lasts about a week in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed jar or container. Always check for any changes in smell or color before using. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. This blog post covered making a tasty dressing using simple ingredients. We looked at how to prepare, blend, and store the dressing. I shared tips to enhance flavors and suggested creative uses. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your taste or diet, including vegan options. Remember to store it right for the best taste. With this knowledge, you can boost your meals and impress your guests. Enjoy your cooking and let your creativity shine!

Zesty Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

A refreshing and creamy dressing with a zesty lime and cilantro flavor, perfect for salads and grilled dishes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • to taste none Salt and pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin, if necessary)

Instructions
 

  • Start by rinsing the fresh cilantro leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Shake off the excess water and roughly chop the leaves.
  • In a food processor or blender, add the chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, and honey. Blend until smooth.
  • Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
  • If the dressing is too thick, add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Once blended and seasoned, transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

Serve this dressing drizzled over a fresh salad, as a dipping sauce for veggies, or as a topping for grilled chicken. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro for visual appeal!
Keyword cilantro, creamy, dressing, lime