Zesty Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe for Flavor Lovers

My favorite summer salad companion, this cilantro lime vinaigrette, brings zesty brightness to every dish it touches.

Fresh herbs dance with tangy citrus notes, creating a vibrant flavor profile that makes ordinary greens extraordinary.

Green gardens and sunny kitchen counters inspire this simple dressing that requires minimal effort.

Blending takes less than five minutes, ensuring quick preparation for hungry meal planners.

Crisp ingredients like fresh cilantro and ripe limes transform ordinary salads into restaurant-quality experiences.

Zesty and light, this vinaigrette promises to become your new go-to condiment for countless culinary adventures.

You’ll want to drizzle this magic elixir over everything from grilled vegetables to tender proteins.

Fresh Takes On Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

• Vegan Herb Dressing: Replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a plant-based version that maintains sweetness and flavor complexity.
• Spicy Cilantro Kick: Add one small jalapeño or serrano pepper during blending to create a zesty, heat-infused vinaigrette with extra punch.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt and use fresh herbs to enhance flavor profile while reducing sodium content for health-conscious individuals.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute white wine vinegar with red wine vinegar and add dried oregano for a Greek-inspired dressing with robust herbal notes.

Tasty Matches For Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

• Pair Zesty Cilantro Vinaigrette with Grilled Proteins: Succulent chicken, flaky fish, or juicy shrimp become flavor champions when drizzled with this vibrant dressing, creating a refreshing and light meal that dances on the palate.
• Elevate Fresh Salad Experience: Crisp mixed greens, peppery arugula, or crunchy romaine transform into gourmet delights when tossed with this herbaceous vinaigrette, adding bright and tangy dimensions to ordinary salads.
• Complement Mexican-Inspired Dishes: Drizzle over tacos, enchiladas, or grain bowls for an authentic burst of fresh cilantro flavor that enhances traditional Latin American cuisine with its zesty, herbaceous profile.

Easy Storage For Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

• Store vinaigrette in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and flavorful.
• Always give the jar a vigorous shake before serving to recombine separated ingredients and restore smooth consistency.
• Do not freeze this vinaigrette, as olive oil and fresh herbs will lose their texture and vibrant flavor when thawed.
• Let chilled vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance its natural flavor profile and restore optimal texture.

Quick FAQ For Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

• How do I achieve the perfect texture for this vinaigrette?

Blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring cilantro is finely chopped and olive oil is gradually incorporated to create a smooth, frothy consistency.

• Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. The dressing will keep for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

• What if my vinaigrette separates?

Simply shake or whisk the dressing before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients and restore its original smooth texture.

• How can I adjust the flavor profile?

Taste and modify by adding more lime juice for tanginess, honey for sweetness, or salt and pepper to enhance overall seasoning.

Why Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Is So Refreshing

• Boost Flavor Fast: Transform ordinary salads or proteins with this vibrant cilantro vinaigrette that packs a punch of fresh, zesty goodness.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Blend ingredients quickly in a food processor, creating a versatile dressing that can be made ahead and stored for convenient use throughout the week.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Craft a professional-level dressing that rivals gourmet restaurant offerings, impressing family and friends with minimal culinary skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting honey levels, adding different herbs, or experimenting with alternative vinegars to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Everything Needed For Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, zesty flavor profile and vibrant green color to the vinaigrette.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a pungent and sharp undertone to enhance the overall taste of the dressing.

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed citrus juice that brings tangy acidity and helps balance the vinaigrette's flavor.
• White Wine Vinegar: Adds additional tartness and helps create a smooth, well-blended dressing.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil that creates a smooth, emulsified texture and provides a rich, subtle background flavor.

• Honey: Natural sweetener that softens the vinaigrette's sharp edges and adds a subtle, complementary sweetness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the vinaigrette.

How To Whip Up Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Step 1: Harvest Aromatic Cilantro Leaves

Carefully pluck the most tender, bright green cilantro leaves from their stems, selecting only the most vibrant and fresh portions for an intense flavor profile.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Base

Peel the garlic clove and mince it into ultra-fine pieces, creating a uniform texture that will distribute smoothly throughout the vinaigrette.

Step 3: Blend Flavor Components

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Minced garlic
• Lime juice
• White wine vinegar
• Honey

Pulse the mixture until the cilantro is finely chopped and the blend appears light and frothy.

Step 4: Create Silky Emulsion

Slowly drizzle olive oil into the blender while continuously processing to develop a creamy, well-integrated vinaigrette with a luxurious texture.

Step 5: Season and Balance

Add salt and black pepper to the mixture, blending for an additional 10-15 seconds to ensure complete integration of seasonings and develop a harmonious flavor profile.

Step 6: Fine-Tune Flavor

Taste the vinaigrette and make any necessary seasoning adjustments to achieve a perfect balance of tangy, herbal, and subtly sweet notes.

Step 7: Chill and Develop Flavors

Pour the vinaigrette into a glass jar or sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 8: Serve with Finesse

Before serving, gently shake or whisk the vinaigrette to re-emulsify, as natural separation may occur during chilling. Drizzle over your favorite salad or use as a vibrant marinade.

Tips To Get Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Just Right

• Pick Fresh Cilantro: Select only bright green, tender leaves without stems for maximum flavor and vibrant color.
• Mince Garlic Precisely: Chop garlic finely to ensure even distribution and prevent overpowering raw garlic chunks in the vinaigrette.
• Blend with Care: Pulse ingredients slowly to create a smooth, frothy consistency without over-processing.
• Emulsify Gradually: Stream olive oil slowly while blending to create a stable, creamy vinaigrette that won't separate.
• Chill and Rest: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and marry together, enhancing overall taste profile.

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty cilantro lime vinaigrette dances with bright, fresh flavors that elevate any salad or dish. Mediterranean-inspired dressing brings tangy, herbal notes you’ll crave drizzled over grilled vegetables, mixed greens, or proteins.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Seasoning:

• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey

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Instructions

1. Pluck fresh cilantro leaves from stems, ensuring only tender, vibrant green leaves are selected for maximum flavor intensity.
2. Peel and mince garlic clove finely, creating a uniform texture that will distribute evenly throughout the vinaigrette.
3. Combine cilantro, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, white wine vinegar, and honey in a blender or food processor.
4. Pulse ingredients until cilantro is thoroughly chopped and mixture appears slightly frothy and well-integrated.
5. Gradually stream olive oil into the blender while continuously processing to create a smooth, emulsified consistency.
6. Season the vinaigrette with salt and black pepper, blending for an additional 10-15 seconds to ensure complete incorporation of seasonings.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring a balanced blend of tangy, herbaceous, and slightly sweet notes.
8. Transfer vinaigrette to a glass jar or sealed container, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
9. Gently shake or whisk before serving to re-emulsify the dressing, as natural separation may occur during chilling.

Notes

• Select ultra-fresh, bright green cilantro leaves without any wilting to guarantee maximum flavor and aromatic intensity.
• Finely mince garlic using a sharp knife for uniform distribution and smoother blending texture.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes.
• Store vinaigrette in an airtight glass container to maintain optimal freshness and prevent flavor degradation.
• For a vegan version, substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup while preserving the sweet undertone.
• Consider adding a pinch of cumin or jalapeño for extra depth and subtle heat if desired.
• Allow vinaigrette to rest in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors harmonize and develop complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 115
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg