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