Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe Vegan and Easy to Make

Bright, zesty, and packed with fresh flavors, this cilantro lime dressing is a game-changer for anyone who loves vibrant, vegan-friendly condiments. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp salad, using it as a marinade, or adding a splash to your grain bowls, this dressing brings a refreshing punch that wakes up any dish.

What’s best? It’s incredibly easy to whip up with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, perfect for those busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.

Plus, it’s totally plant-based, making it a great choice for vegans or anyone looking to add more greenery to their diet without sacrificing flavor.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to create this creamy, tangy dressing with simple steps and tips to tailor it to your taste buds. Ready to jazz up your meals with a bright cilantro lime kick?

Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cilantro lime dressing is not only bursting with fresh citrus and herbaceous notes but also offers a creamy texture without any dairy. It’s:

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking required.
• Versatile: Perfect for salads, tacos, roasted veggies, and even as a dip.
• Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh cilantro, lime juice, and avocado oil.
• Customizable: Easily adjusted to be more tangy, spicy, or creamy depending on your preference.
• Vegan and allergy-friendly: Free from dairy, eggs, and gluten.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed, stems removed
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1/3 cup olive oil or avocado oil for a mild flavor
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 avocado for extra creaminess

Equipment

• Blender or food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Juicer (optional, for lime juice)
• Spatula
• Jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly and pat dry. Juice the limes to get fresh lime juice.
2. Add to blender: Place the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper into your blender or food processor.
3. Blend until smooth: Pulse and blend the ingredients on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If using avocado for creaminess, add it here and blend again.
4. Adjust consistency: Slowly add water while blending to reach your desired pourable consistency. You may not need all the water.
5. Taste and tweak: Taste the dressing and add more salt, lime juice, or maple syrup as you prefer for the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory.
6. Store or serve: Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, add a small jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when blending.

Try swapping lime juice for lemon juice if you want a slightly different citrus twist.

If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use frozen cilantro, but fresh is best for flavor.

For a nutty depth, add a tablespoon of toasted pumpkin seeds or cashews while blending.

Keep the dressing refrigerated and use it within 4-5 days for optimal freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cilantro lime dressing is a fantastic companion to many dishes. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Drizzle over mixed greens, avocado, and black bean salad for a refreshing lunch.
• Use as a zesty topping for grilled tofu or tempeh bowls.
• Mix into quinoa or rice bowls with roasted veggies for added flavor.
• Serve as a dip alongside fresh-cut veggies or baked tortilla chips.
• Add a splash to your tacos or burritos instead of sour cream for a vegan-friendly option.

For more creative dressings and sauces, check out our Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe and Chiapparelli’S Salad Dressing Recipe.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to brighten up your meals with fresh, vibrant flavors, this cilantro lime dressing is a must-try. Its perfect balance of herbal brightness, tangy lime, and subtle sweetness makes it incredibly versatile and easy to love.

The best part is how quickly it comes together, making it a fantastic go-to for busy cooks who want to add a splash of freshness to their dishes without fuss.

Don’t forget, experimenting with the ingredients lets you customize the dressing to your taste—feel free to add a bit more garlic or spice it up with jalapeño. And if you love this recipe, be sure to explore other delicious ideas like the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy your fresh, flavorful creations!

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