Cilantro Lime Dressing (Fresh, Zesty and Ready in Minutes)
This Cilantro Lime Dressing is creamy, bright and full of fresh flavor, blending fresh cilantro with lime juice into a smooth, zesty sauce. It's light yet satisfying, with a clean, tangy finish that works as both a dressing and a dipping sauce.
It's the kind of homemade dressing you'll keep coming back to, especially in warmer months when simple green salads, taco bowls, and burrito bowls are on repeat. It comes together quickly and adds that fresh, vibrant finish to just about anything.
If you enjoy fresh, flavorful additions like our Chicken Tinga Bowl or Tostadas de Tinga, this dressing pairs perfectly and brings everything together.
Jump to:
Ingredients
This creamy dressing uses simple ingredients that blend together into a smooth, flavorful sauce with a fresh finish.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy base while keeping the dressing light and balanced.
- Lime Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor that gives the dressing its signature zesty pop.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herb-forward flavor that defines this cilantro dressing.
- Garlic Cloves: Adds a savory depth and rounds out the flavors.
- Sea Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle touch of warmth.
To make this recipe easier, you'll need measuring cups and spoons.
Variations
- Sour Cream: Swap in sour cream for a richer, slightly more indulgent creamy dressing.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Oil-Based Vinaigrette: Add a splash of olive oil or avocado oil for a thinner, more vinaigrette-style finish.
- Extra Flavor: Blend in green onion or a spoonful of green salsa for a slightly different twist.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Dressing
This creamy cilantro lime dressing recipe is as simple as blending everything together in a food processor until smooth and adjusting to taste.
Add cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro and garlic to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Hint: Use a food processor and blend thoroughly for the creamiest texture, especially if you are using cottage cheese.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust Consistency: Add a small splash of water or lime juice if you prefer a thinner dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Start with the base and adjust salt or lime juice to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and limes give the best flavor.
Another great way to use this dressing is to drizzle it over your Tacos Gobernado, a cheesy shrimp taco.
More Homemade Staples
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and store in an airtight jar for easy use throughout the week; the lime juice will separate so give it a good stir before using.
Serving Suggestions
- Mexican-Inspired Mains: Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, Shredded Mexican Chicken, Pork Carnitas, Blackened Fish Tacos or Asado de Puerco.
- Refreshing Drinks: Non-Alcoholic Paloma, Pineapple Margarita and Cucumber Agua Fresca.
Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe FAQs
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works perfectly and creates a smooth, creamy dressing.
It has a fresh cilantro flavor but not in an overpowering way, it's balanced by the creamy base and lime juice.
More Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Save time by having a grocery list automatically generate for you by clicking the "Add to Shopping List" below.
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
- 6 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ cup cilantro
- ½ tablespoon garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper to a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to your desired tastes.
Notes
- Adjust Consistency: Add a small splash of water or lime juice if you prefer a thinner dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Start with the base and adjust salt or lime juice to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and limes give the best flavor.
- Food Processor: Blends more thoroughly for the creamiest texture, especially if you are using cottage cheese.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and store in an airtight jar for easy use throughout the week; the lime juice will separate so give it a good stir before using.
- Serving: Written as ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons
- Nutritional Information is calculated using cottage cheese.
Nutrition
Made this recipe? Share your experience in the comments and don't forget to leave a star rating so others can find it too.
