| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 215 | 22g | 3g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 0g | 0g | 0.1g |
Nothing personifies summertime like a fresh, vibrant salad dressing. And when it comes to bright, tangy flavors, my Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing is a powerful contender. In many ways, it reminds me of the freshness of the sea, the zesty tang a nod to my New England roots. This quintessential summer dressing brings to mind the salty Atlantic breeze and seafood feasts of my hometown in Maine, in an unexpected, fruity twist.
A Fresh, Tangy Salad Dressing Bursting with Health Benefits
While the savory lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder back home are my comfort foods, creating delicious, healthy recipes like this Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing brings me equal joy. The health quotient of this recipe initially impressed me. With fresh ingredients like cilantro, lime juice, and soothing honey, this zesty concoction not only elevates your salad but also amps up the nutrition. The olive oil base provides monounsaturated fats, which are wonderful for heart health. And then there’s the lime juice and cilantro, both packed with antioxidants. Even the humble garlic does its part, containing Allicin, known for its therapeutic potential.
Exploring the Versatility of Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing
As a professional food writer, though, what really makes me fall in love with any recipe is its versatility. Here, again, the Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing doesn’t disappoint. While it’s naturally at home on a leafy green salad, it’s far from one-note. This perfect accompaniment can be drizzled over grilled fish or chicken, lending them the sharp, fresh flavors. Similar in spirit to the Italian Gremolata or Mexican Chimichurri, this dressing shares the heralding flavors of these iconic sauces. It’s a multipurpose dressing that’s found its place in my heart and my kitchen.
I look forward to summer barbeques with friends and family where I can introduce this dressing as a fresh, vibrant side. I can already imagine my two daughters, Erin and Samantha, enjoying it over a bed of grilled veggies or using it to dress their chicken wraps. Fresh, tangy, and above all, versatile – there’s every reason to love this Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing.
For more interesting recipe ideas, do check out Bon Appétit or NYT Cooking. And who knows? You might just find that perfect dish to pair with this flavorful dressing.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Method
Step One
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the process faster and ensures you have everything you need before starting.
Step Two
Wash the fresh cilantro thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once it is clean, measure out 1 cup loosely packed.
Step Three
Peel the 2 cloves of garlic. You can do this easily by placing the flat side of your knife on a clove and lightly hitting the knife with your palm. The skin should come off easily.
Step Four
Now it’s time to juice the limes. You’ll need about 2-4 limes, depending on their size, to get 1/4 cup of lime juice. Ensure you strain any seeds or pulp.
Step Five
Add the cilantro, garlic cloves and lime juice into a food processor or high speed blender.
Step Six
To this mixture, add 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
Step Seven
Blend all the ingredients together on high speed until you get a smooth consistency. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times to ensure everything gets blended smoothly.
Step Eight
Your Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing is ready to serve! Pour it into a glass jar or bottle for easy serving and storage. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
