Perfectly Mouth-Puckering Lime Vinaigrette with a Hint of Cilantro
If you love bright, zesty flavors, this Lime Vinaigrette will be your new go-to. As a lime lover myself, trust me—it’s eat-with-a-spoon good!
A mouth-puckering cilantro lime vinaigrette was the first salad dressing I ever fell in love with, so I obsessed over every detail of this recipe and re-tested until it was just right: super fresh and zippy, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Most importantly, it had to have a light, drizzly texture. Many cilantro lime vinaigrette dressing recipes turn out thick and chunky—almost like pesto or chimichurri—but I wanted this one to be perfectly smooth.
It’s been a delicious labor of love, and I’m absolutely thrilled to finally share it with you!
Why you’ll love it. ⇢ This quick and easy vinaigrette comes together with just 6 simple ingredients. Fresh lime juice is the star of the show, balanced by a touch of agave and cilantro, creating a beautifully tart-sweet-herbaceous flavor.
Plus, it’s ready in just 5 minutes, thanks to a high-speed blender that ensures a silky-smooth texture—perfect for drizzling over everything from salads to sandwiches. It’s a must-have for my Zesty Chicken Tostada Salad, but it’s also amazing with tacos, grilled seafood, and so much more!
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Cilantro or Nah? After a Side-by-Side Test, Here’s Why I Suggest Using It.
Cilantro can be a bit divisive, so I knew I had to put it to the test. I made this lime vinaigrette without cilantro and with, tasting each version side by side.
The verdict? ⇢ The version without cilantro was light and bright but fell a bit flat—almost one-note. The addition of just 6 small sprigs of cilantro brings subtle freshness and depth that makes the lime flavor truly sing, while also keeping the consistency light and drizzly.
🌿 Not a huge cilantro fan? No worries! The cilantro flavor is subtle, but you can easily swap it with your favorite herbs—mint, chives, basil, or parsley are all great options for a light and vibrant vinaigrette.
Homemade Cilantro Lime Dressing In The Blender (5 Minutes!)
Using a blender keeps this recipe super low-effort, creating a perfectly drizzly vinaigrette in just minutes—no chopping required!
Serving Suggestions—Drizzle It On Everything!
The beauty of this cilantro lime vinaigrette is its versatility.
Toss it with your favorite fresh salad, pour it over smoky-charred grilled vegetables, or soak it into a warm batch of grains (quinoa! rice! farro!). Spoon it over a hearty grain bowl, or use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or seafood—the options are endless!
I can’t wait for you to try this Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette. It’s fresh, punchy, and perfect for drizzling over just about everything. From one lime love to another, I think you’ll love it just as much as I do!
If you do give it a try, be sure to let us know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo and tag @playswellwithbutter on Instagram. We LOVE seeing your PWWB creations! ♡ Happy cooking!
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Zippy Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ½ cup 1x
- Category: Sauces & Condiments, Entrée Salads & Bowls
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex and Mexican-inspired, American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Your new go-to salad drizzle: a Light and Zippy Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette! Blend a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice with cilantro, garlic, and a touch of agave to create a beautifully balanced, tart-sweet salad dressing in 5 minutes or less. It’s smooth, drizzly, super versatile, and perfect for cilantro lovers and skeptics alike—so drizzle away!
Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar (can sub honey or pure maple syrup)
- 1 large, juicy lime, zested and juiced (approx. 3 tablespoons)
- 6–8 sprigs cilantro (approx. ¼ cup packed leaves and tender stems)
- 2 cloves garlic
- kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Blend the cilantro lime vinaigrette: Add all listed ingredients to a small blender (see Notes). Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper as desired. Blend until the vinaigrette is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Serve: Enjoy your cilantro lime vinaigrette immediately. My personal favorite pairing is this Chicken Tostada Salad, which is layered with crunchy-fresh pops of sweet corn, jalapenos, and tomatoes.
Notes
Jess’ Tips and Tricks:
- Blender size: As written, this recipe yields a pretty petite batch of vinaigrette that’s best prepared in a smaller personal/smoothie blender jar. If you have a standard sized blender, you may wish to double the recipe to ensure it blends and emulsifies completey.
- Easy recipe variations: If you hate cilantro, feel free to omit from this recipe. This vinaigrette still has a ton of light and fresh lime flavor without it. If you have other herbs on hand, you can also make a quick swap. Fresh mint or fresh chives are my personal favorite cilantro alternative for a light and refreshing salad dressing. Fresh basil or parsley are also delicious, but they shift the flavor profile of the vinaigrette slightly (sweeter or grassier, respectively).
Storage:
- This cilantro lime vinaigrette will keep, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 1 week. If the vinaigrette separates and solidifies in the refrigerator, simply warm it slightly in the microwave until it’s liquid again, then whisk to combine well and serve as desired.
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