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An overhead shot of cilantro lime vinaigrette in a glass bowl atop a white marbled surface. The bowl is surrounded by dishes of salt, juiced limes, olive oil, and fresh cilantro leaves. A woman's hand is dipping a spoon into the dressing.

Zippy Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette (5 Minutes)

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  • Author: Jess Larson
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.An overhead shot of cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and agave nectar in a glass bowl atop a white marbled surface. The bowl is surrounded by salt, cilantro leaves, juiced lemons, salt and olive oil. An overhead shot of cilantro lime vinaigrette in a glass bowl atop a white marbled surface. The bowl is surrounded by dishes of salt, juiced limes, olive oil, and fresh cilantro leaves.
  2. 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.An angled shot of a clear glass of cilantro vinaigrette on a white marbled surface alongside cilantro leaves, lime zest and a halved lime.

Equipment

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.

Find it online: https://playswellwithbutter.com/cilantro-lime-vinaigrette-recipe/