This cilantro lime dressing combines the tanginess of lime and the freshness of cilantro, coupled with a hint of sweetness from honey. The addition of jalapeno provides an unexpected kick, making it a perfect dressing to elevate any salad.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in home kitchens. However, do ensure you have fresh cilantro leaves, as dried cilantro will not give the same burst of flavor. You might also need to pick up a jalapeno pepper if you don't usually keep them on hand.
Cilantro Lime Dressing Ingredients
jalapeno: Adds a spicy kick to the dressing.
garlic: Gives it a robust flavor.
lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is ideal for its acidity and fresh tangy flavor.
honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity.
balsamic vinegar: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dressing.
garlic salt: Seasoning which enhances all the flavors.
cilantro leaves: Provides a fresh and aromatic flavor.
extra virgin olive oil: Acts as the base of the dressing, adding a rich and smooth texture.
One reader, Kyle Concepcion says:
This cilantro lime dressing recipe is a game-changer! The zesty lime and fresh cilantro create a burst of flavor that elevates any salad. It's easy to make and adds a refreshing twist to my meals. I can't get enough of it!
Key Techniques for Crafting Cilantro Lime Dressing
How to prepare the dressing: Blend jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp garlic salt, and cilantro in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until incorporated. Adjust seasoning with remaining garlic salt to taste.
How to make the southwest salad: Toss together lettuce, raw white corn kernels, black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced red onion, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Serve with grilled chicken breast.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Dressing
This cilantro lime dressing with honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic is a great accompaniment to salads, meats, tacos, and vegetables.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1jalapeno,seeded and chopped
- 1clovegarlic
- ⅓cuplime juice
- ⅛cuphoney
- 2tspbalsamic vinegar
- 1tspgarlic salt
- ¼cupcilantro leaves,packed
- ½cupextra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Using a food processor, or a blender, pulse the jalapeno pepper and garlic clove until they’re finely chopped.
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Add the lime juice, honey, vinegar, garlic salt and cilantro. Pulse a few more times then blend.
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While blending slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
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Once the olive oil is incorporated use remaining garlic salt to taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 141.59kcal
- Fat: 13.52g
- Saturated Fat: 1.87g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.85g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.43g
- Carbohydrates: 5.98g
- Fiber: 0.16g
- Sugar: 4.81g
- Protein: 0.18g
- Sodium: 1.57mg
- Calcium: 3.75mg
- Potassium: 29.24mg
- Iron: 0.16mg
- Vitamin A: 2.83µg
- Vitamin C: 5.38mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Cilantro Lime Dressing
When making the cilantro lime dressing, it's important to add the olive oil slowly while blending. This process, known as emulsification, allows the oil and other ingredients to blend together smoothly without separating. If you add the oil too quickly, the dressing may not emulsify properly and could separate. For best results, pour the oil in a steady, thin stream while the blender or food processor is running.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cilantro Lime Dressing
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of certain components, such as grains or proteins, to use in multiple dishes throughout the week.
Efficient tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up the prep work.
Plan and prioritize: Organize your cooking schedule by starting with tasks that take the longest, then move on to quicker ones.
Substitute Ingredients For Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
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jalapeno – Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile to jalapenos, making them a suitable substitute in the dressing.
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lime juice – Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to the dressing.
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honey – Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey, offering a similar level of sweetness and viscosity to the dressing.
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balsamic vinegar – Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for balsamic vinegar, providing a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.
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garlic salt – Substitute with garlic powder and salt: Mix garlic powder and salt together to replace garlic salt in the recipe, ensuring the right balance of garlic flavor and saltiness.
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cilantro leaves – Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dressing.
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extra virgin olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for extra virgin olive oil, offering a similar richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
Presentation Ideas for Cilantro Lime Dressing
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Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning arrangement. Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that it is visually appealing and balanced.
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Incorporate vibrant colors: Utilize colorful ingredients such as fresh cilantro, ripe avocado, and bright tomatoes to add visual interest to the dish.
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Utilize contrasting textures: Incorporate elements with varying textures, such as crispy grilled chicken, creamy monterrey jack cheese, and crunchy corn kernels, to create a dynamic and satisfying eating experience.
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Emphasize freshness: Highlight the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a way that showcases their natural beauty. This will also enhance the overall flavor and appeal of the dish.
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Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that every element is meticulously arranged to create a visually stunning presentation.
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Incorporate height and depth: Create visual interest by layering the components to add height and depth to the presentation. This will make the dish visually striking and appealing.
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Use elegant serving ware: Select elegant and sophisticated serving ware that complements the dish and enhances the overall presentation. Consider using minimalist plates or bowls to allow the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine.
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Garnish with finesse: Add a final touch to the presentation by garnishing the dish with a sprig of cilantro or a slice of lime for a pop of color and freshness.
Essential Tools for Making Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for chopping, slicing, and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for chopping, dicing, and slicing.
- Blender or food processor: For blending and emulsifying ingredients to create the dressing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
- Citrus juicer: For extracting fresh lime juice.
- Whisk: For blending and emulsifying the dressing ingredients.
- Garlic press: For mincing the garlic clove.
- Vegetable peeler: For peeling the outer skin of the garlic clove.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the blender or food processor.
- Liquid measuring cup: For accurately measuring the olive oil.
- Storage container: For storing any leftover dressing.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Cilantro Lime Dressing
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To store the cilantro lime dressing, transfer it to an airtight container or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent any external odors from seeping in.
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Refrigerate the dressing immediately after transferring it to the container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
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Before using the refrigerated dressing, give it a good shake or stir to recombine any ingredients that may have separated during storage.
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If you want to extend the shelf life of your cilantro lime dressing, you can freeze it for later use. Pour the dressing into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion.
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Once frozen solid, transfer the dressing cubes or containers to a freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date and contents for easy identification.
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Frozen cilantro lime dressing can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or quality.
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To thaw the frozen dressing, transfer the required portion to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. If you need it sooner, you can place the container in a bowl of cold water to speed up the thawing process.
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After thawing, give the dressing a thorough shake or whisk to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined. If the dressing appears separated or slightly grainy, you can blend it again in a food processor or blender to restore its smooth consistency.
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If you notice any off odors, mold growth, or significant changes in color or texture, discard the dressing as it may have gone bad.
Interesting Trivia About Cilantro Lime Dressing
Cilantro lime dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. It can be used as a marinade for meats, a dressing for salads, or a sauce for tacos and burritos. This zesty dressing is a perfect combination of tangy lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a hint of sweetness from honey. It adds a burst of flavor to any dish and is a great way to incorporate fresh, healthy ingredients into your meals. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for many cooks.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Dressing Economical?
The cilantro lime dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and versatile, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an economical choice for a flavorful and healthy dressing.
Is This Dressing Recipe Healthy?
The cilantro lime dressing recipe is relatively healthy, as it contains several nutritious ingredients:
- Jalapeno and garlic provide antioxidants and immune-boosting properties
- Lime juice is rich in vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption and supports a healthy immune system
- Honey offers some beneficial antioxidants and can be a healthier alternative to refined sugar
- Cilantro is a good source of vitamins A and K, and may help with detoxification
- Extra virgin olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the dressing even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil to lower the overall calorie content
- Use a low-sodium alternative to garlic salt, such as garlic powder, to decrease sodium intake
- Increase the amount of cilantro for added nutrients and flavor
- Consider using a sugar-free honey substitute for those watching their sugar intake
To make the dressing even more nutritious, you could:
- Add a handful of spinach or kale to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Incorporate a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber
- Squeeze in the juice of half an orange for an extra boost of vitamin C and natural sweetness
- Experiment with other herbs, such as parsley or basil, to vary the flavor profile and add more plant-based nutrients to the mix
Editor's Take: My Opinion on This Dressing Recipe
The cilantro lime dressing recipe is a delightful combination of zesty lime, spicy jalapeno, and fresh cilantro, balanced with the sweetness of honey and the richness of olive oil. The flavors are well-balanced and versatile, making it a perfect dressing for salads, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce. The addition of balsamic vinegar adds depth and complexity. It's a versatile and flavorful dressing that will elevate any dish it accompanies. The suggested southwest salad is a perfect match for this dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Overall, this recipe is a winner!
Why trust this Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe:
Users should trust this cilantro lime dressing recipe because it offers a harmonious blend of flavors and fresh ingredients. The combination of zesty lime juice, spicy jalapeno, and fragrant cilantro creates a vibrant and refreshing dressing that elevates any dish. The use of natural honey and balsamic vinegar adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Additionally, the inclusion of extra virgin olive oil ensures a rich and luxurious texture. This recipe has been carefully crafted to deliver a delightful and authentic taste that users can trust and enjoy.
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