Cilantro Lime Fresh Dressing (Printable)
Zesty cilantro, lime, and garlic blended into a bright dressing; vegan and gluten-free options.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fresh
01 - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed, stems removed
02 - 2 cloves garlic
03 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
04 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional, for heat)
→ Pantry
05 - 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 2 tablespoons agave syrup
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - Place cilantro, garlic, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), agave syrup, cumin, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor.
02 - Blend until ingredients are finely minced. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until the dressing is smooth and fully emulsified.
03 - Taste the dressing and adjust salt or lime juice as desired to balance the flavors.
04 - Transfer to a jar or airtight bottle and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in the time it takes your blender to stop sounding angry, roughly sixty seconds.
- The cumin adds a warm earthy backbone that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
02 -
- The dressing will look separated and weird after sitting in the fridge, but a vigorous shake brings it right back to life.
- Do not be tempted to use dried cilantro, because it will taste like dusty disappointment compared to the fresh stuff.
03 -
- If your blender struggles with small quantities, double the recipe because it freezes well in ice cube trays for future use.
- Letting the dressing sit for at least thirty minutes before serving gives the garlic and cumin time to bloom into their full flavor potential.