Easy Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

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This cilantro lime vinaigrette is refreshing, vibrant, and unbelievably summery! With fresh cilantro, tangy lime, olive oil, and a touch of maple syrup, it’s the perfect accompaniment to green salads. It also makes a delicious marinade!

Cilantro lime vinaigrette in a small glass pitcher next to fresh cilantro and a slice of lime.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Quick & easy: This cilantro lime vinaigrette comes together with just 7 ingredients in under 10 minutes.
Healthy: Made with all-natural, whole-food ingredients, this dressing makes a well-balanced addition to your meals.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or acidity to suit your preferences.

Tangy cilantro lime vinaigrette

Cilantro and lime are two of those ingredients that were just made for each other. This cilantro lime vinaigrette is so vibrant and refreshing that I make it almost daily in the summer!

It adds a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to any bed of greens, but I especially love it in my mango cucumber salad. Extra-virgin olive oil creates a smooth and rich texture, while the garlic adds a punch of flavor that's mellowed by the sweetness of the maple syrup.

This vinaigrette is not only quick and easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients but also completely customizable, giving you room to make substitutions to suit dietary needs and likings.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Cilantro lime vinaigrette ingredients laid out separately with labels.

Cilantro: Forms the fresh, herbaceous backbone of the dressing! If you don’t have or don’t like cilantro, you can try parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
Lime: Both lime juice and zest provide acidity and brightness. Lemon juice and zest can be used as well for a slightly different but equally vibrant taste.
Olive oil: For the best flavor, use extra-virgin olive oil. Avocado oil makes a great substitute for a lighter flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add savory depth and punch. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but I prefer fresh for this dressing.
White vinegar: Gives the dressing a more acidic and tangy flavor profile. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar also works for a sweeter tang.
Maple syrup: Balances the tang and savoriness with a natural sweetness. Use 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Agave is another great option.

How to make cilantro lime vinaigrette

Grated lime zest and a glass of lime juice with sliced lime on a cutting board.

Step 1: Zest the lime first (just the green part, as the white pith is bitter), then cut it in half and squeeze out the juice.

Cilantro lime vinaigrette in a blender cup.

Step 2: Add everything to a blender, and mix the dressing on high. Blending not only mixes but emulsifies the dressing, giving it a slightly thick consistency that clings so well to the leaves of your salad.

Cilantro lime vinaigrette in a glass jar surrounded by cilantro, garlic cloves and lime.

Step 3: If you find the vinaigrette a bit too thick, feel free to whisk in a tablespoon or two of water. It’s all about reaching your perfect dressing consistency.

Cilantro lime vinaigrette pouring over a bowl of fresh greens.

Step 4: Use your freshly made cilantro lime vinaigrette immediately, or transfer it to an airtight jar or bottle for storage.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways you can incorporate this cilantro lime vinaigrette into your cooking, but here are some of my favorite recipes to pair it with:

As a dressing on a harvest salad
Drizzled over my pickled beet salad with clementine oranges
Instead of balsamic vinaigrette on this strawberry goat cheese salad
Tossed with my dairy-free coleslaw salad instead of the creamy dressing
On this easy vegan bean salad instead of the original sauce

Storage

I always keep a jar of this cilantro lime vinaigrette on hand at all times. If you’re like me, follow these simple storage tips to keep it fresh:

Fridge: Your vinaigrette will last up to a week in the fridge. Just keep it in a sealed container. The flavors will meld and deepen over time.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dressing because thawing can cause separation and impact the emulsion's quality. Keep it in the fridge for the ideal taste and texture.

Variations

Spicy: Include a jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like it hot.
Mango: Incorporate a few cubes of fresh mango for a tropical twist.
Roasted garlic: Use roasted garlic cloves instead of raw for a milder, deeper flavor.
Balsamic cilantro lime: Swap white vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a richer taste.

Top tips

Zest before juicing: Always zest your lime before cutting and juicing it.
Chill your dressing: I recommend letting the dressing chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving it to let the flavors meld.
Blend it well: Ensure all of the ingredients are well-blended for a smooth consistency. If your dressing separates, just give it a good shake or blend it again.
Thin it out if necessary: If the dressing thickens too much in the fridge, whisk in a little water or lime juice to bring it back to a pourable consistency.

Cilantro lime vinaigrette over a plate along with a slice of lime and fresh cilantro.

FAQ

How can I make the dressing creamier?

How can I make the dressing creamier?
For a creamier consistency, add a small, ripe avocado to the blender while blending the rest of the ingredients.

What can I do if the dressing is too tangy?

If the dressing is too tart, balance it out by adding a bit more maple syrup or olive oil to soften the acidity and enhance the richness. Or try to cut down on the white vinegar.

Can this vinaigrette double as a marinade?

Absolutely! This cilantro lime vinaigrette makes an excellent marinade for vegetables, tofu, seitan, or even tempeh.

More dressing recipes

If you love having salad dressings at the ready like this cilantro lime vinaigrette, check out some more of my favorites like these:

Southwest Salad Dressing: A creamy, spicy, and tangy recipe made in 5 minutes.
Homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: An easy dressing made from pantry staples.
Sweet Balsamic Glaze with Maple: This 2-ingredient dressing transforms any dish into a burst of intense flavors.
Oil-Free Creamy Balsamic Dressing: A healthier alternative to traditional salad dressings.

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 7

Total Time: 7

Serving Size: 6 ounces

Author Puja Verma

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DESCRIPTION

This refreshing and vibrant cilantro lime vinaigrette is quick and easy to whip up with just a handful of simple plant-based ingredients. It adds a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to any bed of fresh greens. Extra-virgin olive oil creates a smooth and rich texture, while the garlic adds a punch of flavor that's mellowed by the sweetness of the maple syrup. Use it to dress your favorite salads or as a delicious marinade.

INGREDIENTS

▢ ½ cup cilantro fresh
▢ 2 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
▢ 1 tablespoon lime zest
▢ ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
▢ 2 cloves garlic
▢ 2 tablespoon white vinegar
▢ 2 tablespoon maple syrup
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
▢ 1-2 tablespoon water optional - I usually opt out.

METHOD

Grate the zest from the lime using a zester or a box grater, and then squeeze out the fresh juice using a citrus squeezer.
Note: Only remove the colored part of the lime (not the pith). The pith will have a bitter taste.
Place all ingredients into a personal blender and blend till smooth.
Transfer in an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator. Use as needed.

NOTES

Zest before juicing: Always zest your lime before cutting and juicing it.

Chill your dressing: I recommend letting the dressing chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving it to let the flavors meld.

Blend it well: Ensure all of the ingredients are well-blended for a smooth consistency. If your dressing separates, just give it a good shake or blend it again.

Thin it out if necessary: If the dressing thickens too much in the fridge, whisk in a little water or lime juice to bring it back to a pourable consistency.