Creamy Vegan Cilantro Lime Dressing

Name: Vegan Cilantro Lime Dressing (Creamy)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ½ cup cilantro; ½ cup raw cashews; ½ cup water; 1 tbsp nutritional yeast; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp lime zest; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp white vinegar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; ½ tsp salt

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This vegan cilantro lime dressing combines everyday ingredients into a creamy, zesty, refreshing topping for salads, roasted veggies, and more. You just need a few staple kitchen items and about 5 minutes to whip up this sauce!

A spoonful of vegan cilantro lime dressing over a wide mouth glass jar full of dressing.

With its minimal ingredient list and easy preparation, this vegan cilantro lime dressing is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal enhancement. For a tangier yet equally delicious option, try my Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe.

Why I love this recipe

I love this vegan cilantro lime dressing recipe for its bright, creamy, yet refreshing flavor. It’s especially delicious in the summertime with my cilantro lime pasta salad.

Just a handful of ingredients, like fresh cilantro, lime, and cashews come together to create a dressing that's so versatile! Drizzle it over salads and roasted vegetables, or use it as a marinade for tofu and tempeh.

The entire recipe is made in one blender, saving you cleanup time and effort. This sauce is perfect if you’re following a vegan diet or looking to add more plant-based options to your meals.

Ingredient notes

Vegan cilantro lime dressing ingredients laid out with labels.

Here is a breakdown of everything you’ll need for this vegan cilantro lime dressing:

Cilantro: Cilantro brings a fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery flavor to the dressing. It adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
Raw cashews: Raw, unsalted cashews create a smooth, creamy base without the need for sour cream or other dairy. The best place to find cashews is at bulk food stores.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to the dressing, enhancing its overall umami qualities. Again, look for nutritional yeast at bulk food stores or online.
Lime: I use lime juice to provide a bright, tangy kick that balances the richness of the cashews. I also incorporate lime zest to add an intense lime flavor that's fresher and more vibrant than the juice alone.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the dressing a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the lime's tanginess.
Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps in emulsifying the dressing.
White vinegar: White vinegar enhances the dressing's acidity and brightness, complementing the lime juice.
Maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the lime and vinegar. Use 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.

Substitutions

Cilantro: Fresh parsley or basil will work, but parsley is less citrusy, and basil adds a sweet, peppery flavor.
Raw cashews: The same amount of blanched almonds can be used, but they will produce a slightly different texture and a nuttier flavor.
Nutritional yeast: A teaspoon or two of white miso paste can be used for a similar umami element, but it will also add saltiness so be mindful of that.
Lime: Lemon can be used for a similar citrusy zing but with a slightly different flavor.
Garlic: Garlic powder will work in a pinch but won’t provide as fresh a flavor. Use ¼ teaspoon for every fresh clove.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are also great options.
Maple syrup: An equal amount of agave can be used for a similar sweetness.

How to make

Follow my step-by-step instructions for the smoothest, creamiest vegan cilantro lime dressing! Keep my tips and tricks in mind for the best results.

Preparation

Raw cashews in a bowl submerged in water.

Before you begin, submerge the cashews in a bowl with boiling water and soak them for 25 minutes. You can also soak them overnight in room-temperature water. Drain them before blending. Wash the cilantro under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat it dry.

Another option: If you are in a rush, boil the cashews in water over medium heat for 5 minutes till the soften.

Assembly

Grated lime zest, a glass of lime juice, and left over lime peels over a cutting board.

Step 1
While the cashews are soaking, zest the lime using a zester or the smallest side of a box grater, taking care to only remove the green part of the peel, as the white pith beneath is bitter. Squeeze the juice from the lime into a separate bowl.

Vegan cilantro lime dressing purée in a blender cup.

Step 2
Drain the cashews and place them in a blender. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, white vinegar, maple syrup, and salt. Blend the dressing until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

Vegan cilantro lime dressing in a mason jar.

Step 3
Taste your dressing and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Depending on your preference, you may want to add a bit more salt, lime juice, or maple syrup. Transfer your finished vegan cilantro lime dressing to an airtight container for storage.

Expert tip

To create the smoothest, most cohesive vegan cilantro lime dressing, I strongly recommend using a high-speed blender. My favorite brand is Vitamix, but Blendtec, Nutribullet, and Ninja also work great!

Serving Suggestions

Vegan cilantro lime dressing in a small glass pitcher next to a bowl of pasta salad.

This vegan cilantro lime dressing pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Try drizzling it over grilled or crispy baked tofu and tempeh to add a zesty, refreshing flavor that complements the smokiness of the grill or oven.

It’s great as a dressing for a quinoa and black bean salad, and you can also use it in place of the sauces in my Dairy Free Potato Salad, Mango Cucumber Salad, Pesto Couscous, and Vegan Coleslaw.

Cooking tips

Season properly: Salt doesn’t just enhance the flavor, it also helps to break down some of the raw garlic and herb flavors into a more palatable profile.

Use fresh lime juice: Fresh lime juice is more aromatic and less acidic than bottled juice, which can significantly affect the freshness of the vinaigrette.

Dry the ingredients: After washing, make sure to dry your cilantro and other fresh ingredients thoroughly to prevent water from diluting the flavors of your vinaigrette.

Rest the dressing: Let your vegan cilantro lime dressing sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and fully develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a nut-free alternative to cashews in the dressing?

For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seeds. They provide a similar texture and mild flavor when blended.

How can I enhance the flavor if it tastes too bland?

Add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lime, or a teaspoon of maple syrup to enhance and balance the flavors as needed.

Can I make this dressing without a blender?

Unfortunately, you cannot since the cashews need to be blended. However, if you don’t have a blender, replace the cashews with vegan mayo, yogurt or sour cream and finely chop all the other ingredients.

Vegan cilantro lime dressing a small glass pitcher.

Storing

This vegan cilantro lime dressing can be kept in your fridge for impromptu salads and grilled meals throughout the week! If it’s a little warm from the blender, let it cool before storing it.

Fridge
Store the dressing in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep well for up to a week.

Freezer
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as it may affect the texture and flavor upon thawing, but you can in a pinch. Let the dressing thaw in the fridge, then re-blend it to incorporate the ingredients.