Tangy 5-minute Cilantro Lime Dressing made in the blender for extra creaminess with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, plenty of cilantro, hemp seeds, and a touch of maple syrup. Enjoy it on arugula salad, as a chicken or shrimp marinade, on grilled vegetables, pasta salad, or black bean quinoa salad. Dairy-free and far better than store-bought.
That gorgeous green—can you handle it?
We love homemade dressings. Bottled options are convenient, but nothing beats a bright, freshly blended herb dressing. This cilantro-lime version is bright, creamy, and versatile.
Fragrant cilantro, zesty lime, fruity extra virgin olive oil, and a little maple syrup balance the acidity. Hemp seeds are my secret for extra creaminess and a dose of healthy fats. This dressing brings greens and grains to life.
Ingredients
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the dressing its vibrant color and herbaceous flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a silky, fruity richness.
- Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed lime brightens the dressing with lively acidity.
- Maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the lime (honey works, too).
- Hemp seeds: Optional, but they make the dressing luxuriously creamy and add healthy fats.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning so flavors pop.
How to make
Place cilantro, olive oil, fresh lime juice, water, maple syrup, hemp seeds (if using), and salt and pepper into a blender.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime for brightness, maple for sweetness, or salt to enhance flavors.
Serving ideas
This dressing is perfect on a large leafy green or grain salad—try it with pepitas, corn, queso fresco, and mango for a bright, summery salad. It also works beautifully on pasta salads.
Drizzle it over eggs or avocado toast for a fresh, herb-forward finish.
Use it to elevate grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or vegetables. It also makes a great quick marinade.
Storage
Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Shake or stir before using; the oil may separate slightly over time.
Let me know in the comments if you love this one—you’re totally a salad person…
Healthy 5-Minute Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salads
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Tangy 5-minute Cilantro Lime Dressing made in the blender for extra creaminess with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, plenty of cilantro, hemp seeds, and a touch of maple syrup. Use it on salads, as a marinade, or as a bright finishing sauce. This recipe yields about ¾ cup dressing.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cilantro, packed
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp hemp seeds (optional)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt + pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime, maple, or salt as needed.
Notes
*Hemp seeds add creaminess and healthy fats and are widely available in grocery stores. If you don’t have them, omit or substitute with a tablespoon of tahini or Greek yogurt (for non-vegan versions) to boost creaminess.