Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette or Marinade
Bright, zesty, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette or Marinade is a versatile recipe that will elevate any dish. Made with vibrant cilantro, tangy lime juice, and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, this 10-minute wonder comes together effortlessly in a blender. A touch of garlic, ground cumin, and white vinegar adds depth, while olive oil ensures a silky texture. Use it as a refreshing salad dressing, or as a marinade to infuse chicken, seafood, or vegetables with crave-worthy flavor. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, with an easy vegan option, making it a must-have for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Perfect for tacos, grain bowls, and more, this dressing/marinade is as adaptable as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup, packed fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 half cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 medium garlic clove (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
Rinse the cilantro thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry. Remove any thick stems, but keep the tender stems along with the leaves.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), white vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the ingredients together until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender or processor as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
If the vinaigrette is too thick for your liking, add water one tablespoon at a time, blending in between, until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasonings, adding more lime juice for tartness, honey for sweetness, or salt and pepper as needed.
Transfer the vinaigrette to an airtight jar or bottle for storage. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may naturally separate over time.
Use immediately as a salad dressing, or marinate meats, seafood, or vegetables for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
132 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.7 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 10% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 184 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.0 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 33 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
