Ready in just 5 minutes with the help of a blender, this creamy cilantro lime dressing is perfect for pairing with salads and bowls. This quick and easy vegetarian dressing is made with a base of Greek yogurt and fresh jalapeno for a little added heat.
A 5-Minute Cilantro Lime Dressing that is Creamy with a Hint of Jalapeno Spice
Adapted from my tried and true cilantro mint yogurt sauce, this creamy cilantro lime dressing is packed with fresh flavor and comes together in 5 minutes flat. It’s made with Greek yogurt to keep it extra creamy, add body (I hate thin dressings!), and sneak in some extra protein. Fresh jalapeno adds a bright grassy flavor and a hint of spice, depending on how many of the seeds you add along with it.
I love making this quick and creamy cilantro dressing during the warmer months of the year because it’s light and refreshing. And, it’s a touch healthier than mayo-based dressings. It’s such an easy thing to add to your weekly meal prep and adds amazing flavor to salads, tacos, and bowls. Or, you can use it as a dip for chips (which is why I almost always double the recipe when I make it!).
Key Fresh Ingredients for a Flavorful and Creamy Dressing
This is obviously not a dressing for those that think cilantro tastes like soap because an entire bunch goes into the dressing! In order to balance the flavor of the cilantro this creamy dressing relies on lime juice and zest, fresh jalapeno, shallot, and agave syrup. The creamy quality comes from plain Greek yogurt which forms the bulk of the dressing while also lending a tangy flavor. While you don’t have to use Greek yogurt, I really prefer it here because it adds body and creaminess. I’ve tested this dressing with a thick vegan yogurt and it is equally delicious.
CONTROL THE HEAT: You’re entirely in control of how spicy or mild your dressing is. For a mild flavor, use just the flesh of the jalaleno and leave out all of the seeds/veins. For medium heat, include about half of the seeds. Love spice? Use the entire jalapeno or use two!
Homemade Greek Yogurt Cilantro Lime Dressing in Just 5 Minutes in the Blender
There’s minimal chopping required for this creamy and flavorful dressing because all of the work happens in the blender! Since this recipe makes about a cup, I prefer using my immersion blender with a tall jar instead of my upright blender. It makes cleanup easier and it blends so much easier since it’s a smaller volume. You’ll know the dressing is ready when it’s smooth and creamy!
OPTIMAL FLAVOR TIP: I highly recommend making this dressing the day before you need it (or even just a few hours before). This allows time for the flavors to marry leading to a much-improved taste than if you blended it and used it straight-away.
My Favorite Recipe Pairings
- Bowls – I especially love this dressing paired with a burrito bowl that uses these baked green chili rice and beans as the base. It’s also really delicious with these crispy tempeh vermicelli bowls and these roasted cauliflower and tempeh bowls.
- Tacos – leave the dressing on the chunky side and pair it with these tofu scramble tacos for a killer breakfast or these crispy black bean and sweet potato tacos for your next Taco Tuesday.
- Salads – the flavors in this creamy cilantro dressing pair really with this blistered shishito and sweet corn quinoa salad or your favorite taco salad.
Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing (with yogurt)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Ready in just 5 minutes with the help of a blender, this creamy cilantro lime dressing is perfect for pairing with salads and bowls. This quick and easy vegetarian dressing is made with a base of Greek yogurt and fresh jalapeno for a little added heat.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1 medium lime, zested and juiced
- 1 jalapeno, roughly chopped (seeds removed for mild version)
- 1 small shallot, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons agave, plus more as needed
- sea salt, to taste
Instructions
Remove the leaves and tenders stems of the cilantro and add them to a blender along with all of the remaining ingredients. Blend until very smooth and creamy. Taste, then add more agave or salt as needed.
If you’re using an immersion blender, put all of the ingredients in a tall, wide mouth jar or similar vessel. Blend until very smooth and creamy.
Store leftovers in a container in the fridge and use within 1 week. The dressing tastes best if made a few hours or a day ahead of time to allow the flavors to develop.
Makes 1 heaping cup which is 4 large servings or 6 smaller ones.
Notes
- For a spicier dressing, use the whole jalapeno or 2 whole jalapenos. For a mild dressing, use just the flesh of the jalapeno and none of the seeds/veins.
- For a vegan version of the dressing, use a thick Greek-style plant-based yogurt. The plain one from Culina is my favorite (not sponsored).
- To ensure your lime is nice and juicy, choose one with smooth skin that is light green or yellowish green in color rather than dark green. The skin should have a slight give when you press it rather than being super hard. If your limes aren’t particularly juicy, you may want to use two to ensure the lime flavor comes through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dressing
This was such a refreshing dressing! Loved it!
So happy that you enjoyed it! It’s such an easy one to make.
We made this to serve with our southwestern rice bowls, and we loved this dressing! I loved the creaminess from the yogurt. Thanks for the great recipe!
So glad you enjoyed the dressing and thanks so much for coming back to leave a review! 🙂
I am officially putting this dressing on everything! It is so delicious. It is gonna be a steak in my fridge forever!
The best compliment! So happy you enjoyed the dressing 🙂