Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing (with yogurt)

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.

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