Cilantro Lime Marinade

Transform your dishes with the vibrant, zesty flavors of this homemade Cilantro Lime Marinade! Bursting with fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and a touch of honey, this marinade strikes the perfect balance of brightness and warmth, thanks to aromatic garlic, ground cumin, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Its versatility makes it ideal for infusing chicken, shrimp, vegetables, or tofu with bold, Southwest-inspired flavor in just 10 minutes of prep time. Whether you're grilling, baking, or sautéing, this marinade ensures juicy, well-seasoned results every time. Plus, its simple ingredient list and make-ahead convenience make it a must-have for easy weeknight meals or backyard barbecues.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup (packed) fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thinning)

Directions

Step 1

Start by thoroughly washing the fresh cilantro leaves under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro leaves, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3

Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. If the marinade is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water and blend again until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 4

Taste the marinade and adjust seasonings if necessary (e.g., more salt for balance or more lime juice for tanginess).

Step 5

Use the marinade immediately or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Step 6

To use the marinade, pour it over your protein or vegetables of choice in a resealable bag or shallow dish, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 7

Grill, bake, or sauté the marinated ingredients as desired. Enjoy the bright and tangy flavors of the Cilantro Lime Marinade!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(459.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	807.4

Total Fat 77.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 653.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 33.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.4g	0%
Total Sugars 19.0g
Protein 4.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 171.0mg	0%
Iron 5.2mg	0%
Potassium 752.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.2%

Protein: 2.1%

Carbs: 15.7%