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.

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 8

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)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the cilantro thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry. Remove any thick stems, but keep the tender stems along with the leaves.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Blend the ingredients together until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender or processor as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasonings, adding more lime juice for tartness, honey for sweetness, or salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6

Transfer the vinaigrette to an airtight jar or bottle for storage. Shake well before each use, as the ingredients may naturally separate over time.

Step 7

Use immediately as a salad dressing, or marinate meats, seafood, or vegetables for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(259.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1104.1

Total Fat 112.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1789.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 24.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.3g	0%
Total Sugars 18.2g
Protein 1.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 47.8mg	0%
Iron 2.5mg	0%
Potassium 253.7mg	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: 90.7%

Protein: 0.5%

Carbs: 8.8%