Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe

by Danielle Cochran

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This cilantro vinaigrette recipe is made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and honey for a bright, flavorful dressing you’ll want to keep on hand. It’s perfect for salads, shrimp tacos, grilled chicken, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables. I originally created it for my Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette, but it quickly became one of those recipes I started putting on everything from tacos to grilled chicken and grain bowls.

Whether you’re looking for a simple salad dressing, a sauce for shrimp tacos, or a fresh topping for grilled chicken, this easy cilantro vinaigrette comes together in just a few minutes and adds incredible flavor to almost anything.

The Dressing I Always Keep In The Refrigerator

This cilantro vinaigrette is fresh, bright, and just really easy to love. I first made it for my Shrimp Cucumber Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette, and now it ends up on shrimp tacos, grilled chicken, rice bowls, and whatever salad needs a little something extra. Fresh cilantro, lime, honey, done. So good.

Most weeks you’ll find a jar of this sitting in my refrigerator because it works with so many different recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Vinaigrette

  • Ready in about 5 minutes
  • Made with simple ingredients
  • Fresh cilantro and lime flavor
  • Naturally gluten free
  • Great for meal prep
  • Works as a dressing, sauce, or marinade
  • Delicious on salads, tacos, shrimp, and chicken

Ingredients For Cilantro Vinaigrette

  • Fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives this dressing its signature flavor and bright green color.
  • Lime juice: Fresh lime juice provides the acidity that balances the oils and creates a bright flavor.
  • Olive oil: Olive oil creates a smooth, rich vinaigrette while allowing the cilantro flavor to shine.
  • Coconut oil: Coconut oil helps create a silky texture and slightly creamy consistency.
  • Onion powder: Adds subtle savory flavor without overpowering the fresh herbs.
  • Coriander: Enhances the citrus notes and complements the lime juice.
  • Garlic powder: Adds depth and balances the bright flavors in the dressing.
  • Kosher salt: Brings all of the flavors together and helps balance the acidity.
  • Honey: A small amount of honey balances the tartness from the lime juice without making the dressing sweet.

How To Make Cilantro Vinaigrette

  • Add the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, coconut oil, onion powder, coriander, garlic powder, kosher salt, and honey to a blender.
  • Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Ways To Use Cilantro Vinaigrette

Variations

  • Make It Creamier: Blend in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  • Add Heat: Add a jalapeño or pinch of red pepper flakes before blending.
  • Add Avocado: Blend in a small avocado for a creamy avocado cilantro dressing.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Because of the coconut oil, the dressing may thicken slightly when chilled. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir before serving.
Homemade cilantro vinaigrette made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and honey.

Cilantro Vinaigrette

Danielle Cochran
Fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and honey come together in this easy homemade cilantro vinaigrette. Perfect for salads, tacos, grilled chicken, shrimp, and grain bowls
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sauces
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1005 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender or small food processor
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Citrus juicer (optional)
  • Mason jar or airtight storage container

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp honey
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Instructions
 

  • Add the fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, coconut oil, onion powder, coriander, garlic powder, kosher salt, and honey to a blender.
  • Blend for 30 to 60 seconds until the dressing is completely smooth and bright green.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  • Pour into a jar or airtight container.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Shake or stir before serving.

Notes

  • Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor.
  • The dressing may thicken slightly after refrigeration because of the coconut oil.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Excellent on shrimp tacos, grilled chicken, power bowls, salads, and roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 1005kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 108gSaturated Fat: 52gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 43gSodium: 1173mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 1080IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is cilantro vinaigrette made of?

Cilantro vinaigrette is typically made with fresh cilantro, citrus juice, oil, and seasonings. This version uses lime juice, olive oil, coconut oil, honey, and spices for a fresh, balanced flavor.

Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes. Lemon juice can be substituted, although lime provides the classic flavor most people associate with cilantro vinaigrette.

Why did my dressing thicken in the refrigerator?

The coconut oil naturally solidifies when chilled. Allow the dressing to warm slightly at room temperature and stir before serving.

Can I make cilantro vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely. It stores well and is perfect for meal prep.

What salads go best with cilantro vinaigrette?

It pairs especially well with Southwest salads, taco salads, shrimp salads, grilled chicken salads, and salads with corn or avocado.

How long does homemade cilantro vinaigrette last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this cilantro vinaigrette will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Because it contains coconut oil, it may thicken slightly when chilled. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir before serving.

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