If you’re looking for a delightfully herbaceous and lightly sweet dressing to take your summer salad to the next level, then look no further than this sweet cilantro dressing.
We’re addicted to this dressing. It’s light, herby, simple to make, and surprisingly versatile.
We’re tossing it with our salads/pasta salads. Drizzling it over juicy grilled chicken, shrimp, and steak. Using it as a dip fresh and grilled veggies. Swirling it in plain hummus to make an herby new flavor. Using it as a marinade for our favorite protein. And on and on and on. It’s super handy! And comes together in 5 minutes!
Ingredients
- Fresh cilantro – vibrant, herby base of this dressing.
- Extra virgin olive oil – for heart-healthy plant-based fats and a hint of peppery flavoring.
- Walnut oil – for a touch of delicious nuttiness.
- White vinegar – a key component of any good vinaigrette that adds acidity.
- Green onions – for a mild onion taste.
- Garlic – for a little sharpness
- Lemon and lime juice – adds a vibrant, lightly citrusy flavor to this dressing.
- Water – to thin out the dressing.
- Honey – for a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper – for seasoning.
- Red pepper flakes – for a tiny bit of heat.
How to Make Cilantro Dressing
In a food processor, combine the dressing ingredients. Pulse on high speed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until you achieve the desired consistency. We prefer to leave ours a little coarse and only pulse for 30 seconds.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or pasta salad.
How to Use This Dressing
- Toss with salads, pasta salads, or your favorite grains
- Dress up your favorite burrito bowl or protein bowl
- Drizzle over fresh grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or shrimp
- Dipping sauce for baby carrots, celery, or cauliflower
- Marinade for your favorite protein
- Sprinkle over grilled veggies, like zucchini, broccoli, or summer squash
- Top your favorite sandwich with a small splash of dressing (think Jersey Mikes subs)
- Ladle over your favorite tacos
How to Store This Salad Dressing
Since this dressing has fresh herbs in it, it will need to be refrigerated. Store in the refrigerator in a resealable container for up to 3 days. Any longer than that and the vibrant, lush green color starts to turn brown from oxidation.
When you want to use your dressing, leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes before using or warm gently in a bowl of warm water. Then shake it or stir it and use as desired.
Check out these other favorite salad dressings:
Sweet Cilantro Dressing
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 3 green onions
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 Tbsp)
- ½ lemon, juiced (about 2 Tbsp)
- ¼ c extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp walnut oil (sub olive or avocado oil)
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper (5 cranks)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the dressing ingredients. Pulse on high speed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until you achieve the desired consistency. We prefer to leave ours a little coarse and only pulse for 30 seconds.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle over salads, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or pasta salad.
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