Cilantro Lime Dressing (Creamy & Easy)
Updated April 09, 2026
Quick Summary
This Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing is fresh, zesty, and ultra-creamy thanks to yogurt, lime juice, and olive oil. It comes together in just 10 minutes and is perfect for salads, tacos, grilled chicken, veggies, and more. A simple homemade dressing that tastes way better than store-bought and keeps in the fridge all week!
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Pin ItMy Go-To Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
I've been making versions of this creamy cilantro lime dressing for years, and it's one of those recipes I come back to again and again because it just works on everything. It's bright, fresh, and creamy with the perfect balance of tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and a hint of garlic…basically the kind of dressing that wakes up anything you drizzle it on.
We use it constantly on simple green salads, our popular steak salad, but we also like to serve it with burrito bowls, crispy chicken tacos, flautas, and taquitos. It's also incredible drizzled over grilled chicken or fish, spooned onto roasted vegetables, or even used as a dip for quesadillas or tortilla chips. Once you have a jar in the fridge, you'll start reaching for it for way more than just salad.
If you're trying to get into the habit of making homemade dressings, this is the one to start with. It's quick, foolproof, and honestly tastes so much better than anything you can buy at the store.
Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)
- Cilantro-one of my favorite herbs and the base of this delicious dressing.
- Lime juice-cilantro and lime are a match made in heaven! Make sure you use fresh lime juice and not bottled for the freshest flavor.
- Yogurt–Yogurt makes the dressing super creamy! I recommend using plain Greek yogurt or whole milk yogurt.
- Olive oil-you need oil to help thin out the dressing. It also makes the dressing nice and rich. You can also use avocado oil.
- Honey-adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the tangy and tart!
- Garlic-garlic is always a good idea for salad dressing! Fresh is best, don't use garlic powder.
- Jalapeño-you don't have to add jalapeño, but I like a little kick. The dressing isn't spicy, just has a nice kick. Feel free to leave it out if you don't like any heat.
- Kosher salt-salt is the finishing touch!
Tips for the BEST Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Fresh cilantro makes all the difference. This is the backbone of the dressing, so use a full bunch.
- Greek yogurt = extra creamy + protein boost. If you want a thicker, more substantial dressing (almost like a sauce), go with Greek yogurt. Regular yogurt gives a lighter, pourable texture.
- Don't rush the blending. Let the blender or food processor run long enough so the cilantro fully breaks down and the dressing turns smooth and vibrant green.
- Control the consistency. This dressing is very flexible—add a splash of water or extra lime juice to thin it for drizzling, or keep it thicker for dipping and bowls.
- Jalapeño is optional—but powerful. Even a small amount adds a subtle heat that makes the flavors pop without making the dressing spicy.
- Balance is everything. Taste after blending and adjust as needed. A little extra lime juice brightens it up, honey softens the acidity, and salt brings all the flavors together.
- It gets better as it sits. The flavors meld and deepen after a few hours in the fridge, so it's a great make-ahead option for the week.
- Shake before serving. Natural separation is totally normal since there are fresh ingredients and olive oil—just give it a quick shake or stir and it's good to go.
How to Store
- Store in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator
- Keeps for up to 1 week
- Shake or stir before using (it may separate slightly)
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, or whole milk yogurt
- 1 garlic clove
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 jalapeno, seeds and stem removed, optional
Instructions
- Add the cilantro, yogurt, garlic, lime juice, honey, salt and jalapeño (if using), into a food processor or blender. Put the lid on and blend. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil and blend until smooth. Stop and taste, adjust with a little more salt or honey, if desired.
- Pour the dressing into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. The dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use fresh cilantro: This is the key flavor in the dressing—don't skimp! Tender stems are fine and blend well.
- Greek yogurt vs. regular yogurt: Greek yogurt will make the dressing thicker and higher in protein, while regular yogurt keeps it a little lighter and more pourable.
- Adjust consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water, extra lime juice, or even a little more olive oil until it reaches your desired texture.
- Make it in a blender or food processor: A high-speed blender gives the smoothest, creamiest texture, but a food processor works great too.
- Taste and adjust: Depending on your limes and yogurt, you may want to add a little extra salt, honey, or lime juice at the end to balance flavors.
- Mild heat option: The jalapeño is optional, leave it out for a mild dressing or add more if you want extra kick.
- Make ahead: This dressing is even better after it chills for a few hours. The flavors meld and become even brighter.
- Separation is normal: If it sits in the fridge, it may separate slightly, just shake or stir before serving.
Nutrition
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Variations
Switch things up depending on what you have:
- Dairy-free / vegan: Use your favorite plant-based yogurt
- Avocado cilantro dressing: Add ½ ripe avocado for extra creaminess
- Spicy version: Add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne
- Thinner dressing: Add water or extra lime juice
FAQ
Yes! It actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Shake well or stir before using.
Yes, use a plant-based yogurt or swap in avocado for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Not unless you add jalapeño. You can easily leave it out for a mild version.