My Go-To Creamy Cilantro Dressing: Your New Kitchen Staple

Have you ever had a meal at a restaurant and found yourself obsessing over the sauce? That was me a few years ago after trying a creamy cilantro dressing on a simple taco salad. It was love at first bite! The dressing was fresh, zesty, and had the perfect creamy texture that coated every leaf of lettuce just right.

After a bit of experimenting in my own kitchen, I landed on this recipe for the most delicious creamy cilantro dressing. It’s become a true workhorse in our house. We drizzle it on salads, dollop it on tacos, and even use it as a dip for fresh veggies. It’s a versatile, flavor-packed dressing that I promise will have your family asking for more. So, let’s get blending!

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 5M
• Cooking Time: 1M
• Total Time: 6M
• Type of dish: Sauce / Dressing / Dip
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / American
• Recipe Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups (about 12 servings)
• Calories: 45 kcal per serving (serving size: 2 tablespoons)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What Makes This Creamy Cilantro Dressing So Good?

The magic of this dressing lies in its balance of flavors and textures. We use a base of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to achieve that perfect creamy consistency. The Greek yogurt adds a pleasant tang and a boost of protein, while the mayonnaise provides a rich, smooth finish.

Freshness is key, which is why we use a generous amount of cilantro – stems and all! The stems actually pack a lot of flavor. A good squeeze of fresh lime juice cuts through the creaminess with a bright, citrusy note, and a clove of garlic adds a subtle, savory depth. A touch of honey or maple syrup might seem surprising, but it’s the secret to balancing the tartness of the lime and preventing any bitterness from the cilantro.

Essential Tools for the Job

You don’t need much for this recipe, which is part of its charm! Here’s what I recommend having on hand:

• A good quality blender or food processor: This is crucial for getting that ultra-smooth and creamy texture.
• A spatula: To scrape down the sides of the blender and make sure every last bit of dressing makes it into your storage container.
• A jar or airtight container: For storing your delicious creation in the fridge.

Let’s Make Some Dressing! A Step-by-Step Guide

This is one of those “dump and blend” recipes that I just adore for its simplicity. Here’s how we do it:

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, lightly packed (thin stems are okay!)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 large lime)
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 of a jalapeño, seeds removed, for a little kick

Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Give your cilantro a good rinse and a rough chop. No need to be precise here; the blender will do the heavy lifting. Peel your garlic clove.
2. Combine Everything: Place all the ingredients—cilantro, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and the optional jalapeño—into your blender or food processor.A quick tip: I like to put the liquid ingredients in first, as this can help the blender get going a little easier.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high for about 30-60 seconds, or until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula once or twice to make sure everything is well incorporated.
4. Taste and Adjust: This is where you become the chef! Give your dressing a taste. Does it need a little more salt? A bit more lime juice for extra zing? Now is the time to make those adjustments.
5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, I recommend chilling the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Use and Store Your Creamy Cilantro Dressing

This creamy cilantro dressing is a true multitasker in the kitchen. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• As a Salad Dressing: It’s fantastic on a simple green salad, a hearty taco salad, or a grilled chicken salad.
• As a Sauce: Drizzle it over grilled fish, chicken, or steak. It’s also amazing on roasted vegetables.
• As a Taco Topper: A dollop on top of your favorite tacos adds a cool, creamy element.
• As a Dip: Serve it with a platter of fresh-cut vegetables, tortilla chips, or even as a dip for french fries!

To store your dressing, pour it into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. The dressing may thicken slightly in the fridge; if it does, simply stir in a teaspoon of water or lime juice to reach your desired consistency.

A Recipe to Keep in Your Back Pocket

Having a go-to homemade dressing recipe is a game-change for weeknight meals, and this creamy cilantro dressing is one of the best. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with a flavor that will elevate so many dishes. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do!

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