Bright, zesty, and lightly sweetened with agave nectar, this delicious cilantro-lime dressing comes together in minutes. Fresh lime juice, a touch of Dijon, garlic, cumin, and plenty of fresh cilantro get emulsified with olive and vegetable oils. It’s a thick, glossy vinaigrette that’s equal parts tangy and herbaceous.
Perfect drizzled over leafy greens (especially delicious with strawberries, feta, and sunflower seeds). Also, doubles as a killer marinade for chicken, pork, or steak! One dressing, endless possibilities!
Agave Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe
Agave Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette
Equipment
- wire whisk
- medium glass bowl
- ¼ cup measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 limes – juiced
- 2 tbsp Lite Agave Nectar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves – finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic – minced
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper – finely ground
- ¼ cup olive oil – extra virgin
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Whisk together the lime juice, nectar, mustard, garlic, cumin, sea salt, and pepper.2 limes, 2 tbsp Lite Agave Nectar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in the olive oil, then the vegetable oil. Whisk until dressing is thick and glossy.1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Whisk in the chopped cilantro (or parsley if you prefer)1 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves
PRIVATE NOTES
Nutrition
More Information
Here are some vibrant salad ideas that let this Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette shine:
Strawberry-Feta Summer Salad
Crisp leaf lettuce tossed with juicy sliced strawberries, cool cucumber ribbons, creamy crumbled feta, and toasted sunflower seeds. Add a pinch each of salt and cracked black pepper. Sweet, salty, tangy, crunchy perfection.
Green Apple & Toasted Pecan Salad
Swap the strawberries for thin slices or small dice of tart green apple (Granny Smith is ideal). Add buttery toasted pecans instead of sunflower seeds. Include a little shaved red onion for bite, along with the same feta and lettuce. The apple’s crisp brightness plays beautifully with the lime and cilantro.
Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad
Mixed greens, grilled chicken strips (marinated in the same dressing!), creamy avocado chunks, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of cotija or feta. Finish with extra cilantro. Fresh, satisfying, and meal-worthy.
Southwest Black Bean & Corn Salad
Romaine or little gem lettuce, roasted corn kernels, black beans, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a little cotija. The cumin note in the dressing ties everything together like it was born for a taco salad.
Mango-Jicama Slaw Salad
Shredded cabbage or romaine, juicy mango cubes, crunchy jicama matchsticks, red bell pepper, and a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds. Light, tropical, and refreshing—the dressing’s sweetness and herbiness make it sing.
Any of these will make that dressing the star of the bowl!
Char Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Agave-Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
Char-grilled Ribeye Steak
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