If you’re a fan of zesty, refreshing dressings that brighten up everything from salads to tacos, you’re going to love this homemade Cilantro Lime Dressing! It’s tangy, creamy, and bursting with bold flavor. With just a few ingredients and a blender, you’ll have a fresh and vibrant dressing in minutes that outshines anything store-bought.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Dressing
- Fast. Ready in under 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Bold & Zesty. Lime, garlic, and fresh cilantro create an irresistible flavor combo.
- Versatile. Use it as a dressing, dip, marinade, or drizzle.
- Dairy-Free Option. It can easily be made vegan or dairy-free depending on your preferences.
This Cilantro Lime Dressing is perfect for summer salads, grilled veggies, tacos, and more. It’s a bright, herby dressing with just the right balance of acidity and creaminess. It’s guaranteed to wake up any dish.
What Does Cilantro Lime Dressing Taste Like?
Cilantro lime dressing is fresh, tangy, and vibrant. The lime adds a bold citrusy punch, the cilantro brings herbal brightness, and the garlic gives it a savory backbone.
Blended with olive oil or a creamy base like yogurt or mayo, it becomes smooth and flavorful with just the right touch of richness.
Is It Healthy?
Homemade cilantro lime dressing is a flavorful, nutritious addition to meals when made with simple ingredients and used in moderation.
It enhances dishes with healthy fats, fresh herbs, and citrus without the need for artificial ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh Cilantro - This is the heart of the dressing, delivering a bold herbal note that defines the recipe. Using both the leaves and tender stems maximizes flavor and adds vibrant green color.
- Lime Juice - It provides acidity to balance the richness of the oil and cream, and gives the dressing a zesty, refreshing kick.
- Garlic - Garlic adds a layer of savory complexity that enhances the overall flavor and prevents the dressing from tasting too flat or one-dimensional.
- Olive Oil - Acts as the base fat, creating a silky emulsion when blended with the acidic lime juice and creamy elements. It also mellows the sharpness of the lime and garlic.
- Avocado - Helps thicken the dressing and adds healthy fats.
- Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise - These ingredients make the dressing richer and creamier. Yogurt adds tang and a protein boost, while mayo delivers a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Honey or Maple Syrup - Just a small amount helps round out the acidity from the lime and the pungency from garlic and cilantro, creating a more balanced flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper - Salt heightens the other ingredients, while black pepper adds a subtle warmth and earthy bite.
- Water - Water helps adjust the thickness of the dressing without affecting the flavor, making it easier to pour or drizzle as needed.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Prep the Ingredients . Wash and roughly chop 1 cup of fresh cilantro. Juice 2 limes to yield about 3–4 tablespoons. Peel one garlic clove and dice one avocado.
- Blend the Base . In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, lime juice, avocado, garlic, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or mayo), and 1 teaspoon honey. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Consistency . Add salt and pepper to taste, and thin with 1–2 tablespoons of water if needed until pourable.
- Serve or Store . Use immediately or transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate. Shake or stir before using.
Tips And Tricks
Want your cilantro lime dressing to turn out perfect every time? Here are some pro tips:
- Use Fresh Limes . Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh gives the brightest flavor.
- Blend Well . Use a high-powered blender for the smoothest texture, especially if adding creamy elements like yogurt or mayo.
- Thin Gradually . Add water one tablespoon at a time to control thickness.
- Taste as You Go . Limes vary in acidity, so adjust sweetener and salt to match your taste preferences.
- Make it Vegan . Swap honey for maple syrup and use a dairy-free yogurt or omit for a vinaigrette-style dressing.
Variations
Love the base flavor but want to switch it up? Try these fun twists:
- Avocado - Add ½ an avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Spicy - Toss in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Tahini - Replace yogurt with tahini for a nutty, earthy version.
- Coconut Lime - Add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical-inspired dressing perfect for grilled shrimp or mango salads.
What To Eat With Cilantro Lime Dressing
This flavorful dressing is incredibly versatile and goes well with:
- Salads - Especially taco salads, quinoa bowls, or grilled chicken salads.
- Tacos & Burrito Bowls - Drizzle over beef, chicken, or veggie tacos.
- Grilled Meats - Use as a marinade or post-grill drizzle for chicken , shrimp , or flank steak.
- Roasted Vegetables - Pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or corn.
- Dipping Sauce - Great with tortilla chips, roasted potatoes , or even falafel.
How Long Does It Last?
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before each use, as separation is natural. The flavor may intensify as it sits, making it even better the next day!
Can You Freeze It?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cilantro lime dressing without the creamy ingredients. Blend and freeze in small portions using an ice cube tray. Once frozen, store cubes in a zip-top freezer bag and thaw as needed.
More Simple Sauces
- Big Mac Sauce
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- Low Carb Marinara Sauce
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Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe | Easy And Flavorful Dressing
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 cup Cilantro
- ▢ 2 Limes , juiced
- ▢ 1 clove Garlic , minced
- ▢ 1 Avocado , diced
- ▢ 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- ▢ 2 tbsp Greek Yogurt
- ▢ 1 tsp Honey
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients . Wash and roughly chop 1 cup of fresh cilantro. Juice 2 limes to yield about 3–4 tablespoons. Peel one garlic clove and dice one avocado.
- Blend the Base . In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, lime juice, avocado, garlic, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or mayo), and 1 teaspoon honey. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Consistency . Add salt and pepper to taste, and thin with 1–2 tablespoons of water if needed until pourable.
- Serve or Store . Use immediately or transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate. Shake or stir before using.
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Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe | Easy And Flavorful Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cilantro
- 2 Limes juiced
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 Avocado diced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Greek Yogurt
- 1 tsp Honey
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients . Wash and roughly chop 1 cup of fresh cilantro. Juice 2 limes to yield about 3–4 tablespoons. Peel one garlic clove and dice one avocado.
- Blend the Base . In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, lime juice, avocado, garlic, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or mayo), and 1 teaspoon honey. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Consistency . Add salt and pepper to taste, and thin with 1–2 tablespoons of water if needed until pourable.
- Serve or Store . Use immediately or transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate. Shake or stir before using.
Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe | Easy And Flavorful Dressing https://twosleevers.com/cilantro-lime-dressing-recipe/
If you’ve ever bitten into a slice of cherry pie and wondered what makes that filling so perfectly sweet-tart and glossy, you’re in the right place. This homemade Cherry Pie Filling comes together in one pot with pantry-friendly ingredients and yields a jammy, pourable filling that’s infinitely better than anything you’ll find in a can.
Why You’ll Love This Fantastic Fruit Recipe
- Fresh Flavor. Ripe or frozen cherries burst with natural sweetness and a hint of tartness.
- Simple Ingredients. Just cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon, and warming spices.
- No Canning Required. Ready to use hot or cooled, no special equipment needed.
- Versatile. Perfect for pies, tarts, turnovers, ice cream topping, or spooned over yogurt.
What Does Cherry Pie Filling Taste Like?
Cherry pie filling offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. As you bite into a spoonful, you first notice the bright, juicy burst of cherry, its natural sweetness enhanced by sugar yet kept lively by a gentle tang.
The texture is luxuriously smooth and syrupy, with just enough body from the thickened juices to coat the palate. Optional hints of almond or cinnamon can add a subtle warmth or nutty note, rounding out the fruitiness with cozy complexity.
Overall, cherry pie filling tastes like sunshine in a spoon. It’s richly sweet, refreshingly tart, and deeply satisfying.
Is It As Good As Store-Bought?
Homemade cherry pie filling often outshines its store-bought counterpart in both flavor and texture.
When you make it yourself, you control the sweetness level, choose the ripest cherries, and can infuse fresh lemon juice or warm spices (like cinnamon or almond extract) exactly to your taste, resulting in a bright, vibrant filling with real fruit pieces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pitted Cherries- The heart of the filling. Fresh or thawed frozen cherries provide the sweet-tart fruit base and release natural juices as they cook.
- Granulated Sugar- Sweetens the cherries and helps draw out their juices, creating a syrupy base.
- Cornstarch - Suspends and thickens the cherry juices into a glossy, spoonable sauce without cloudiness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - Cuts the sweetness with bright acidity, balances the overall flavor, and prevents the filling from tasting flat.
- Almond Extract - Lends a delicate, nutty fragrance that enhances the cherries’ natural almond-like undertones.
- Pinch of Salt - Amplifies all the fruit flavors and rounds out the sweetness, making the filling taste more vibrant.
- Ground Cinnamon- Adds a hint of warm, spicy depth that pairs beautifully with cherry’s sweetness.
How To Make Cherry Pie Filling
- Combine cherries and sugar. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together cherries and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes so the cherries release some juice.
- Thicken the sauce. Whisk cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water until smooth. Stir into the cherry mixture.
- Simmer gently. Cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens and just begins to bubble, about 3–4 minutes.
- Finish with flavor. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, almond extract (if using), a pinch of salt, and cinnamon. Let cool slightly before using.
Tips And Tricks
Here are a few handy tips and tricks to ensure your cherry pie filling turns out perfectly glossy, thick, and bursting with flavor:
- Prevent grainy sauce. Dissolve the cornstarch completely in cold water before adding.
- Control sweetness. Taste your cherries first, then reduce sugar by a tablespoon if they’re very sweet.
- Skim foam. If foam gathers on top while simmering, skim it off for a crystal-clear filling.
- Cool before filling. Let the sauce cool 10–15 minutes to avoid a soggy pie crust.
Variations
If you love classic cherry pie filling, try these simple twists to keep things exciting and tailor it to your taste:
- Mixed Berry Filling. Swap half the cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley.
- Spiced Cherry. Stir in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a festive twist.
- Wine-Infused. Deglaze the pan with 2 Tbsp red wine instead of water when dissolving the cornstarch.
What To Use Cherry Pie Filling For
Here are some delicious ways to put that vibrant, jammy goodness of homemade cherry pie filling to work:
- Classic Cherry Pie - Spoon into a flaky double-crust pie shell for the timeless dessert.
- Cherry Galette - Spread filling on rolled-out pastry, fold the edges over, and bake for a rustic freeform tart.
- Cheesecake Topping - Dollop warm filling over slices of vanilla or no-bake cheesecake for a bright, fruity finish.
- Ice Cream Sundaes - Warm and drizzle over vanilla ice cream , then top with whipped cream and chopped nuts.
- Yogurt Parfaits - Layer cherry filling with Greek yogurt and granola for an easy breakfast or snack.
How Long Does It Last?
Store leftover cherry pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The thickener will continue to set as it chills, so give it a good stir before reheating or using.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze this homemade pie filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently rewarm on the stove, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
More Ways To Use Cherries
- Instant Pot Cherry Clafoutis
- Cherry Poke Cake
- Cherry Limeade
- Mini Cheesecakes
- Cherry Fluff
Cherry Pie Filling Recipe | Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
Ingredients
- ▢ 4 cups Cherries , pitted
- ▢ 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- ▢ 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Almond Extract
- ▢ 1/8 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon , optional
- ▢ 2 tbsp Cold Water
Instructions
- Combine cherries and sugar. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together cherries and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes so the cherries release some juice.
- Thicken the sauce. Whisk cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water until smooth. Stir into the cherry mixture.
- Simmer gently. Cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens and just begins to bubble, about 3–4 minutes.
- Finish with flavor. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, almond extract (if using), a pinch of salt, and cinnamon. Let cool slightly before using.
