Hey there, salad lover. Get ready to elevate your greens with this zesty 5-Ingredient Cilantro Vinaigrette. This vibrant dressing packs a punch of flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients.

So, grab your salad bowl and let’s whip up this delicious vinaigrette together.

Why I Put This Recipe 5-Ingredient Cilantro Vinaigrette Together

Salads are a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, but let’s be honest.

Sometimes they need a little extra something to take them from bland to brilliant. That’s where this cilantro vinaigrette comes in.

With just five basic ingredients, you can transform a simple salad into a flavor-packed masterpiece in minutes.

What Makes This Recipe Cilantro Vinaigrette the Best?

This cilantro vinaigrette is all about simplicity and freshness.

The combination of tangy vinegar, zesty lime juice, and aromatic cilantro creates a dressing that’s bright, delicious, and incredibly versatile.

Whether drizzled over leafy greens, grilled vegetables, or even tacos, this vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor to any dish with minimal effort.

You have to give it tome. This osunds poetic 😏. But it is also very delicious. I promise you.

Ingredients Needed

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon honey
**Salt and pepper to taste

Alternative Ingredients

Here are some ingredients you can use in place of the ones above.

Ingredient	Alternative
Cilantro	Parsley or basil
Olive oil	Avocado oil or grapeseed oil
Lime juice	Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Garlic	Shallot or onion
Honey	Maple syrup or agave nectar

Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Blend until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed.

Step 3: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, lime juice, or honey to suit your taste preferences.

Step 4: Transfer the cilantro vinaigrette to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 5: Shake or stir the vinaigrette well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Expert Tips

For a creamier vinaigrette, you can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the mixture before blending.
Feel free to customize the vinaigrette with additional ingredients, such as jalapeño peppers for extra heat, cumin for a smoky flavor, or avocado for creaminess.
This vinaigrette is best served fresh but will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply give it a good shake or stir before using.

Utensils Needed

Blender or food processor
Jar or container with a tight-fitting lid

Frequently Asked Questions About Cilantro Vinaigrette

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?

While fresh cilantro provides the best flavor and brightness to this vinaigrette, you can substitute dried cilantro if needed. Use half the amount of dried cilantro called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh. Keep in mind that the flavor may not be as vibrant as using fresh cilantro.

Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, you can. This cilantro vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply blend the ingredients together, transfer to a jar or container, and refrigerate until ready to use. Give it a good shake or stir before serving to recombine the ingredients.

Is this vinaigrette vegan-friendly?

Yes, this cilantro vinaigrette is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It’s made with simple plant-based ingredients like fresh cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and honey (or alternative sweetener). It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled tofu for a delicious vegan meal.

Can I use this vinaigrette as a marinade?

Yes, you can. This cilantro vinaigrette doubles as a delicious marinade for meats, seafood, or tofu. Simply coat your protein of choice with the vinaigrette, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking. The flavors will infuse into the protein, creating a delicious and tender result when cooked.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette?

Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, simply add more honey or alternative sweetener to the mixture before blending. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

Can I use this vinaigrette as a dipping sauce?

Yes, you can. This cilantro vinaigrette makes a delicious dipping sauce for grilled meats, vegetables, or crusty bread. Simply serve it alongside your favorite dishes as a delicious and zesty accompaniment. You can also drizzle it over tacos, quesadillas, or nachos for an extra burst of flavor.

Have any comments or questions? Drop them in the comment box below. I will reply ASAP.

Also, check out our other recipes that are sure to make you go cray-cray with joy 😹.

You will find the recipe in full below 👇👇👇.