Mexican Vinaigrette Recipe (Cilantro Lime Dressing)

Fresh, zesty, and packed with bold flavors, this Mexican vinaigrette recipe (cilantro lime dressing and marinade) is the perfect addition to salads, grilled veggies, tacos, and more. With simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep, you can make a vibrant homemade dressing that tastes better than anything from the store!

Homemade dressings are always better, and this Mexican vinaigrette recipe is no exception! With a perfect balance of tangy lime, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a must-have for adding fresh flavor to your favorite dishes. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make! It’s incredible as a dressing for taco salads and burrito bowls or served with any of your favorite Mexican dishes.

My family is OBSESSED with Mexican food and it can get super pricy heading to our favorite local spot. We’ve implemented “Taco Tuesday” into our weekly meal plan and we all get very excited to have our favorite Mexican inspired favorite dishes each week.

From burrito bowls to our family favorite, lazy enchiladas, Taco Tuesday NEVER misses! This Mexican vinaigrette recipe is the latest on our list of obsessions. There’s truly nothing better than a nice hearty taco salad for lunch and this vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch.

It’s definitely not limited to salads, though. It’s an incredible marinade for chicken or steak, and can be used as a dipping sauce or topping for nearly any of our favorite Mexican dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Vinaigrette Recipe

• Bright and fresh – The combination of lime juice and cilantro makes this vinaigrette irresistibly fresh and flavorful.
• Quick and easy – It takes 5 minutes or less to make with simple ingredients.
• Versatile – Use it as a salad dressing, marinade, or drizzle for tacos, bowls, and grilled meats.
• Healthier than store-bought – Made with wholesome ingredients and no preservatives.
• Customizable – Easily adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or consistency to your liking.

The Role of Each Ingredient

• Avocado Oil – Provides a smooth, neutral base and healthy fats for a creamy texture.
• Fresh Lime Juice – Adds brightness and tang to balance the flavors.
• Fresh Garlic – Gives a slight punch and depth of flavor.
• Cilantro – The star of the dressing, bringing fresh and herbaceous notes.
• Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Salt & Pepper – Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.

Tips and Substitutions

• Oil Options – If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil works well too.
• Sweetener Swap – Swap honey for maple syrup or agave. It’s an added bonus that you can use the agave with lime juice for a perfect fresh margarita!
• Adjust the Tang – Add more lime juice for extra zing or a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
• Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small jalapeño for heat.
• Blend It Smooth – For an ultra-creamy texture, blend the vinaigrette instead of pulsing in a food processor.

Equipment Needed for This Mexican Vinaigrette Recipe

• Knife: You’ll need a good knife for chopping cilantro and limes and mincing garlic (if you don’t have a garlic press).
• Garlic Press: A garlic press is one of my go-to tools in the kitchen making mincing garlic quick and easy.
• Cutting Board
• Food Processor or Blender: You can feel free to leave the dressing chunky, but I prefer a smoother texture. Use a food processor or blender to pulse the ingredients to your desired consistency. If you are looking for a small and affordable food processor, I love my tiny one from Cuisinart. I have a huge and heavy (yet incredible) blender that I don’t always love dragging out of the pantry for a quick meal so my little food processor is used frequently for recipes like this one.
• Mason Jar or Airtight Container: As an Appalachian gal who grew up with grandparents who gardened and canned, there are never shortages of mason jars on hand. I LOVE buying wide mouth quart mason jars to store dressings and use this pour lid to make it easy to use my dressing and marinade throughout the week!

How to Store This Mexican Vinaigrette Recipe

Store your cilantro lime vinaigrette in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using, as natural separation may occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is best for flavor, but if needed, you can use dried cilantro (about 1 teaspoon per tablespoon of fresh).

Can I freeze this vinaigrette?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.

Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.

What flavors go well with cilantro lime?

Red onion, avocado, ginger, and sweet fruits pair well with cilantro and lime. It’s also a great seasoning for meats like steak and chicken or veggies like onions, bell peppers, lettuce, and more.

Can I use vinegar in this recipe?

Yes! We typically use only lime juice as the acid in this dressing but you can use the vinegar of your choice as well. It can be made with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar – both are delicious. I do still add some lime even when using vinegar to maintain the lime flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients – Chop the cilantro, mince the garlic, and juice the limes.
2. Combine everything – In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend for a smoother texture – If desired, blend in a food processor or blender for a creamy consistency.
4. Taste and adjust – Add more lime juice, honey, or seasoning as needed.
5. Store and enjoy – Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

This Mexican vinaigrette recipe (cilantro lime dressing and marinade) will take your meals to the next level with its fresh and tangy flavor. Drizzle it over salads, use it as a marinade, or spoon it over tacos for an instant flavor boost. Enjoy!

Looking for other yummy Mexican inspired dishes? Try my incredible salsa roja recipe, this easy 2-ingredient guacamole recipe, or these healthy and delicious at home burrito bowls.

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