This creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing is fresh, zesty, and packed with bold flavor. Made with mayo, lime juice, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh cilantro, it’s perfect for salads, tacos, grain bowls, or as a dipping sauce. Quick to make and easy to store, this versatile dressing adds a vibrant kick to any meal.

This is an image of cilantro lime dressing in a white bowl with a spoon resting in it. The bowl is sitting on top of a tan towel and there's cilantro, limes, and salt around the bowl.

There’s something about a good homemade dressing that just makes everything feel a little more put together — even when the rest of the day is, well… not. This Cilantro Lime Dressing has become a staple in our kitchen because it’s bright, bold, and brings so much flavor with so little effort (which, let’s be honest, is the sweet spot for most of us trying to juggle dinner with a baby on our hip).

This isn’t just a drizzle-it-on-your-salad-and-go kind of dressing (although it does make salads taste amazing). It’s also my favorite way to add a burst of freshness to crispy chicken tacos, chicken burrito bowls, or even as a dipping sauce for carnitas egg rolls — basically anything that could use a little pick-me-up. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to serve when you’re hosting friends or building a taco bar with your kids.

Whether you’re tossing this into a lunch salad or spooning it over some buffalo chicken taquitors (hi, yes please), this Cilantro Lime Dressing is a little bottle of joy — made for the everyday, and perfect for sharing.

INGREDIENTS FOR THIS CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

Mayonaisse

Garlic cloves

Lime

Dijon mustard

Worcestershire sauce

Grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh cilantro

Salt

Ground pepper

This is an image of the ingredients needed to make cilantro lime dressing

HOW TO MAKE THIS CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

In a blender or food processor, add the fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Blend the ingredients on medium speed until smooth and well combined. If needed, scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

This is an image of the ingredients needed to make cilantro lime dressing sitting in a food processor unblended.
This is an image of the cilantro lime dressing sitting in a food processor.

Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors as desired. Add more lime juice for tanginess, or salt and pepper for seasoning.

Once you’re satisfied with the taste, transfer the dressing to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time will enhance the taste and consistency of the dressing.

Before using, give the dressing a good shake to mix any separation that may have occurred during refrigeration.

Serve the Cilantro Lime Dressing over your favorite salads, grilled vegetables, tacos, or use it as a versatile dipping sauce. The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This is an image of cilantro lime dressing in a white bowl with a spoon resting in it. The bowl is sitting on top of a tan towel and there's cilantro, limes, and salt around the bowl.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will this dressing last?

It’s best to keep it stored in the fridge and enjoy it within a week of making!

This is an image of cilantro lime dressing in a white bowl with a spoon resting in it. The bowl is sitting on top of a tan towel and there's cilantro, limes, and salt around the bowl.

Cilantro Lime Dressing

Taylor Jackzen
This creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing is fresh, zesty, and packed with bold flavor. It's an easy to make and versatile dressing that will be come a staple in your home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 10

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Mayonaisse
  • 2 small garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice from one lime
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 handful cilantro about 1/2 cup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a blender or food processor, add the fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  • Blend the ingredients on medium speed until smooth and well combined. If needed, scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  • Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors as desired. Add more lime juice for tanginess, or salt and pepper for seasoning.
  • Once you’re satisfied with the taste, transfer the dressing to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time will enhance the taste and consistency of the dressing.
  • Before using, give the dressing a good shake to mix any separation that may have occurred during refrigeration.
  • Serve the Cilantro Lime Dressing over your favorite salads, grilled vegetables, tacos, or use it as a versatile dipping sauce.

Notes

This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.