This creamy, vegan cilantro lime dressing is a simple, flavour-packed salad dressing that comes together in minutes. Dairy-free and paleo-friendly, it brightens salads and works beautifully as a dip or a marinade.
Healthy dressings like a vegan Caesar or a strawberry basil vinaigrette add a lot of interest to meals, and this vegan cilantro lime dressing will do the same. It delivers bright lime, fresh cilantro, and a rich, creamy texture without yogurt, mayo, cashews, or avocado.
Recipe highlights:
- Vibrant flavour: bright, zesty lime balanced with fresh cilantro and a creamy base.
- Fast and easy: ready in minutes with just a blender or food processor.
- Diet-friendly: vegan, Whole30, dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, paleo, low carb, keto, and AIP compatible when using the suggested ingredients.
For other dressings, try dill pickle or a dairy-free Caesar to vary your salads.
Ingredient notes:
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Fresh cilantro: provides bright herbaceous flavour and a vivid green color.
- Lime: use fresh zest and juice for the best citrus brightness.
- Full-fat coconut milk: gives a rich, creamy base; avoid low-fat varieties for better texture and mouthfeel.
- Avocado oil: a neutral oil that smooths the dressing; olive oil can be substituted if preferred.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- No coconut milk? Use unsweetened cashew milk for a similar creamy result.
- More lime: increase lime juice and zest to intensify citrus notes.
- Thicker texture: swap coconut milk for a dairy-free plain yogurt to make the dressing tangier and creamier.
- Extra flavour: add 1–2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or a pinch of black pepper to taste.
How to make vegan cilantro lime dressing:
Step 1
Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender or food processor.
Step 2
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping the sides as needed.
Step 3
Transfer the dressing to a jar or bottle. Chill if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Serving ideas:
This dressing is versatile and can be used in many ways, including:
- As a dressing for green salads, coleslaw, or pasta salad.
- As a dip for raw vegetables, shrimp, crackers, or chips.
- As a marinade for proteins or vegetables; it pairs well with chicken and fish.
- Drizzled over tacos, fish tacos, or burrito bowls for a fresh finish.
Vegan cilantro lime dressing FAQs:
No. Made with full-fat coconut milk and oil, this dressing contains healthy fats and provides a richer texture. Expect about 8 grams of fat per serving.
Yes. The dressing is low in carbs—about 1 gram per serving—making it suitable for keto diets.
Approximately 1 gram of sugar per serving, depending on ingredients used.
Yes, when made with compliant ingredients (full-fat coconut milk and compliant oil).
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Shake or stir before serving if separation occurs.
Other vegan recipes you will love:
Healthy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe-
Easy Dairy-Free Sour Cream with Cashews
-
Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce with Cashews (dairy-free & vegan)
-
Vegan Dill Pickle Dip with Cashews
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Recipe
Vegan Cilantro Lime Dressing
Equipment
- Vitamix blender (or other high-speed blender)
Ingredients
- 1 bunch cilantro
- zest from 1 lime
- juice from 1 lime
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
Instructions
-
Place all ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
-
Transfer to a jar, refrigerate if desired, then serve.
Notes
- This dressing stores well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Use it as a dip, sauce, marinade, or salad dressing.
- Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 1 g
|
Protein: 1 g
|
Fat: 8 g