This cilantro lime dressing is one that I love… and return to often! It has a bright, vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor, and pairs spectacularly with Asian- or Mexican-inspired dishes.
It’s said that you either love cilantro or hate it. Well, this dressing is for the cilantro lovers! Or basil lovers… stay with me!
This recipe comes from Dreena’s Kind Kitchen. I’m proud of the oil-free dressings in that book.
In addition to this Cilantro Lovers Dressing, I also have an irresistible Italian Vinaigrette (this recipe is in our cooking challenge, have you joined?), a Ninja Dressing (made with sweet spuds, fresh turmeric & ginger), my very popular Buddha Dressing – and quite a few more!
Today I’m bringing you this cilantro lime dressing, because it’s one I turn to often, especially in the warmer months.
I just showcased it in this video, except it’s not cilantro (still with me?!)…
See, one night I really wanted to make my cilantro dressing but had basil on hand. I made a simple tweak to the recipe, and voila… basil dressing.
Today I am sharing the original cilantro dressing version, and the modifications to make it a bright and flavorful basil dressing.
Either way, I think you’ll love this oil-free vegan dressing. Let me know how you serve it, and which variation you made.
Share your feedback in the comments – it’s quiet out there! 😉 x Dreena
Cilantro Lovers Dressing (or Basil!)
It’s said that you either love cilantro or hate it. Well, this dressing is for the cilantro lovers! It’s vibrant, tangy, fresh, and pairs spectacular with Asian- or Mexican-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves lightly packed (see note for basil version)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley note: preserves color
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 3 – 3 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or lime juice use lemon for basil version
- 1 – 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup sweeten to desired taste
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin optional for basil version
- few pinches allspice omit for basil version
- ground black pepper if desired
Instructions
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In a blender, add all ingredients (starting with 3 tbsp lemon/lime juice (lemon preferable with basil) and 1 tbsp maple syrup) and puree until well combined and somewhat smooth. This will be easiest using a high-powered blender. If you have trouble getting the mixture smooth, you may need to double the batch so there is enough liquid in the jar to puree. Once pureed, taste, and adjust with extra lemon/lime juice and/or sweetener and extra salt/pepper if desired. Serve!
Notes
Basil Note: Only use fresh basil in this recipe – you cannot substitute dried. If using basil, opt for lemon juice over lime juice, and omit the allspice and optionally the cumin.
