Cilantro Lime Dressing: A Burst of Freshness for Your Mexican Meals

If you're looking to add a vibrant and flavorful twist to your Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, look no further than this Cilantro Lime Dressing. It's bright, sunny, and fresh, making it the perfect accompaniment to salads, tacos, grilled vegetables, and more. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this dressing is easy to whip up and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• ½ cup lime juice (from about 4 to 6 limes)

• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro (mostly leaves, small stems are okay, from about 1 small bunch)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, to taste

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• Scant ½ teaspoon fine salt, to taste

• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped

Optional Ingredients:

• For spice: 1 small jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, and roughly chopped, and/or a pinch of red pepper flakes

• For creamy dressing: 2 tablespoons tahini or ½ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt

Preparation Steps:

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a food processor or small blender, combine all the ingredients: olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, cumin, salt, and garlic. If you prefer a spicy kick, add the jalapeño or red pepper flakes. For a creamy version, add the tahini or Greek yogurt.

2. Blend:

   • Process the mixture until completely smooth, with tiny flecks of cilantro visible. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

3. Adjust Seasoning:

   • Taste the dressing and adjust as necessary. If it’s too tart, add more honey or maple syrup by the teaspoon. If it’s a bit bitter or needs more flavor, add a pinch or two of salt. For additional spice, add more red pepper flakes and blend again.

4. Serve or Store:

   • Serve the dressing immediately or transfer it to a covered jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes:

• Make it Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey. For a creamy vegan dressing, choose tahini.

• Customization: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add more lime juice for extra tartness, or more honey/maple syrup for sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

• Lime Juice: High in vitamin C, it boosts the immune system and adds a zesty flavor.

• Cilantro: Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, with potential detoxifying properties.

• Honey/Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that provide a hint of sweetness without refined sugars.

• Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Serving Suggestions:

• Salads: Drizzle over a fresh green salad for a zesty flavor boost.

• Tacos: Use as a topping for fish or chicken tacos.

• Grilled Vegetables: Enhance the taste of grilled veggies by adding this dressing.

• Dips: Use as a dip for fresh veggies or as a sauce for grilled meats.

This Cilantro Lime Dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. Its bold, fresh taste will elevate any dish, making it a must-have for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. Enjoy the burst of freshness and zest this dressing brings to your meals!