5 Minute Cilantro Lime Dressing with Greek Yogurt

This quick and easy cilantro lime Greek yogurt dressing is ready in just 5 minutes and brings a burst of fresh, tangy flavor to tacos, fajitas, salads, and more. Made with simple ingredients like cilantro, garlic lime juice and honey, it’s a great way to instantly elevate your meals!

I am such a sauce girl. Anyone else? I call these Flavor Hacks and even have an entire chapter for them in my cookbook, The Feel-Good Meal Plan.  I love how you can whip up something fresh and simple and it can instantly uplevel the flavor of any dish. 

This cilantro lime dressing recipe adds a fresh, tangy kick to just about anything. Whether you’re drizzling it over 15 Minute Blackened Fish Tacos with Slaw, tossing it into a 10 Minute Prawn Ceviche, Mango and Avocado Salad , or using it as a dip with fresh cut veggies, this creamy cilantro dressing is a total game-changer!

As a dietitian, I love whipping up recipes that are simple, flavorful, and versatile. This cilantro lime Greek yogurt dressing is all that and more! With just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand, it comes together in just 5 minutes and can transform any dish into that next level delicious.

What You Need For Cilantro Lime Dressing

Greek Yogurt: This creamy base provides a rich texture and is packed with protein, making the dressing satisfying and nourishing.

Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs perfectly with Greek yogurt and lime.

Olive Oil: Mellow out the tang of the Greek yogurt and smooths out the texture, plus it brings those satiating plant-powered fats into the mix!

Garlic: I mean, dressings just need garlic, my fave aromatic to intensify the overall flavor.

Lime Juice: Provides a zesty, refreshing kick that ties all the flavors together, making the dressing bright and tangy.

How To Make Cilantro Lime Dressing

Mistakes and Fixes

Too Thick: If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a bit more olive oil or a splash of water until you reach the desired consistency.

Too Thin: If the dressing is too thin, add a bit more Greek yogurt to thicken it up.

Too Bland: If the dressing lacks flavor, try adding a pinch of salt, more lime juice, or an extra clove of garlic to enhance the taste.

Too Tart: If the dressing is too tart, balance it with a bit more honey to sweeten it up.

Not Smooth Enough: If the dressing isn’t smooth, blend it for a bit longer or make sure to chop the cilantro more finely before adding it to the food processor.

Nutritional Benefits (Nutrition by Addition)

When I was working towards my intuitive eating counselor certification, one of the principles that really resonated with me was gentle nutrition. There’s a common misconception that intuitive eating neglects nutrition in favor of indulgence, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!

Gentle nutrition is all about incorporating nourishing ingredients in a way that feels good, not forced. Take this recipe, for example—it’s a delicious twist on a classic dish with some added nutritional benefits that don’t sacrifice flavor or enjoyment.

Consider this cilantro lime dressing as a prime example. My goal was to enhance the flavor while also adding in some extra nutrition, making it both delicious and nourishing.

By incorporating Greek yogurt into the mix, we retain that rich, creamy texture while adding a boost of protein, calcium, and probiotics that support gut health and bone strength. Additionally, fresh cilantro really livens up the dish with its bright flavor, and it’s not just for taste—it also contains vitamins A and K, which are great for your eyes and bones. Plus, it’s got antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.

Remember, while I love finding ways to boost the nutrition in meals, not every dish needs to be perfectly balanced or packed with added nutrients. The key is to add when it feels good and skip it when it doesn’t, all while ensuring that your enjoyment of the meal is never compromised!

Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein (18 grams per ¾ cup serving!), Greek yogurt helps keep you full longer and supports blood sugar balance. It also contains probiotics that are good for your gut and calcium for strong bones.

Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh flavor and is loaded with vitamins A and K, which are good for your eyes and bone health. Plus, it’s got antioxidants to help protect your cells.

Olive Oil: Olive oil provides healthy fats that support heart health and can help manage cholesterol levels. It’s also full of antioxidants.

Garlic: Garlic adds a savory depth and is known for boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation. 

Lime Juice: Lime juice gives a zesty kick and is a great source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system, aids in iron absorption of plant-based iron, and can also support skin health.

Recipe, Kitchen, & Time Saving Hacks

Prep Ahead: Make a batch of this dressing and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. 

Versatility: Use this dressing as a sauce or dip. For a thicker dip consistency, you can add a bit more Greek yogurt. It’s perfect for drizzling over dishes or dipping your favorite veggies.

Quick Clean-Up: Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the food processor after blending to make clean-up easier.

Chop Efficiently: Use kitchen scissors to quickly chop washed cilantro right into the food processor, saving time on prep and reducing mess.

Print