Lush Cilantro Dressing

A bright and creamy dressing is packed with fresh cilantro and zesty lime, making it the perfect way to elevate any salad or grilled dish. It’s quick to whip up and adds a refreshing burst of flavor every time.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 5 min

Total Time 15 min

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients 0/8

1 ½ cups canola oil 5 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese 2 cloves garlic, peeled 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 small bunches fresh cilantro, stems removed 1 ½ cups mayonnaise ¼ cup water

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dressing is bright and fresh with a burst of vibrant cilantro flavor. It adds a zesty kick to any dish and is perfect for those who enjoy bold, herb-forward sauces. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients.

Cooking Tips You Should Know

- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Dried herbs won’t give the same fresh taste.
- Blend the dressing just until smooth to keep a nice texture.
- Adjust the acidity by adding more lime juice or vinegar to suit your taste.

Step 1

Set your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat it. Line a baking sheet with foil, then place the peppers cut side down on the sheet. Pop them under the broiler and cook until their skins are nicely blackened and blistered—this usually takes around 5 to 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap so they can steam and cool for about 20 minutes. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel off and discard the skins.

Step 2

Toss the roasted peppers, canola oil, pepitas, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cotija cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor. Give everything a quick blend until it’s combined—about 10 seconds. Then, add the cilantro gradually, blending until the dressing is smooth and vibrant.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and water until the mixture is silky. Finally, pour in the pepper blend and stir everything together until it’s fully mixed and ready to enjoy.

How To Serve This Dish

This dressing pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, salads, and roasted meats. It also makes a great dip for fresh veggies or a flavorful topping for tacos and bowls.

Storing Food Safely

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days. Stir well before each use, as ingredients may separate over time.

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By Daniel Carter

Recipe Developer

Daniel focuses on practical, easy-to-follow recipes designed for everyday home cooking.