This Creamy Cilantro Dressing is the kind of sauce that makes a simple bowl taste like you planned it properly. It’s tangy from the lime, fresh from the cilantro, lightly spicy from the jalapeño, and creamy thanks to thick soy yogurt. I especially love it with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, and crunchy cabbage, but it also works beautifully in wraps, tacos, grain bowls, and quick lunch salads. It takes about 5 minutes to make and instantly adds so much flavor.
Creamy Cilantro Dressing
This creamy cilantro dressing is tangy, zesty, and lightly spicy from jalapeño. Made with soy yogurt, lime, cilantro, and cumin, it’s perfect for salads, wraps, bowls, and tacos.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 g) thick soy yogurt
- 1 cup (16 g) cilantro
- 1 jalapeño - deseeded
- 1 lime - zest and juice
- 1 pinch sea salt flakes
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
Instructions
- Place the soy yogurt, cilantro, deseeded jalapeño, lime zest and juice, sea salt flakes, and cumin in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Adjust the salt to taste.
- You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days until it is ready to use.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving/Portion
Calories: 75 kcalCarbohydrates: 5 gProtein: 5 gFat: 4 gSodium: 198 mgFiber: 1 gVitamin A: 37 IUVitamin C: 14 mgCalcium: 102 mgIron: 1 mg
Why I love this recipe (as a nutritionist)
- Fresh and creamy: soy yogurt gives the dressing body while keeping it light and tangy.
- A great way to use herbs: cilantro brings a bright flavor and counts toward your intake of leafy greens, and antioxidants.
- Quick flavor boost: it turns roasted vegetables, beans, and grains into a meal that feels elevated.
- Nut-free and gluten-free: perfect for sharing, especially when you need a dressing that works for different dietary needs.
- Protein from the yogurt: soy yogurt adds a small but helpful protein boost while keeping the dressing creamy.
Ingredient notes
- Thick soy yogurt: gives the dressing its creamy base. Use an unsweetened plain yogurt so the flavor stays savory.
- Cilantro: brings the fresh, green flavor. Use the tender stems too, they blend well and have so much flavor.
- Jalapeño: adds a gentle kick. Deseed it for a milder dressing or leave some seeds in if you want more heat.
- Lime: both the zest and juice are used, which makes the dressing bright and zesty.
- Cumin: adds warmth and works especially well with sweet potato, black beans, corn, and avocado.
Variations and tips
- Make it spicier: add extra jalapeño or leave in a few seeds.
- Make it soy-free: use a thick unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt if soy is not for you. This will lower the protein content.
- Use it as a sauce: drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes, burrito bowls, tacos, or loaded salads.
- Keep it thick: thick yogurt gives the best texture. Thin yogurt can make the dressing watery.
- Blend just until smooth: once the cilantro is fully blended, you’re done. Over-blending can warm the dressing.
Why you’ll love this creamy cilantro dressing TL;DR
- Fresh flavor
- Super creamy
- 5-minute sauce
- Nut-free
- Zesty kick
FAQ
Is this creamy cilantro dressing gluten-free?
Yes, the dressing is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dressing soy-free?
Yes, use another thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt. Coconut or almond yogurt both work, but the flavor will change slightly.
How long does cilantro dressing last?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, remove all the jalapeño seeds or use half a jalapeño.
What does creamy cilantro dressing go with?
It’s amazing with sweet potatoes, black beans, roasted corn, avocado, tacos, wraps, and grain bowls.
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