Thin dressings just slide off. This velvety Low-Carb Lime Dressing blends Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro for a dense, grip-the-leaf consistency. It offers a zesty, garlic-infused punch and a cool, creamy texture that coats your mouth instantly.
Why You’ll Put This Sauce on Everything
This isn’t just for salads; it’s a multitasking kitchen hero. Here is why this keto cilantro lime dressing recipe works so well:
Velvety Texture Without the Heaviness
Using Greek yogurt creates a rich, indulgent mouthfeel that clings to your veggies without the oily separation you get in standard vinaigrettes.
Instant Flavor Awakening
The combination of fresh garlic and lime juice cuts through rich meats. It adds a bright pop of acidity that makes grilled chicken or steak feel lighter and fresher.
Zero-Fuss Preparation
There is no chopping or whisking required here. You simply toss everything into a blender and have a gourmet sauce ready in under 10 minutes.
Fresh Ingredients for a Wholesome Boost
I love recipes that make me feel great after eating them. This cilantro lime dressing with greek yogurt swaps out heavy mayonnaise for protein-packed dairy and good fats. It is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a versatile choice for many dietary needs.
Because it utilizes extra-virgin olive oil and fresh herbs, it feels incredibly nourishing. I find it satisfying enough to turn a light lunch into a meal that actually holds me over until dinner.
If you are planning a full low-carb feast, this dressing pairs beautifully with my Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower. The cool dressing complements the roasted char perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Making this dressing is incredibly straightforward. It’s all about the blend.
Prep the Garlic: Slice your garlic clove and check for a green center. Removing this sprout ensures your sauce tastes sweet and savory, not bitter.
Blend the Base: Toss the cilantro (stems and all!), yogurt, lime juice, spices, and sweetener into your food processor. Pulse until the herbs are finely minced and the mixture turns a beautiful vibrant green.
Emulsify: With the motor running on low, slowly stream in the olive oil. This technique creates a silky, glossy emulsion that stays creamy.
Adjust and Store: If it’s too thick for drizzling, whisk in a teaspoon of water at a time until it pours easily.
Tips for the Perfect Batch
Watch the Heat: The jalapeño is optional. If you want the flavor without the fire, remove all seeds and white ribs before blending. For a milder creamy topping without the spice, you might also enjoy checking out my Zesty Avocado Lime Crema.
Storage Matters: Since we are using fresh garlic and dairy, keep this in an airtight jar in the fridge. It stays fresh and vibrant for about 3 to 4 days.
Sweetener Balance: A tiny pinch of sweetener doesn’t make this sweet; it simply rounds out the sharp acidity of the lime and yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. You can swap the Greek yogurt for a plain, unsweetened almond or coconut milk yogurt. It will slightly change the flavor profile, but it remains a delicious creamy cilantro lime dressing option.
Is this suitable for a Keto diet?
Yes! With healthy fats from olive oil and low carbs from the yogurt and herbs, this fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. It’s a great way to add fat and flavor to lean proteins.
This vibrant, creamy dressing offers a tangy kick that perfectly complements grilled proteins or crisp greens. By blending Greek yogurt with plenty of healthy fats and fresh aromatics, this wholesome sauce delivers a rich texture and bold flavor profile without the need for added sugars.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Produce & Dairy
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, tightly packed (washed and dried) (approx. 25g)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2% for best texture) (120g)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (adjust to taste) (30ml)
1 clove garlic, peeled, germ removed (inner green sprout), and smashed
1/2 fresh jalapeño, seeded and stemmed (optional, for heat)
Pantry & Seasonings
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (60ml)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3g)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (1g)
1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon powdered monk fruit or stevia sweetener (to balance acidity)
1-3 teaspoons water (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics: If the garlic clove has a green sprout in the center, slice it open and remove it to prevent bitterness in the final sauce.
Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the cilantro, Greek yogurt, prepared garlic, lime juice, salt, cumin, sweetener, and jalapeño (if using).
Initial Blend: Pulse or blend on high for 30-45 seconds until the cilantro is finely minced and the mixture is largely uniform and green.
Emulsify: Reduce the speed to low. While the motor is running, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. This slow addition creates a silky, stable emulsion.
Texture Check: Stop and test the consistency. The dressing should coat the back of a spoon and pour easily. If it is too thick (common with Greek yogurt), blend in water 1 teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or sweetener if needed.
Storage: Transfer immediately to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate.
Notes
Safety & Storage: This dressing contains fresh garlic and dairy with no preservatives. Keep it strictly refrigerated and consume within 3 to 4 days. Do not leave it sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
Spoilage Check: Discard immediately if you notice significant water separation, gas bubbles/foam, or a sharp, fermented smell.
Texture: The increased olive oil ratio in this version ensures a pourable, salad-ready consistency compared to thicker dip-style versions.
Allergy Alert: Contains Milk (Yogurt). For a dairy-free variation, substitute with unsweetened plain almond or coconut milk yogurt (note: this will alter the nutritional profile).
Nutritional Information
(Estimates per serving based on 8 servings total)
Calories: 75 kcal
Total Fat: 7.5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 2mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1.2g
Dietary Fiber: 0.1g
Sugars: 0.8g
Net Carbs: 1.1g
Protein: 1.5g
Disclaimer: These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.
I hope this vibrant green sauce becomes a staple in your fridge just like it has in mine. It’s a small effort that yields a massive flavor payoff for your weekday meals. Remember, these are just my kitchen adventures—chat with your doctor for personalized tips!
Kristina Hanson is an independent wellness researcher and the founder of DailyZests. After a PCOS diagnosis, she focused her research on managing insulin resistance through evidence-based nutrition. Her work translates the science of DASH, Mediterranean, and Low-Carb eating into easy, family-tested recipes.
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