Everyday Cilantro Lime Dressing
A good salad dressing goes a long way. Yes — you can use it to top your salads, but if it’s the right dressing you can use it to top your proteins, grains, and basically anything your heart desires — like your meal prep staples. The flavors will permeate your dishes without being too overwhelming. And to me, it’s important that the dressing not alter the nutritional profile when you’re looking at the macronutrients of carbohydrates and fat, in particular, in an major way. The dressing can pack in all the micronutrients it wants. That’s what this everyday salad dressing is all about.
Jump To Recipe
I struggle with a lot of salad dressings, even those considered “healthy," because my body has a tough time tolerating oils. It’s something I’ve dealt with since I was a child. And though it means I miss out of some of the most flavorful aspects of dishes I might eat outside my home or in restaurants, I’ve taken the time to learn about what works for me. And believe me — I make sure it’s available as much as a can.
The oils found in a lot of salad dressings are not the highest of quality, which isn’t good for your body. You can have an inflammatory response from the oils alone and not even realize it.
The beauty of this everyday salad dressing is that it’s oil-free, and that oil generally the highest calorie component of the salad dressings you might see on the shelves of your favorite grocery store. Instead of getting fat from refined oils, this salad dressing allows you add in fats from other whole sources, like nuts, seeds, avocado or eggs.
But just because that oil is gone doesn’t mean there is any sacrifice when it comes to flavor. This salad dressing packs a powerful punch for your tastebuds — trust me.
Diet Deconstructed
Apple Cider Vinegar
When used properly, apple cider vinegar has so many body benefits. From helping to regulate blood sugar, to helping lower triglycerides, to alleviating heartburn and indigestion, it’s been used for centuries for a variety of reasons. It’s acidic, so you have to balance that out and should only consume small quantities at a time.
Lime
Limes are loaded with vitamin C and lots of antioxidants that can enhance immunity, reduce the risk of kidney stones and give your skin that healthy glow, among other wonderful benefits. And let’s not forget about the flavor. Lime provides a flavor boost for all types of recipes, from super sweet to savory. It’s the perfect acidic note that’s not too overwhelming.
Cilantro
Cilantro is another flavor booster that is packed with body benefits. It’s been shown to reduce pain and inflammation and it also has anticancer effects in lab tests. Cilantro also has skin benefits. It can improve skin conditions like mild dermatitis, dryness and cellular damage caused by sun exposure. This recipe calls for cilantro leaves, but you can use ground seeds (coriander), as well as coriander seed oil.
Everyday Cilantro Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 TBS honey
- 2 TBS water
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in small mason jar or other vessel.
- Shake vigorously to combine.
- Store in refrigerator.
Notes:
A little goes a long way. 1 TBS = 1 serving. I suggest allow the flavors to come together for one day in the refrigerator before eating if you can.
Give this a try, and a let me know what you think. Remember — don’t use too much. You only need about a table spoon for a nice big salad. Once you mix it up, the flavor will be everywhere! Be sure to comment and share your photos. Tag @jordanparkermeans and use #dietdeconstructed on Instagram.