How To Make Jalapeno Cilantro Dressing

Making jalapeno cilantro dressing is one of the easiest ways to add a fresh, zesty kick to your meals.
 
This jalapeno cilantro dressing recipe comes together in about five minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
 
If you’ve been looking for a homemade dressing that’s creamy, spicy, and herby all at once, this jalapeno cilantro dressing is exactly what you need.
 
You can drizzle this jalapeno cilantro dressing over salads, tacos, grilled chicken, or even use it as a dip.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make jalapeno cilantro dressing step by step, plus some tips to customize it to your taste.
 
Let’s get blending!
 

How to Make Jalapeno Cilantro Dressing Step by Step

Making jalapeno cilantro dressing is simple, and the best part is you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.
 
Here’s how to make jalapeno cilantro dressing that tastes fresh and vibrant every single time.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make jalapeno cilantro dressing, you’ll need fresh jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and a few pantry staples.
 
For a creamy jalapeno cilantro dressing, add avocado or Greek yogurt to the mix.
 
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic jalapeno cilantro dressing recipe:
 
1-2 fresh jalapenos (seeds removed for less heat), 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1 garlic clove, juice of 1-2 limes, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
 
If you want a creamy version, toss in half an avocado or 1/4 cup Greek yogurt.
 

2. Prep the Jalapenos and Cilantro

Rinse your jalapenos and cilantro well before making jalapeno cilantro dressing.
 
Slice the jalapenos and remove the seeds if you prefer a milder jalapeno cilantro dressing.
 
Keep the seeds if you want that extra spicy kick in your jalapeno cilantro dressing.
 
Chop the cilantro roughly and peel your garlic clove.
 

3. Blend Everything Together

Add the jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and vinegar to a blender or food processor.
 
Pulse a few times until everything breaks down.
 
While the blender is running, slowly stream in the olive oil until your jalapeno cilantro dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
 
If you’re making a creamy jalapeno cilantro dressing, add the avocado or Greek yogurt at this stage.
 

4. Taste and Adjust

Now taste your jalapeno cilantro dressing and adjust the flavors.
 
Need more heat? Add another jalapeno.
 
Want it tangier? Squeeze in more lime juice.
 
If your jalapeno cilantro dressing tastes too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
 

5. Store and Serve

Pour your jalapeno cilantro dressing into a jar or bottle with a tight lid.
 
This jalapeno cilantro dressing stays fresh in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days.
 
Give it a good shake before each use since natural separation happens.
 

Tips for the Best Jalapeno Cilantro Dressing

Once you know how to make jalapeno cilantro dressing, a few small tweaks can take it from good to amazing.
 

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh jalapenos and cilantro make all the difference in jalapeno cilantro dressing.
 
Wilted cilantro or old jalapenos will dull the flavor of your jalapeno cilantro dressing fast.
 

2. Control the Heat Level

The heat in jalapeno cilantro dressing comes mostly from the seeds and white ribs inside the jalapeno.
 
Remove them for a mild jalapeno cilantro dressing, or leave them in for a spicier version.
 

3. Balance the Flavors

Great jalapeno cilantro dressing balances spicy, tangy, salty, and slightly sweet notes.
 
Don’t skip the honey or maple syrup, as a little sweetness rounds out the jalapeno cilantro dressing beautifully.
 

4. Make It Creamy or Thin

You can enjoy jalapeno cilantro dressing either way depending on what you’re serving.
 
A creamy jalapeno cilantro dressing works great as a dip, while a thinner jalapeno cilantro dressing is perfect for tossing salads.
 

Ways to Use Jalapeno Cilantro Dressing

Once you’ve mastered how to make jalapeno cilantro dressing, you’ll want to put it on everything.
 

1. Salads and Bowls

Drizzle jalapeno cilantro dressing over green salads, grain bowls, or taco bowls for an instant flavor boost.
 

2. Tacos and Grilled Meats

Jalapeno cilantro dressing is a game-changer on tacos, burritos, and grilled chicken or steak.
 

3. Dips and Marinades

Use jalapeno cilantro dressing as a dip for veggies or chips, or as a marinade for shrimp and fish.
 

So, How Do You Make Jalapeno Cilantro Dressing?

Making jalapeno cilantro dressing is as easy as blending jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil together.
 
With just a few fresh ingredients and five minutes of your time, you can whip up a jalapeno cilantro dressing that beats anything store-bought.
 
Whether you keep it classic or make it creamy, this jalapeno cilantro dressing will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
 
So grab your blender and give this jalapeno cilantro dressing a try tonight!