Cilantro Lime Sauce (dairy free)

This simple and healthy cilantro lime sauce is for tacos, enchiladas, salads, or even grilled meats and seafood. Mildly spicy, with notes of cilantro and tangy lime, it’s the perfect complement to any Mexican inspired dish!

Small jar of green sauce, with ingredients around it.

Recommended Recipe Pairings

Cilantro lime sauce will go great with most any Mexican inspired meals. Here are some of my top recommendations:

Tips and Substitutions

I recommend sticking mostly to the recipe on this one, since there aren’t that many ingredients to begin with. There are a few moderations, however!

What can I use instead of cashews?

If you don’t have cashews or want to make this nut free, you can use 1 cup of silken tofu, plain Greek yogurt, or plain regular yogurt, and thin with a bit of water as you’re blending.

Do I have to soak the cashews?

Technically, no. Soaking the cashews allows them to soften up so they can make the dressing creamier. If you don’t soak the cashews, your dressing just won’t be as creamy, and the cashews may not blend up completely, especially if you’re using a regular blender, and not a high speed one like Vitamix.

All I have is salted cashews. Can I use them?

Yes! Soak them for a bit longer – up to overnight – and omit the added salt at the end.

How can I make this less spicy?

To make the lime cilantro dressing less spicy, simply omit the jalapeno pepper, or use only half of one. To make it spicier, add the pepper seeds in with the pepper.

If you make this delicious, creamy cilantro lime sauce, tell me in the comments!

Love Mexican-inspired condiments? Try my Salsa Verde, Blistered Guacamole, and DIY Salt Free Taco Seasoning!

Small jar of green sauce, with ingredients around it.
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Cilantro Lime Sauce (dairy free)

This simple and healthy cilantro lime sauce is for tacos, enchiladas, salads, or even grilled meats and seafood. Mildly spicy, with notes of cilantro and tangy lime, it's the perfect complement to any Mexican inspired dish!

Course Condiment
Cuisine American, Mexican
Diet DiabeticDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet, LowFatDiet, LowLactoseDiet, LowSaltDiet, VeganDiet, VegetarianDiet
Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 14
Calories 25 kcal
Author Laura Yautz

Ingredients

  • ½ cup raw, unsalted Cashews
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro (stems and all)
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine cashews and water, and allow to soak for at least an hour, or up to overnight.
  2. Add the soaked cashews with the soaking water, and all other ingredients to a blender.
  3. Blend on high until completely smooth.
  4. Taste and adjust salt, if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Cilantro Lime Sauce (dairy free)
Amount Per Serving (2 Tbsp)
Calories 25 Calories from Fat 16
% Daily Value*
Fat 1.8g3%
Saturated Fat 0.3g2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 1.8mg0%
Potassium 42.6mg1%
Carbohydrates 1.9g1%
Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugar 0.4g0%
Protein 0.8g2%
Vitamin A 4.5IU0%
Vitamin C 3.4mg4%
Calcium 3.8mg0%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Small jar of green sauce, with ingredients around it. Text overlay: Vegan Cilantro Lime Sauce. Great on tacos, enchiladas, and salads!
Small jar of green sauce, with ingredients around it. Text overlay: Healthy Cilantro Lime Dressing. For tacos, enchiladas, and salads!

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