Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette {Cafe Rio Copycat}
Ingredients
- juice of 3 limes
- 1/2 cups seasoned rice vinegar or white whine vinegar I prefer rice though
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt or sea salt
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup oil
- heaping 1/2 cup chopped cilantro I use about 1/2 bunch.
- jalapeno seeded and chopped (totally optional, usually I leave it out, but sometimes I add one to change it up. It doesn't really make it spicy, it just adds that peppery flavor if you know what I mean.)
Instructions
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You can make this one of two ways, combine everything except cilantro in blender, and give a whirl. Add cilantro and blend until the cilantro is the way you like it, into bigger or smaller pieces. If you make it in the blender, you don't have to worry about mincing the garlic too much.
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Or you can mix everything together in a jar or a bowl and just stir really well before you pour it. Obviously you would want to mince/chop things a bit more. I've done it both ways and I suppose it comes down to whether you want to chop and mince, or clean your blender.
Recipe Notes
This dressing is very tangy, I like it this way and most everyone I have served it to has as well. I know it breaks the usual vinaigrette oil to vinegar rule of 3:1, but I find once added to the salad the flavor of the dressing lightens up quite a bit. If you find yourself questioning the vinegar you could start by adding only 1/4 of a cup and then adding the extra as desired or by adding 1/3 cup vinegar with 1/4 cup water.
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Robert, I have no clue why you removed your comment 🙂 I’m so glad I had the chance to read it first! I was thrilled to learn that you love the dressing as much was we do! Thanks for your kind words!
This really sounds delicious Jasey, pinning! 🙂
It’s one of my very favorite salad dressings, Lori! Super delicious!
I need to try this. Homemade dressing are always the best!
Yes, they are! And they are so ridiculously easy too!
This sounds delicious to me. How long does this keep? Obviously I will store it in the fridge but for how long?
Jen, I’m really not sure as we’ve always used it quick enough that I’ve never had to worry.
I too absolutely luv the dressing from Cafe Rio. I can never get enough. I just tried the recipie above and it is perfect! I added a Serrano chili because I had some in my garden. I also added some ground black pepper and more like an entire bunch of cilantro. Thank you so much for the recipie!!!
Thank you! I’m so glad you love it!
How long does it keep for after making a batch?
Honestly, I’m not sure, it never lasts more than a day or two, here.
I can’t wait to try it. I LOVE this dressing, and often come home with an extra side just to have at home.
It’s one of my favorites too! Let me know what you think!
Me too! I’d love to know what you think if you try it! Yum!