Cilantro Lime Dressing (Cafe Rio Copycat Recipe) (2024)

This Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette is a fresh and zesty dressing for all kinds of salads. The perfect Cafe Rio and Costa Vida copycat recipe!

This Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette recipe is so fresh and tasty, you’ll want to put it on every salad you eat! Our copycat version uses fresh cilantro, lime and tomatillos blended together to taste JUST like the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette at Cafe Rio and Costa Vida. I have tried time and again to get this recipe just right, and I can happily report that after years of trying to figure out this recipe, I finally did it! Plus it’s a healthy, fresh alternative to bottled salad dressings. Try it and see for yourself how spot on this copycat recipe is!

Ingredients in Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

• Tomatillos
• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Jalapeño peppers
• Limes
• Sugar
• Balsamic Vinaigrette

What are Tomatillos?

One of the most important ingredients in this Cilantro Lime Dressing is tomatillos. They may look like unripe tomatoes, but these small, green fruits have a slightly more acidic, less sweet flavor than tomatoes and the texture is much thicker than tomatoes. You can find them in the produce section at your regular grocery store. To prepare, remove the tough outer husk, give them a quick rinse, then toss them in the food processor or blender and blend until smooth with the rest of the ingredients listed below. Tomatillos can be eaten raw or roasted, and their fresh flavor is perfect for a light, zesty dressing. If you love tomatillos (I know I do!) try our Homemade Tomatillo Salsa Verde next time you make Mexican food.

Additions and Variations

• For a slightly healthier alternative, swap out the sugar for a little honey or maple syrup
• Add extra jalapeño or some red pepper flakes for more of a kick
• To make a creamier dressing, add an avocado or some Greek yogurt.
• To make the Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing, swap out the balsamic vinaigrette for ranch dressing or simply use our Cafe Rio Ranch Dressing recipe.
• Add a little kosher salt and black pepper to the dressing if needed to make it more savory

Read Next: Cafe Rio Copycat Recipes

Tips for Making Cilantro Lime Dressing

• Using the freshest ingredients available will make all the difference in how this dressing turns out. I can usually find good tomatillos in most grocery stores but you could venture out to a farmer’s market or try growing your own!
• Look for fresh cilantro as well. You can find fresh bunches of cilantro in the produce section of your grocery store, but I love growing it in my garden. It’s easy to grow and it can be used in a million different recipes.
• When you blend this dressing, make sure you mix it REALLY well to get rid of any chunks. This dressing is best served super smooth.
• This recipe makes a huge batch of cilantro lime dressing. You can store it in a bottle or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use it for salads, a dip for veggies, or as a marinade for chicken, fish, or beef. It’s so delicious!

Uses For Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

This vinaigrette doesn’t just have to be for taco salads, it can be used in a variety of ways! Try it over tacos, as as seasoning over rice, in burritos, as a dressing for bean salads, and more! When mixed with Greek yogurt it makes for a great dip for chips.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover dressing in a glass mason jar with a lid or an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to use, shake well before pouring over salad.

What Our Readers Are Saying About This Vinaigrette

“I was looking for a recipe for cilantro lime dressing for our church wide meal that wasn’t mayonnaise base when I found this. This is so good. It looks and taste like the dressing from Costa Vida. After the meal, all the helpers in the kitchen wanted to take some home. Since i made a triple batch, i had plenty leftover. Very yummy and good! It was a hit. this recipe is a keeper.” – Kelly

“Had this for dinner last night and it’s dead on! We made a salad with the dressing, but I also marinated some boneless, skinless chicken breasts in some of the dressing overnight and then browned it in a pan. The result was incredible. It’s just like Cafe Rio, but without sitting in traffic! I have a feeling this will be a new staple for our family.” – Emma

“I’m just going to write on this post, but I used ALL of your recipes… We made the pulled pork salad paired with some enchiladas and Mexican rice my brother in law and his wife made for our mother’s day dinner for my mother in law who is in love with cafe rio. OH. MY. GOSH. This whole thing is SO good. The guacamole is psychotically amazing, the pork insane, I made the tortilla strips fried in coconut oil and they were the best, and this dressing totally brings everything together. My husband and I love it so much that I’m making it again tomorrow just for us. Thank you so much for sharing your talent to know what flavors are being used to re-create these awesome dishes!!” – Melinda

More Delicious Copycat Recipes

We love a good copycat recipe, and we absolutely adore anything from Cafe Rio and Costa Vida! As much as we love going out to eat, there’s something so comforting about creating a homemade meal in your very own kitchen so are a bunch of our most scrumptious recipes straight from our favorite restaurant.

Even More Delicious Recipes to Pair with This Dressing

• Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Copycat
• Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo)
• Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Best Guacamole EVER

FAQs About Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

How to Make Cilantro Lime Dressing (Cafe Rio Copycat)