Artificial Food Coloring Free Cilantro Lime Sauce
That vivid green color comes entirely from fresh cilantro and a ripe avocado — no dyes, no artificial anything, just real ingredients doing exactly what they're supposed to do. Store-bought green sauces and dressings are some of the sneakiest offenders when it comes to synthetic colorings and preservatives, so making your own is genuinely worth the five minutes it takes. Everything goes straight into a blender: cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, olive oil, and cumin, and what comes out is bright, herby, and just a little spicy. The optional avocado addition takes it from a thin drizzle to a thick, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to whatever you're serving it with. A quick taste at the end lets you dial in the lime and salt exactly to your liking, which no bottle on a shelf can offer. It's the kind of versatile condiment that makes tacos, grain bowls, grilled proteins, and even simple roasted vegetables feel like a proper meal.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- ½ ripe avocado, pitted and scooped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cilantro, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil, water, cumin, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.
- 2
Blend on high until the sauce is smooth and uniformly green, about 30–45 seconds, scraping down the sides once halfway through.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!