I’m not really sure why, but I’ve always been a bit obsessed with cilantro. Maybe it’s the way that it perfectly complements so many different flavors, or maybe it’s just the way that it makes my food taste a little bit fresher. Either way, I absolutely love cilantro, and that’s why I was so excited when I came across this El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing recipe.
Not only does this dressing taste amazing, but it’s also really easy to make. All you need is a few simple ingredients, and you can have a delicious and creamy cilantro dressing ready to go in no time. Plus, this dressing is perfect for salads, chicken dishes, or even just as a dip.
So if you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your next meal, be sure to give this El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients Overview For El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in this dressing because it helps to give it a creamy texture. Additionally, mayonnaise is full of flavor, which helps to enhance the taste of the cilantro.
Whole Milk
Whole milk adds some extra richness to the dressing, helping to give it an even creamier texture. Plus, the milk helps to dilute some of the intense flavors in the dressing for a more balanced flavor.
Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro is essential for this recipe because it provides that signature cilantro flavor that makes this dressing so delicious. Make sure you finely mince your cilantro before adding it to ensure it disperses easily throughout the dressing.
Lime Juice
The acidity from lime juice helps to cut through all of the other strong flavors in the dressing and balance everything out. Additionally, the lime juice gives this dressing a brightness that really stands out and helps make it pop.
Vinegar
White vinegar helps to give the dressing a bit of tanginess and acidity that perfectly complements the other flavors. Using white vinegar also helps to keep the dressing from becoming too overpowering.
Granulated Sugar
A bit of sugar helps to add some sweetness and balance out the other stronger flavors in the dressing. Additionally, sugar helps to give the dressing a nice glossy finish when it’s all mixed together.
Garlic & Onion
Adding both garlic and onion will help to give this creamy cilantro dressing lots of flavor and aroma. Make sure you finely mince them before adding them so they disperse evenly throughout the mixture.
Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper & Cumin
To finish off this dressings flavor, you’ll want to add a bit of salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper and ground cumin. These spices will help to enhance the other flavors in the dressing and give it an extra kick of flavor.
Substitutions
While this recipe is definitely delicious as is, there are a few substitutions you can make if you’re not a fan of one of the ingredients.
For example, if you don’t like cilantro, you can replace it with parsley or omit it completely. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can try using sour cream or Greek yogurt in its place.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment until you find the perfect combination of flavors that suits your taste buds.
Ingredient Measurements
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup of whole milk
- 4 teaspoons of finely minced fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- Finely minced garlic and onion, 1 teaspoon each
- 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions For El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, whole milk, minced cilantro, lime juice, vinegar, granulated sugar, minced garlic and minced onion. Whisk everything together until fully combined.
- Add in the salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper and ground cumin and whisk again until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Storage instructions
The creamy cilantro dressing will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best results, store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze this dressing for up to 2 months. Just make sure you thaw it in the fridge before using it.
Also Read : Broccoli Bacon Quiche Recipe
Conclusion
This creamy cilantro dressing is the perfect way to add some flavor and zing to any salad. It’s also great as a dip for fresh vegetables or chips. The best part is that it’s really easy to make and you can customize the flavors depending on what you like. So go ahead and give it a try, we promise you won’t be disappointed! Feel free to leave us a comment below letting us know how you liked it.
