You will definitely want to try this recipe if you enjoy that vibrant flavour of EL POLLOS LOCO’S creamier cilantro dressing.
It has a creamy mouth feel, as well as an acid component, and is packed with fresh cilantro! This recipe can be used as a drizzle for salads and wraps, but also pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken.
You can create this creamy cilantro sauce in under 5 minutes at home, and it has the same flavour as the store bought versions, but made from scratch.
What Is El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing and How Does It Taste?
You will love this dressing because it blends fresh cilantro with lime, jalapeño, garlic, and a creamy base for bold flavor.
There is a lot of flavor coming from one teeny tiny spoonful. Right off the bat, you get that lime burst of acidity. Then comes the cilantro, the garlic, and just a little heat.
It is totally perfect for serving over anything with Tex-Mex or Mexican bites, especially this chicken fajita Tex-Mex salad.
Ingredients Required for El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Recipe
Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing
For the Dressing
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, lightly packed
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed for mild heat
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 cup mayonnaise or half an avocado
- 3 to 4 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add Ins
- Extra jalapeño seeds for more heat
- A squeeze of honey for gentle sweetness
Kitchen Utensils Required
- Food processor or blender
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Serving jar or bottle
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: None
Copycat El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Recipe
Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing in a delicious way.
1. Finely chop the fresh cilantro; you may include the stems but should discard any large and woody portions.
2. Cut the jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise and remove any seeds from one half for a milder flavor; leave some seeds in the other half if you want some heat.
3. Chop the garlic clove in half to make it easier to chop into small pieces.
4. Combine the chopped cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
5. Add your mayonnaise or avocado.
6. Pour in the avocado oil.
7. Blend everything together until the sauce is completely blended; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
8. Taste the sauce and add more lime juice, salt, or avocado oil to taste as you desire.
9. Transfer the sauce to a glass jar or container, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop further.
10. Use this sauce as a topping for salads, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, tacos, or as a dipping sauce for your favorite foods.
Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing
Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing deliciously
1. Serve it with our El Pollo Loco Rice. This pairing works every time. The flavors blend so well that we almost feel like we’re eating the restaurant version at home.
2. We love spooning it inside warm flour tortillas. It turns into a simple but super satisfying wrap.
3. Try it with a side of grilled veggies. The smoky flavor balances the bright, citrusy notes perfectly.
4. We often pair it with black beans or refried beans. It adds a creamy texture that makes the whole meal feel heartier.
5. A scoop over crisp romaine makes an easy Tex-Mex salad that tastes fresh and filling.
6. We enjoy it tucked into quesadillas. The flavors melt together beautifully when heated.
7. Serve it alongside chips and homemade salsa. It feels like a fun, casual meal we’d eat on the weekend.
8. Try it with Mexican roasted corn. The sweetness of the corn pairs so well with the savory, citrusy flavors.
9. We sometimes make a burrito bowl by adding avocado, rice, beans, and a little cheese. It’s a complete meal in one bowl.
10. It goes great with simple garlic butter noodles on days when we want comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist.
My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Recipe
I loved making this recipe at home. It was easy, warm, and so tasty. The smell made my kitchen feel happy. Every bite was soft and full of flavor. My family kept asking for more. I felt proud because it tasted just like a restaurant. I will make it again and again.
1. Wash your rice before cooking.
2. Use fresh garlic if you can.
3. Taste the rice as it cooks.
4. Don’t rush the cooking time.
5. Stir the rice gently.
6. Keep the heat low and slow.
7. Add more salt if it tastes dull.
8. Use warm broth for better flavor.
9. Let the rice rest before you serve it.
10. Make extra, because people will want more.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Properly?
If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,
This dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to five days. Store it in an airtight jar so it stays fresh and creamy. If it thickens in the cold, simply stir in a splash of lime juice or a little oil to loosen the texture again. Do not freeze it because the mayo and citrus will separate.
FAQs on this El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Recipe
When you give this El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
1. What ingredients are in cilantro dressing?
From our experience, the base is fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, a little oil or yogurt, salt, and sometimes jalapeño for heat. It’s simple but has huge flavor.
2. What is the green salad dressing at El Pollo Loco?
It’s their creamy cilantro dressing. It tastes bright, tangy, and a little herby. When we tested it at home, the flavor came closest when we used fresh lime and lots of cilantro.
3. Does El Pollo Loco use cilantro?
Yes, they do. We’ve tasted it in their dressings and sides, especially anything with a fresh, bright flavor. That cilantro taste is pretty easy to notice.
4. How spicy is this cilantro dressing recipe?
In our experience, it’s mild. If you use a jalapeño and remove the seeds, you get flavor without too much heat.
5. Can I make the dressing thicker?
Yes. We do this by adding more yogurt, mayo, or avocado. It turns creamy fast.
6. How long does the dressing stay fresh?
Usually 3 to 4 days in the fridge. We keep it in a jar with a tight lid so the herbs stay bright.
7. Can I freeze cilantro dressing?
We’ve tried it. The texture changes a bit, but the flavor stays good. If you freeze it, stir it well after thawing.
8. What do you serve this dressing with?
We love it on salads, tacos, grilled chicken, burrito bowls, and even as a dip for veggies.
9. Can I make it without dairy?
Yes. We’ve made dairy-free versions using olive oil or coconut yogurt. Still very tasty.
10. How do I make the dressing less tangy?
We tone it down by adding a little more oil or yogurt. A tiny pinch of sugar also balances the lime if needed.
El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Finely chop the fresh cilantro; you may include the stems but should discard any large and woody portions.
- Cut the jalapeno pepper in half lengthwise and remove any seeds from one half for a milder flavor; leave some seeds in the other half if you want some heat.
- Chop the garlic clove in half to make it easier to chop into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- Add your mayonnaise or avocado.
- Pour in the avocado oil.
- Blend everything together until the sauce is completely blended; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Taste the sauce and add more lime juice, salt, or avocado oil to taste as you desire.
- Transfer the sauce to a glass jar or container, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop further.
- Use this sauce as a topping for salads, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, tacos, or as a dipping sauce for your favorite foods.
Video
Notes
This El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing recipe is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. It brings restaurant quality taste to your salads, bowls, and grilled dishes with almost no effort. If you enjoy this recipe, try pairing it with your favorite Tex Mex meals or drizzling it over fire grilled chicken.
Give it a try and let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
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Looks spicy
Thanks