Go Back
El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Recipe

El Pollo Loco Cilantro Dressing Recipe

5 from 3 votes
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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Servings: 4
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 60
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • Extra jalapeño seeds for more heat
  • A squeeze of honey for gentle sweetness

Equipment

  • Serving jar or bottle
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Food processor or blender

Method
 

  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.

Video

Notes

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.