Allergy-Friendly Cilantro Lime Dressing

Cilantro-Lime Dressing (Top-9-Free Adaptations)

Recipe by Erin | happilyeverallergy.com

Notes

• My Favorite US Brand Options
  • Hellmann’s Plant-Based or Real mayonnaise (see mustard note below)
  • Simple Truth Organic Dairy-free sour cream at Kroger or Wayfare’s version
• Substitutions
  • I recommend using whatever dairy-free substitutions you already have on hand, which can make it more affordable.
  • Many combinations of dairy-free products such us unsweetened yogurt, dairy-free sour cream, or cream cheese make an incredible sauce when adding in cilantro, lime, and spices.
  • Experiment until you find a combination you like the best that works for your allergies!
• Smoothness
  • I like sauces very smooth, so I blend for 30+ seconds with an immersion blender. The best part of using an immersion blender with a wide-mouth mason jar is you only have to clean the immersion blender! Just add a lid to the jar and you’re done! 
• Taste
  • Everyone’s tastes and preferences are different. That is why I listed a range for quantity of cilantro, green onion and lime juice.
  • I prefer my cilantro-lime dressing on the higher end of all three of those measurements.
  • For young kids or those who don’t like strong flavors, start on the lower-end and keep adding more until you find the right amount; the same goes for spices.
  • I didn’t test this, but adding blended avocado to the dressing might be an interesting addition to try as well.
• Coconut Allergy
  • I really like Simple Truth Organic dairy-free sour cream (or Wayfare’s version), however it does contain coconut oil – so if you are coconut free, use your favorite dairy-free substitutes.
  • I have also made similar dressings with Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream (soy-based) or other similar substitutes, and added a little water to thin it out a bit.
  • I’ve also added seasonings and spices to this other homemade vegan mayo recipe with great results as well!
  • Experiment to find a combo you like that works for your allergies! 
• Mustard Allergy
  • I reached out to Unilever (maker of Hellmann’s) in January of 2025 and they once again stated that they do not add mustard to their Real, Organic, or Carefully Crafted (plant based) products, BUT that they do not test for cross contact with mustard in their products either. I share this to be helpful, BUT always do your own research to make sure products are safe for you.
  • For Canada, since mustard is considered a Top Allergen, they have to list it as an ingredient, and per Hellmann’s Canadian site it currently (January 2025) does NOT contain mustard.
  • I saw a UK product label in an Instagram story recently (January 2025) which lists that it DOES contain mustard.
• Make it Spicier
  • I added some pickled jalapeños to this recipe when I was testing it, and it was superb!
  • If you are adding a lot of jalapeños, use less lime juice to start with, since pickled jalapeños are rather acidic.
  • You can also add your favorite hot sauce or chili powder to add a touch of heat as well. 
• Vegan Mayo Substitute
  • For those struggling to find a vegan mayo recipe they like or who can’t use store-bought versions, I have relied on this soy-based vegan mayo recipe for years.
  • Make sure to use unsweetened and unflavored soy milk. Cold soy milk straight from the fridge, will not emulsify correctly, though, so warm it up a bit first for best results.