Looking for a delicious and healthy salad dressing? Look no further than 2 tbsp (30 g) of Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing, which packs just 100 calories per serving. This flavorful dressing is sure to delight your taste buds while providing a nutritious boost to your salad.

In addition to the low calorie count, this dressing is made with key ingredients that are both tasty and good for you. Cilantro, cotija cheese, and pepitas (roasted pumpkin seeds) are the stars of the show, providing a unique flavor profile and a range of health benefits. Just one taste and you'll be hooked!

In this article, we'll explore the origin of this delicious salad dressing, its perfect pairings, and the many health benefits of its key ingredients.

Calorie count per serving

As mentioned in the introduction, this salad dressing contains just 100 calories per 2 tbsp (30 g) serving. If you're watching your weight or simply looking for a healthier salad dressing option, Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing is a great choice. In addition to being lower in calories than many other salad dressings, this recipe contains wholesome ingredients that provide a range of health benefits. You can feel good about what you're putting into your body when you drizzle this dressing onto your favorite greens.

Key ingredients that make it delicious

So, what makes Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing so delicious? It's all thanks to the carefully selected ingredients that go into this recipe. Here's a rundown of what you can expect in terms of flavor:

• Cilantro: This herb brings a bright, fresh flavor to the dressing. It pairs especially well with Mexican and Southwestern-inspired dishes.
• Cotija cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that adds richness to the dressing.
• Pepitas: These toasted pumpkin seeds provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Lime juice: Acidic lime juice balances out the richness of the cheese and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Garlic: Just a touch of garlic adds depth and complexity to the dressing.

Overall, this combination of flavors is a winner. You'll be hard-pressed to find another salad dressing that packs so much deliciousness into just two tablespoons!

The origin of this salad dressing

Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing is a recipe that originated in Mexico. It's a classic dressing that's often used in Mexican cuisine, marrying the flavors of cilantro, cotija cheese, pepitas, and other Mexican herbs and spices. Since arriving in the United States, this dressing has become a popular choice for people who are looking for a healthy, flavorful salad dressing that's a little bit different from the norm. Whether you're a fan of Mexican food or just looking for a new salad dressing to try, Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing is well worth a taste.

Perfect pairings for this dressing

Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing is a versatile dressing that pairs well with a wide range of salads and other dishes. Here are a few ideas for how to use this dressing to enhance your meals:

• Taco salad: This salad is a natural match for the flavors of Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing. The dressing adds a zesty, cheesy kick to the taco meat, lettuce, and other toppings.
• Grilled chicken salad: The dressing's bright and tangy flavor is the perfect complement to grilled chicken. Add some veggies and greens to round out the salad.
• Burrito bowl: Make a burrito bowl with brown rice, black beans, grilled chicken, avocado, and plenty of fresh toppings. Drizzle Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing over the top for an extra layer of flavor.

You can get creative with your pairings and find new ways to use this dressing in your cooking. It's a great way to add flavor, interest, and nutrition to your meals!

Cilantro's many health benefits

One of the key ingredients in Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing is cilantro. This herb is packed with nutrients and has a range of health benefits. Here are a few reasons why cilantro is so good for you:

• It's a good source of antioxidants: Cilantro contains compounds that help to fight inflammation and protect your cells from damage.
• It can help to lower cholesterol: Some research suggests that consuming cilantro may help to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol levels in the body.
• It has antimicrobial properties: Cilantro contains compounds that can help to fight harmful bacteria and fungi in the body.

Overall, adding cilantro to your diet is a smart move. This tasty herb not only adds flavor to your meals, but it also provides a range of health benefits that can keep you feeling great.

Cotija cheese's unique flavor profile

Cotija cheese is another important ingredient in Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing. This cheese has a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other cheeses. Here's what you can expect:

• It's salty: Cotija cheese is quite salty, which helps to balance out the other flavors in the dressing.
• It's crumbly: This cheese has a dry, crumbly texture that adds interest and variety to your dressings and other dishes.
• It's rich and tangy: The flavor of cotija cheese is rich and tangy, with a slightly nutty or earthy undertone.

Overall, cotija cheese is a great addition to the dressing. It provides a pop of flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

The role of pepitas in this dressing

Pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds) are another crucial element in Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing. These seeds provide a satisfying crunch and a host of health benefits. Here's what you should know about pepitas:

• They're high in protein: Pepitas are a great source of plant-based protein, making them an ideal ingredient for vegetarians and vegans.
• They're a good source of healthy fats: Pepitas contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help to reduce bad cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
• They're rich in vitamins and minerals: Pepitas contain a range of nutrients, including zinc, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Adding pepitas to your diet can be a smart move for your health. Not only do they add a satisfying crunch to your meals, but they also provide a host of health benefits that can keep you feeling your best.

Low-carb and gluten-free

If you're following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, you'll be happy to hear that Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing is both of these things. The recipe is free from wheat and other gluten-containing grains, and it contains just 2g of carbs per serving. You can feel good about indulging in this dressing!

How to make a homemade version

Ready to try making your own Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing at home? Here's what you'll need:

• 1/4 cup pepitas, roasted and cooled
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

To make the dressing, simply combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until well combined. Add more olive oil as needed to thin out the dressing to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This recipe makes about 3/4 cup of dressing, or six servings of two tablespoons each.

Other creative uses for this dressing

There are endless ways to enjoy Cilantro Pepita with Cotija Dressing beyond just drizzling it on your salad. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Use it as a marinade: This dressing makes a great marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu. Simply coat your protein of choice in the dressing and let it sit for a few hours before cooking.
• Spread it on a sandwich: You can use this dressing as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. It adds a zesty kick that pairs well with deli meats and cheese.
• Toss it with roasted veggies: Roasted vegetables are elevated to a whole new level when you toss them with this tasty dressing. It adds a layer of flavor and complexity that's hard to resist!

Experiment with different ways to use this dressing in your cooking and see what creative combinations you can come up with.