How Many Carbs Are In Cilantro Vinaigrette Dressing?

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard homemade cilantro vinaigrette can have as little as 1 to 2 grams of net carbs per serving, making it a great low-carb choice. However, the exact amount of carbs in cilantro vinaigrette dressing can vary significantly depending on the recipe and any added sweeteners. Understanding these differences is crucial for managing your dietary intake effectively.

Quick Summary

The carb content of cilantro vinaigrette varies based on ingredients, with homemade versions typically low in net carbs. Many commercial dressings add sugar, increasing total carbs. Checking nutrition labels or preparing your own dressing is the most reliable way to control your carbohydrate consumption.

Key Points

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade cilantro vinaigrette is typically much lower in carbs due to the absence of added sugars and thickeners found in many commercial products.
Check for Added Sugars: The biggest driver of high carb counts in store-bought vinaigrettes is added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, so always read the ingredient list.
Carb Count Varies Widely: Brands like Qdoba can have 5g of total carbs per serving, while simple homemade versions can have as little as 1-2g of net carbs per serving.
Perfect for Keto: Because the base ingredients are naturally low-carb, cilantro vinaigrette is a highly suitable dressing for keto and low-carb diets, especially when made at home.
Net Carbs are Key: For those counting net carbs, remember to subtract any dietary fiber listed on the nutrition label from the total carbohydrates.
Simple Recipe for Control: You can easily make a low-carb version at home using simple ingredients like fresh cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice.

The Vinaigrette's Carb Profile: A Matter of Ingredients

At its core, a classic vinaigrette is an emulsified mixture of oil and vinegar, with the primary flavoring coming from herbs and spices. In a cilantro vinaigrette, the base ingredients—cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice—are naturally very low in carbohydrates. The bulk of a vinaigrette's nutritional profile is typically fat from the oil, not carbs. For those following a low-carb, keto, or other specific dietary plan, this makes homemade vinaigrettes an excellent choice.

However, a major difference arises when comparing homemade dressings to their store-bought counterparts. Manufacturers often add various ingredients to commercial dressings to improve flavor, texture, and shelf life, many of which can add hidden carbohydrates. These additions can include sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, thickeners, and other preservatives. Sweetened versions of cilantro vinaigrette, often labeled as "sweet cilantro lime" dressings, are almost guaranteed to contain more carbs per serving than unsweetened recipes.

Factors That Influence Cilantro Vinaigrette Carb Count

Added Sugars: The most significant factor impacting carb count is the presence of added sweeteners. Some recipes or commercial brands use honey, maple syrup, or granulated sugar, which dramatically increases the carbohydrate content.
Thickeners: Certain store-bought brands use thickeners or stabilizers, which are often carbohydrate-based. These ingredients contribute to the total carb count, even if the amount is small.
Other Flavorings: Ingredients like fruits or fruit juices can add natural sugars. A cilantro lime vinaigrette, for instance, naturally contains a small amount of sugar from the lime juice itself. However, the quantity is generally minimal unless a high concentration is used.
Serving Size: The serving size listed on a nutrition label is critical. Two tablespoons is a common serving size, but consuming more will proportionally increase your carb intake. Restaurant dressings, in particular, can be heavy-handed with portions.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Controlling Your Carbs

When it comes to managing the carbs in your vinaigrette, the control you have with a homemade recipe is unmatched. By making your own, you can ensure no hidden sugars or unnecessary additives are included. Here’s a quick overview of the key differences:

Homemade Cilantro Vinaigrette

Full Control: You select every ingredient, guaranteeing there are no hidden sugars or starches.
Minimal Carbs: The carb count comes primarily from the lime juice and trace amounts in the cilantro, resulting in very low net carbs per serving.
Simple Ingredients: Typically contains cilantro, oil, vinegar, lime juice, and spices.

Store-Bought Cilantro Vinaigrette

Varied Nutrition: The carb content can range from very low to several grams per serving, depending on the brand and recipe.
Added Ingredients: May contain added sugars, preservatives, or thickeners that drive up the carb count.
Label Reading is a Must: Requires careful checking of the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list to avoid unwanted sugars.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Popular Store-Bought Cilantro Vinaigrette Carbs


Product / Recipe	Serving Size	Total Carbs (g)	Added Sugars (g)	Source
Homemade (Typical Low-Carb)	2 Tbsp	1-2	0
Qdoba Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette	1.5 fl oz	5	3
Freshii Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette	30 ml	2	Not specified
Sam's Choice Sweet Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette	2 Tbsp	2	2
Food Network Kitchen Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette	2 Tbsp	3	Not specified

Making Your Own Low-Carb Cilantro Vinaigrette

Creating a delicious and low-carb cilantro vinaigrette at home is quick and simple. This recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal carbohydrates.

Ingredients

1 packed cup fresh cilantro leaves and soft stems
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Juice of 1 large lime
1-2 cloves garlic
½ teaspoon salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Combine the cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, and salt in a blender or food processor.
Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Pour the vinaigrette into an airtight container and refrigerate. The dressing will thicken as it cools. Simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to loosen it up.

Conclusion

In summary, the carbohydrate content of cilantro vinaigrette dressing is not a fixed number and is highly dependent on whether it is homemade or store-bought. Homemade versions offer the most control, allowing for a very low-carb dressing perfect for keto and other dietary needs. Commercial products can contain added sugars, significantly increasing their carb count. The key to staying on track is to always check the nutrition label for store-bought dressings or, better yet, make your own simple and fresh version at home. For a trusted recipe, you can also consult health resources like the Mayo Clinic's recipe for Cilantro Lime Dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, especially when made at home. Traditional homemade recipes are very low in carbohydrates, but you should check the label for added sugars in store-bought versions to ensure they fit a ketogenic diet.

Qdoba's cilantro lime vinaigrette contains 5 grams of total carbohydrates per 1.5 fl oz serving, with 3 grams of that being sugar.

Store-bought dressings often contain added sugars, such as honey, maple syrup, or corn syrup, along with preservatives and thickeners to enhance flavor and shelf life, which increases the carb content.

To make a low-carb version, blend fresh cilantro, olive oil, white wine vinegar, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Avoid adding any sweeteners like honey or sugar to keep the carb count minimal.

According to nutrition data, Freshii's cilantro lime vinaigrette contains 2g of total carbs per tablespoon. The exact amount can depend on the version and serving size.

In a basic homemade recipe, the net carbs can be as low as 1-2 grams per serving. This is because the primary carbohydrate sources from lime juice and cilantro are balanced by a small amount of dietary fiber.

Yes, creamy dressings like cilantro lime ranch generally contain more carbohydrates and calories than a simple oil-and-vinegar vinaigrette, due to ingredients like sour cream or mayonnaise.