Recipe: Creamy Cilantro Dressing (4) for Cheryl

Creamy Cilantro-Pesto Dressing
(good for Pasta)

1 1/2 cups chopped Cilantro (3/4 cup dried)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cups pine nuts
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup whipping cream **
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
1 TBSP.lemon juice ***
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
2 cloves garlic

Place all pesto dressing ingredients above ingredients in a food processor or blender. Cover and process until smooth.

CREAMY CILANTRO DRESSING

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp Dijon style mustard
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp crushed black pepper corn

Combine ingredients mixing well. Cover & refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Mix again before serving. SERVINGS: 4

CILANTRO HONEY VINAIGRETTE

2 small Serrano chiles
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup canola oil
Salt and pepper to taste.

Blend all together and slowly add oil. A little ice water may be needed.

Cilantro Cucumber Dressing:
Source: Rick Rodgers

1 cup plain nonfat yogurt, divided
1 medium cucumber, scrubbed, and halved lengthwise
2 scallions, coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Make the cilantro cucumber dressing: With a spoon, scoop the seeds from the cucumber and cut into chunks. In an electric blender, combine 1/2 cup of the yogurt, the cucumber, scallions, garlic, cilantro, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pulse several times, then blend on high until mixture is smooth. Remove to a small bowl and stir in the remaining yogurt. Serve or keep refrigerated until serving time.