Summer's Special Sauce: Cilantro Garlic Citrus Marinade

I love the heat. The sunshine on my skin. I'm dreaming of palm trees and beaches. Lazy pool days. Sidewalk chalk and hopscotch. Boat rides on the bay. Catching fireflies with our nieces and nephews at sunset. Throwing a good dinner on the grill for a tasty meal with friends.

It's summertime. When the living is easy.

This works on meat, on salads, and on my eggs in the morning. Make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a week or two. Impress your friends with it. They'll never know how easy it was. It'll be our secret.

Summer's Special Sauce Cilantro Garlic Citrus Dressing

(Based on NPR’s Roasted Lemon Cilantro Chicken Recipe that made its rounds on Pinterest a while back.)

1 C. Cilantro, chopped 4 Garlic cloves, minced 1+1/2 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice 1+1/2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice 1/4 tsp Cumin, optional 1/4 Jalapeño, seeded and chopped finely, optional 1/2 tsp Celtic Sea Salt 1 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper, to taste 1/4 - 1/2 C. Extra Virgin Olive OIl

Throw all ingredients, except for olive oil, into a food processor or blender and blend. Add extra virgin olive oil s-l-o-w-l-y until your dressing has reached your desired consistency. Use right away, or pour it into a glass jar and refrigerate for up to a week or two.

*Throw a ripe avocado into the blender, and this can be a smooth guacamole dip. Ooooh, the possibilities.

Are you dreaming of beaches and sunsets, too? What's your favorite vacation spot? What are your favorite summertime flavors?

Linking up: Real Food Wednesday, Kelly The Kitchen Kop Fat Tuesday, Real Food Forager