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This creamy cilantro lime sauce blends fresh cilantro, lime, jalapeño, garlic, sour cream, and mayo into a tangy, herby sauce with a little kick. It comes together in minutes in a food processor or blender and works especially well with tacos, chicken, steak, shrimp, and salads.
I am a sauce girl, through and through. Adding a delicious sauce to a dish, can really take it to another level. This creamy dressing is my favorite on skirt steak and shrimp tacos.
If you love a fresh herby sauce, check out my Jamaican green seasoning recipe. For a more Mexican flavor check out my Chipotle Marinade.
Ingredients for this recipe
For this recipe you will need only seven ingredients. Many of which you probably already have on hand.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro gives the sauce its herby flavor and bright green color.
- Mayo – Mayo adds richness and helps create the creamy texture. If you do not want to use mayo, substitute half of a small avocado.
- Sour cream – Sour cream creates the creamy base and adds tanginess. Plain Greek yogurt also works as a substitute.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice adds the bright citrus flavor that balances the creamy base.
- Garlic – Use fresh garlic for the strongest savory flavor.
- Salt – Salt brings the other flavors together.
- Jalapeño – Jalapeño adds heat. The recipe removes the seeds before blending.
The full recipe with measurements is below on the recipe card.
How to make cilantro lime sauce
Add the cilantro, jalapeño, mayo, sour cream, lime, garlic, and salt to a food processor or blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little water or olive oil.
This recipe should make about one and a fourth cup of the sauce. Store in an air tight container or squeeze bottle that can close. It will last in the fridge for up to five days, although it rarely lasts that long in my house haha.
The sauce should be smooth and creamy enough to drizzle from a spoon. If you want a thinner consistency, add a little water or olive oil and blend again. If you want to add a little more spices to the sauce, I would suggest adding cumin. The cumin will really compliment the cilantro and it tastes fantastic on meats.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Sauce
This creamy cilantro lime sauce works especially well with tacos, steak, chicken, shrimp, and salads. Try it drizzled over Garlic Butter Steak Bites, alongside Crispy Chicken Cutlets, or on Baja Fish Tacos.
How long does cilantro lime sauce last?
Store cilantro lime sauce in an airtight container or sealed squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes. Substitute the mayo with half of a small avocado.
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream.
The recipe uses one jalapeño with the seeds removed. The jalapeño adds heat while the sour cream and mayo create the creamy base.
Cilantro Lime Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 c cilantro
- 1 Jalapeño, seeds removed
- 1/4 c mayo
- ¾ c sour cream
- 1 Lime, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Zest from half a lime, optional
Instructions
- Place everything in a food processor or a blender. Blend together until it’s a smooth consistency. Add a little olive oil or water if you want it smoother.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made with ease and so fool of flavor. Takes the tacos or any meal on a new level!
Thank you!
Looks amazing and is amazing!
Thank you Annie!
Love this! Taste sooo good! We put it on our rice turkey bowls 🤤
So glad you liked it!