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A glass bowl filled with vibrant green Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce, garnished with a fresh cilantro sprig, on a plate with lime wedges and cilantro in the background.
Maryam

Zesty Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce

This vibrant and versatile creamy cilantro garlic sauce is bursting with fresh herbaceous flavor, zesty lime, and a punch of garlic. Perfect for tacos, grilled meats, salads, or as a dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Latin American, Mexican
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro large, about 2 cups packed, stems trimmed
  • 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt plain, full-fat recommended
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise good quality
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic Cloves peeled
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 small Jalapeño seeded and roughly chopped (optional, for mild heat)
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 1-3 tbsp Water as needed to reach desired consistency

Equipment

  • Food Processor or Blender
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the bunch of cilantro. Trim off the thickest parts of the stems; fine stems are okay to leave on. Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop the jalapeño (if using), removing seeds for less heat.
  2. Add the prepared cilantro, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic cloves, fresh lime juice, chopped jalapeño (if using), cumin powder, salt, and black pepper to a food processor or high-speed blender.
  3. Process on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula a few times to ensure everything is incorporated.
  4. If the sauce is too thick for your preference, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time, blending after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be pourable but still thick enough to cling to food.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, lime juice, or pepper to your liking.
  6. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld and deepen. Enjoy with tacos, grilled chicken, fish, salads, or as a dip for veggies!

Notes

For an extra kick, leave a few jalapeño seeds in. This sauce is best made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.