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A clear glass of vibrant green Cilantro Lime Sauce with chopped herbs and a wooden spoon, alongside a fresh lime wedge.
Maryam

Zesty Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

A vibrant, tangy, and refreshing sauce perfect for tacos, salads, grilled meats, and more. It's quick to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and incredibly versatile.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 70
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro packed, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise full-fat for best creaminess, or light for a healthier option
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream or plain Greek yogurt for extra tang and protein
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice freshly squeezed, plus more to taste
  • 1 clove Garlic minced, or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 Jalapeño deseeded and roughly chopped (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp Water or Milk optional, for thinning to desired consistency

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Blender
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Add the packed cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced garlic, deseeded jalapeño (if using), ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to a food processor or high-speed blender.
  2. Process all ingredients until completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl or blender jar as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
  3. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time while blending, until you reach your desired consistency.
  4. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as necessary. You may want to add more lime juice for tang, salt for flavor, or a pinch more cumin.
  5. Serve the Cilantro Lime Sauce immediately, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld and deepen. This also helps the sauce chill and thicken slightly.

Notes

This Zesty Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce is incredibly versatile! It's fantastic drizzled over tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, used as a dressing for salads, a marinade for chicken or fish, or as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables, fries, or chips. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.