Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sauce is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors. The lime and cilantro bring a fresh, zesty element, while the jalapeño adds just the right amount of heat. The garlic intensifies the savory undertones, and the mayonnaise provides the creaminess that holds everything together. It’s a simple yet bold sauce that’s incredibly versatile—use it as a dip, spread, or topping for tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- Sauce Components:
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, including stems
- 1 to 2 limes, juiced
- 1 to 2 jalapeños, stem removed
- 5 to 10 cloves fresh garlic
- 480 ml mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s preferred)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place the fresh cilantro (including stems), lime juice, jalapeños, garlic, and mayonnaise into a high-speed blender.
- Blend: Blend on high power until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Store and Serve: Pour the sauce into a squeeze bottle or an airtight container for easy storage. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 500 ml of sauce (about 2 cups)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version: For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before blending. You can also use just one jalapeño if you prefer less heat.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise or a creamy vegan alternative to make this sauce vegan.
- Herb Variations: Try adding other fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a different flavor profile. A little mint can also give it a unique twist.
- Add Avocado: For a creamier texture, blend in half an avocado to the sauce for a richer, smoother result.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The sauce may thicken as it sits; just stir it before use.
- Reheating: This sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply stir and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make this sauce spicier?
Yes! If you like more heat, add an additional jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes. You can also experiment with other spicy peppers like serrano or poblano for a different flavor.
Can I use this sauce for grilling?
Absolutely! This sauce makes an excellent marinade for grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. Just coat your protein or veggies with the sauce and let them marinate for 20-30 minutes before grilling.
How can I make the sauce creamier without using mayonnaise?
If you prefer a dairy-free or lighter option, try using Greek yogurt, cashew cream, or coconut cream as a substitute for mayonnaise to keep the creaminess without the heaviness.
Can I freeze this sauce?
While mayonnaise-based sauces don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cilantro, lime, jalapeño, and garlic mixture before blending. Once thawed, blend it with the mayonnaise fresh for a quick sauce.
What can I use this sauce on besides tacos?
This creamy cilantro sauce is perfect for dipping chips, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or using as a sandwich spread. It also works wonderfully as a topping for salads, burgers, or even grilled shrimp.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro is the ultimate versatile sauce that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re using it as a dip, spread, or marinade, its bright, zesty flavor with a hint of heat makes it the perfect complement to your meals. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare with just a few fresh ingredients. Keep a batch in your fridge for an instant flavor upgrade whenever you need it!
Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro: A Smooth, Zesty Sauce for Spreading or Dipping
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 500 ml (2 cups)
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro is a zesty, creamy sauce made from fresh cilantro, garlic, lime, and jalapeño. It’s perfect as a dip, spread, or topping for tacos, sandwiches, and grilled meats.
Ingredients
Sauce Components:
1 bunch fresh cilantro, including stems
1 to 2 limes, juiced
1 to 2 jalapeños, stem removed
5 to 10 cloves fresh garlic
480 ml mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place the fresh cilantro (including stems), lime juice, jalapeños, garlic, and mayonnaise into a high-speed blender.
- Blend: Blend on high power until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Store and Serve: Pour the sauce into a squeeze bottle or an airtight container for easy storage. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use only one.
To make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise with plant-based mayonnaise or a creamy vegan alternative.
For a richer texture, add half an avocado to the sauce.
If the sauce thickens in storage, simply stir it before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
