Cilantro Lime Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sauce packs a punch with the freshness of cilantro, zip from lime, and a subtle garlic bite. Its creamy texture from sour cream and mayo makes it versatile for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, grilled meats, or veggie dips. Plus, it’s quick, flavorful, and elevates any dish effortlessly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cilantro, lightly packed

• Sour cream

• Mayonnaise

• Lime juice

• Jalapeño pepper (seeds optional to adjust heat)

• Garlic clove

• Salt, to taste

Directions

Blend all ingredients in a small food processor or blender until smooth and creamy—but not completely uniform; you want little green cilantro flecks throughout. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 8 servings

• Prep Time: About 5 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes (no cooking required)

Variations

• Make it vegan: Substitute vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream.

• Lighter option: Use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

• Add avocado: Fold in ripe avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in single-serve containers or freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw for 30–60 minutes at room temperature before using.

FAQs

1. What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can whisk the sour cream, mayo, and lime juice in a bowl, then stir in finely chopped cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic. It won’t be as smooth, but the flavor remains delicious.

2. Can I reduce the heat of the sauce?

Yes—remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño before blending to make it milder.

3. Is bottled lime juice okay to use?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor; it adds brightness that bottled juice can’t match.

4. Can I use cilantro stems instead of just the leaves?

Absolutely! Including the stems adds both nutrition and texture.

5. How do I wash cilantro properly?

Rinse under running water and drain in a colander. Pat dry before using to avoid diluting the sauce.

6. Will the sauce be too garlicky?

No—using one generous garlic clove gives a balanced hint of garlic without overwhelming the other flavors.

7. Can this be made in advance?

Yes, it actually benefits from sitting as flavors meld. Just refrigerate until ready to serve.

8. Can I add extra ingredients for depth?

Yes! Some enjoy adding feta or avocado for extra complexity or creaminess.

9. What dishes pair well with this sauce?

It’s fantastic on tacos, burrito bowls, grilled chicken or steak, salads, veggies, stirred into rice, or as a dip for chips.

10. Is this more of a sauce or a dressing?

It does double duty—it’s creamy and thick like a sauce, but also fresh enough to work beautifully as a salad dressing.

Conclusion

This cilantro lime sauce is a game-changer—simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether drizzled, dipped, or dolloped, it’s bound to elevate your meals with freshness and flair. Enjoy whipping it up for your next dish!

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