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Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

A fresh and zesty Cilantro Lime Sauce that’s creamy and versatile, perfect for drizzling over tacos, salads, grilled meats, or as a flavorful dip. Made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a creamy base of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, this sauce is quick to prepare and easy to customize.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 small jalapeño (for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (for slight sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream (for extra creaminess)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and roughly chop the cilantro. Peel the garlic and squeeze fresh lime juice to ensure freshness and vibrant flavor for the sauce.
  2. Add to Blender: In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to start building your creamy sauce base.
  3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary to ensure even blending.
  4. Adjust Consistency: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water gradually to thin out the sauce to your preferred consistency and blend briefly again to incorporate the water evenly.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, lime juice, or garlic according to your taste preferences to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
  6. Chill and Serve: For optimum flavor, refrigerate the sauce for 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld and develop a harmonious taste.

Notes

  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version and added tanginess.
  • Add a small jalapeño for heat if you prefer a spicy kick.
  • Honey can be included for a touch of sweetness to balance the lime’s acidity.
  • Sour cream adds extra creaminess and richness to the sauce.
  • Adjust salt and lime juice to suit your personal taste preferences.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.