Go Back
–+ servings
cilantro lime crema topped with chopped cilantro in a glass bowl, next to a spoon, wedge of lime, and more cilantro.

Cilantro Lime Crema

Cilantro lime crema is a creamy, tangy sauce made with fresh cilantro, lime, and Greek yogurt. Ready in minutes, it's perfect for drizzling over tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, and more.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1 Cup

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise optional, for extra creaminess
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice more to taste
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 small clove garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder) minced
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp water or more, as needed

Instructions

  • Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
    greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and salt unblended in the base of a food processor.
  • Blend until smooth. Add the lime juice and lime zest, then blend again until fully combined.
    green sauce with lime zest on top in the base of a food processor.
  • Taste and adjust as needed. Add more lime juice for extra tang, more cilantro for a fresher flavour, or a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño for some heat. If the crema is too thick, add water (or additional lime juice) 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
    blended green sauce in the base of a food processor.
    • For the best flavour, refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a silky, restaurant-style crema, blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply mix everything in a bowl.
Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavour. Bottled juice just doesn't have the same fresh, zesty kick.
Start with the recommended amount of lime juice, then adjust to taste. It's easier to add more than take it away.
Fresh cilantro works best. Be sure to wash and dry it well before blending to avoid a watery crema.
If your crema seems too thick, add water or lime juice 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, drizzle friendly consistency.
For a smooth, restaurant-style crema, blend until silky and fully combined. Prefer a little texture? Finely chop the cilantro and stir everything together by hand instead.
For the best flavour, chill for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to give the ingredients time to mingle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as some separation is normal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cup | Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 397mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 339IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 1mg
QR Code linking back to recipe