Zesty, creamy finishing sauce
This cilantro lime crema is a bright, creamy sauce that instantly elevates tacos, bowls, roasted veggies, and grilled mains. It’s tangy from fresh lime, herbaceous from cilantro, and luxuriously smooth—yet it comes together in just minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this drizzle adds restaurant-style flavor with minimal effort. Keep it on hand to wake up simple meals, from taco Tuesdays to grain bowls and salads. If you love quick sauces that pack big flavor, this one deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: About 1 cup
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (more to taste)
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1–3 tbsp water or milk (to thin, as needed)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Citrus zester
- Spatula
🥣 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Add sour cream, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, and salt to a blender.
- Blend for 30–45 seconds until smooth and vibrant green. 🌿
- With the blender running, add water or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the crema is drizzle-ready and silky.
- Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Chill for 10 minutes if time allows for best flavor ✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Make it vegan: Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt or soaked cashew cream.
- Less garlic bite: Use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Heat boost: Add a pinch of cayenne or a slice of jalapeño before blending.