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Easy 5-Minute Creamy Cilantro Lime Crema

Close-up of sliced grilled chicken breast generously covered in bright green cilantro lime sauce.

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Whip up this bright, zesty, and creamy cilantro lime sauce in just five minutes. It is the ultimate versatile condiment for tacos, grilled chicken, or as a zesty taco topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded (for a spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Place the sour cream (or yogurt), cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional jalapeño into a food processor or high-speed blender.
  2. Blend the ingredients until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Taste the sauce. Add more lime juice or salt if you prefer a stronger flavor.
  4. If the sauce is too thick for a drizzle, add water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency for a creamy drizzle.
  5. Transfer the creamy cilantro lime sauce to an airtight container. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives or use silken tofu for the base.
  • This sauce works great as a lime chicken marinade base; thin it slightly with extra lime juice before marinating.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This is a great weeknight dinner flavor booster.
  • If you enjoy bold flavors, try adding a pinch of cumin when blending.

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