Quick and Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce (5-Minute Taco Topping)
You need this easy, creamy cilantro lime sauce recipe! It comes together in just five minutes and is perfect as a versatile dipping sauce, dressing, or topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream/mayonnaise for a different texture)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded (for mild heat)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients. If you are using a jalapeño, remove the seeds and stem now.
- Place the Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional jalapeño into a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Process the ingredients until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Taste the sauce. Add more salt or lime juice if you want a stronger flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Transfer the best cilantro lime sauce to an airtight container. You can serve it immediately or chill it for later.
Notes
- For a vegan cilantro lime sauce option, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream.
- This sauce works wonderfully as a healthy cilantro dressing for salads. Thin it slightly with extra lime juice or water.
- If you want a richer sauce, use mayonnaise instead of yogurt. For a tangier, lighter version, use plain Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 10