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Cilantro Lime Crema

A bright, creamy Mexican-inspired sauce made by blending sour cream with fresh cilantro and lime - perfect for tacos, grain bowls, and grilled meats.

10 minEasyServes 860 cal/serving

MexicanSauceBlenderVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp lime zest
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 jalapeno pepper (optional), seeded, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 tsp lime zest, 1 peeled garlic clove, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt in a blender or food processor.

  2. 2

    Add 1/2 seeded, chopped jalapeno pepper (optional) if desired for a mild kick.

  3. 3

    Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 30-60 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed.

  4. 4

    Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice.

  5. 5

    Transfer to a bowl or squeeze bottle. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.

Questions

Can I make Cilantro Lime Crema dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1 cup sour cream. Swap the sour cream for thick coconut yogurt with a squeeze of lemon. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Cilantro Lime Crema keep?

Refrigerated in a sealed jar, it keeps four to five days. Dairy sauces separate when frozen; reheat gently with a splash of milk instead of freezing.

Can I halve or double Cilantro Lime Crema?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, blend in batches rather than overfilling the jar.

Serve it with

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