Because every great taco deserves an equally great sauce.
In the last week, during a farmer’s market visit, I came across fresh cilantro—so fragrant that my whole mood changed. So, I stored them in my fridge to make an irresistible sauce. And that’s how this Garlic-Cilantro Lime Crema came to life!
This cream sauce is bright, tangy, and ridiculously silky smooth. Cilantro lime crema is a perfect topping for tacos, making them the yummiest in your mouth. Delicious burrito bowls, grilled chicken, and best go with roasted veggies. Oh! And for nachos, it’s like Emm’… even tasty as a dip for chips.
Think of it as the ultimate Mexican crema recipe twist. Smooth enough to drizzle, bold enough to stand out, and lightened up with Greek yogurt or sour cream, it’s basically the secret weapon your meals have been waiting for.
What is Crema?
Mexican crema is a rich, tangy sauce similar to sour cream but thinner and slightly less tart. It’s often used as a taco topping, drizzle for quesadillas, or creamy dip. Our version adds garlic, cilantro, and lime juice to create a bold, refreshing upgrade that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic-Cilantro Lime Crema
Quick & Easy – Just blend everything in 5 minutes.
Fresh & Flavorful – Bursting with lime, cilantro, and garlic.
Versatile – Use as a creamy taco sauce, dipping sauce, or salad dressing.
Healthier Option – Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed crema.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh cilantro – the star of this sauce
- Garlic cloves – adds bold flavor
- Lime juice & zest – for that refreshing zing
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt – creates the creamy base
- Olive oil – smooths everything out
- Pinch of salt – balances flavors
Optional: Add jalapeño for a spicy crema kick 🌶️
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor – to get that silky smooth texture
- Measuring cups & spoons – for accuracy
- Mixing bowl – if you prefer whisking by hand
- Citrus juicer – to squeeze every drop of lime juice
Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set
| Brand | Magic Bullet |
| Color | Silver/Black |
| Special Feature | Compact, Dishwasher Safe, Lightweight, Single Serve |
| Capacity | 1.4 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 4.5″D x 4″W x 11.8″H |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare ingredients – Roughly chop cilantro, peel garlic, and juice lime.
- Blend it up – Add cilantro, garlic, lime juice, sour cream/Greek yogurt, olive oil, and salt to a blender.
- Adjust texture – Add a splash of water or more lime juice if you prefer a thinner dressing-style sauce.
- Taste & tweak – Add extra salt, garlic, or lime to suit your preference.
- Serve & enjoy – Use immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors deepen.
How to Use Garlic-Cilantro Lime Crema
This creamy sauce pairs beautifully with almost everything:
- Taco topping ideas – drizzle on shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, or fish tacos
- Dip for chips and veggies – creamy, zesty, and addictive
- Burrito bowls & nachos – a lighter alternative to sour cream
- Grilled chicken & roasted veggies – adds brightness to smoky dishes
- Quesadillas & salads – use as a creamy cilantro lime dressing
Estimated Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp serving)
(Values may vary depending on whether you use sour cream or Greek yogurt)
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: <1 g
- Vitamin C: 4% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicier – Add jalapeño or chipotle for heat.
- Make it vegan – Use cashew cream or vegan sour cream.
- Meal prep – Store in an airtight jar for up to 5 days.
- Thinner version – Add a splash of milk or lime juice for salad dressing consistency.
Final Note
This Garlic-Cilantro Lime Crema is the sauce you didn’t know you needed—but once you try it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. From tacos to roasted veggies, it’s the perfect mix of zesty lime, bold garlic, and creamy goodness.
Make it once, and it’ll be your go-to creamy taco sauce forever!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the difference between Mexican crema and sour cream?
Mexican crema is smoother, thinner, and less tangy than sour cream, making it easier to drizzle over tacos, nachos, or bowls.
Q2. Can I make garlic-cilantro lime crema ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits.
Q3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Swap sour cream or Greek yogurt with vegan sour cream, cashew cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Q4. What dishes go best with cilantro lime crema?
It pairs beautifully with fish tacos, grilled chicken, burrito bowls, quesadillas, roasted veggies, and even as a creamy dipping sauce for chips.
Q5. Can I make this crema spicier?
Yes! Add fresh jalapeño, serrano, or chipotle peppers for a spicy crema version that gives an extra kick.
Q6. What if I don’t like cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try substituting with fresh parsley or basil for a different but still refreshing flavor profile.
Q7. Is cilantro lime crema healthy?
It can be! Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream makes it protein-rich, lower in fat, and still creamy and delicious.
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper
| Brand | Hamilton Beach |
| Included Components | 10- Cup Capacity Bowl, Chopping Blade, Hamilton Beach 70730 Bowl Scraper Food Processor, Reversible Slice/Shred Disc, S Blade10- Cup Capacity Bowl, Chopping Blade, Hamilton Beach 70730 Bowl Scraper Food Processor, Reversible Slice/Shred Disc, S Blade |
| Special Feature | Adjustable Speed Control, Interchangeable Blade, Large feed chute |
| Product Dimensions | 8.5″D x 10″W x 16″H |
| Color | Bowl Scraper, Black and Stainless |
Manual Citrus Juicer – Easy-Use Lemon Juicer Squeezer
| Brand | Zulay Kitchen |
| Color | Gray & Lime |
| Special Feature | Ergonomic Handle |
| Product Dimensions | 2″D x 2.9″W x 8.6″H |
| Finish Type | Clear Cut |
Garlic-Cilantro Lime Crema – Creamy Taco Sauce Made Easy
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Juice Blender
- 1 Citrus Juice Extractor
