If you’re looking for the perfect way to liven up grilled meats, tacos, salads, or, honestly, just about anything, this Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce is going to win over your taste buds! Tangy, herby, garlicky, and impossibly silky from real mayonnaise, this sauce is the one condiment I never want to be without in my fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Explosion of Flavor: Every spoonful is packed with punchy garlic, zippy lime, and a massive dose of fresh cilantro—no bland sauce here!
- Effortless & Fast: Just toss everything in the blender and you’re done in five minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu guests.
- Super Versatile: This Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce instantly transforms tacos, grilled meats, roasted veggies, salads, and wraps into crave-worthy masterpieces.
- Healthy & Adaptable: Keto, paleo, Whole30? No problem—this sauce fits beautifully into so many diets and can be easily tweaked for your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the many joys of this Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce is just how simple the ingredient list is. Each one plays a starring role, creating a sauce that’s rich, ultra-fresh, and brimming with personality!
- Cilantro (stems and all): For the boldest herbal flavor and brilliant green color—don’t be afraid to use the stems, they’re loaded with flavor!
- Limes (juiced): Fresh lime juice adds a bright citrus tang that wakes up the other ingredients and balances the richness.
- Jalapeño (stem removed): You control the heat! One for mild, two for a zesty kick, and you can remove seeds for less fire.
- Garlic (5-10 cloves): Pick your garlic adventure: subtle (5 cloves) or seriously robust (10 cloves)—raw garlic gives the sauce its signature zing.
- Mayonnaise (Hellman’s or Duke’s preferred): The base that makes the sauce creamy and luscious; choose a high-quality mayo for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
The best thing about Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce? It’s practically begging to be customized to suit whatever you’re craving or have on hand. Here are some fun ways to put your own spin on it!
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap in an avocado oil-based mayo or vegan mayonnaise to keep the sauce fully dairy-free and plant-based!
- Extra Heat: Add a serrano pepper or a dash of cayenne if you’re in the mood for more of a spicy kick.
- Greek Yogurt Twist: Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version that’s still deliciously creamy.
- Herb Remix: Toss in a handful of fresh parsley or a few mint leaves with the cilantro for another layer of flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Give your cilantro a good rinse and shake off any water. Cut off only the woody root ends; you can use most of the stems for maximum flavor. Pop the jalapeños’ stems off, peel your garlic, and have your limes ready for juicing.
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
Add the cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic cloves, and mayonnaise to your high-speed blender. Start with the lower amount of garlic and jalapeño if you prefer mild flavors—you can always blend in more! Whizz everything up until the sauce is perfectly smooth and vibrantly green. This only takes about 40 seconds!
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Dip in a spoon and taste your sauce. Want more zing? Add an extra splash of lime. Need more kick? Toss in another piece of jalapeño. Don’t forget to check for salt—some mayos are salty enough, but it’s always good to adjust at the end to suit your palate.
Step 4: Store and Serve
Pour the Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce into a squeeze bottle or airtight jar for easy use. It’s ready to drizzle, dip, or spread—all in under five minutes. Don’t be shocked if you start putting it on, well, everything!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce
- Choose Vibrant Cilantro: Opt for super-fresh, bright green cilantro to keep the sauce a vivid color and prevent it from tasting muddy.
- Adjust the Heat Level: For a gentler sauce, remove the seeds and white pith from your jalapeños before blending; for more fire, leave them in!
- Use a High-Speed Blender: A powerful blender creates the creamiest, airiest texture—if using a food processor, scrape down the sides to get every bit of herb pureed.
- Let It Sit (If You Can!): The flavors really meld and deepen after an hour in the fridge, making your Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce even more irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce
Garnishes
For the prettiest (and tastiest) finishing touch, top your sauce with extra chopped cilantro, fresh lime zest, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These little garnishes make each drizzle pop with color and flavor—making your dish look restaurant-worthy!
Side Dishes
This sauce is a natural alongside grilled chicken, skirt steak, roasted sweet potatoes, or crispy air-fried vegetables. You can also use it as a dip for plantain chips, fresh-cut veggies, or your favorite fries—there are truly no wrong answers!
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce into a clear squeeze bottle for bold swirls over tacos or buddha bowls, or set it out in mini ramekins as a vibrant dip for party platters. For a festive look, serve it layered over thin avocado slices or as a drizzle on grilled corn—so much fun and guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce in an airtight jar or squeeze bottle and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to a week—if you can avoid eating it all before then!
Freezing
While technically you can freeze this sauce, the texture might change a bit once thawed (it could separate slightly). If you freeze, give it a good whisk after defrosting—it’s still great as a drizzle or in marinades, even if not quite as creamy as fresh.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce—it’s best straight from the fridge! If it thickens a lot, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir well before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, or try vegan mayo or blended silken tofu to achieve that luscious texture while keeping the ingredients dairy-free or egg-free.
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Does the sauce get too spicy with two jalapeños?
Not usually, but it depends on your heat preference—and the jalapeños themselves! For a milder sauce, use just one pepper or remove the seeds and membranes; for a bigger kick, use two and keep those seeds.
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How do I keep the sauce bright green?
Use super-fresh cilantro and blend the sauce just until smooth—over-blending or letting it sit out can dull the color. Quick chilling in the fridge also helps maintain that vibrant hue.
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What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce?
The options are endless! Drizzle it over grilled meats, soft tacos, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or even use it as a salad dressing, dip, or sandwich spread. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce is so much more than a simple condiment—it’s a secret weapon for instant, zesty flavor. Whether you drizzle it, dip it, or slather it on, you’re going to want to put this fresh, bright sauce on absolutely everything. Give it a try and let your meals come alive!
Print
Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 oz 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: Keto, Paleo, Peruvian, Whole30
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce is a zesty and versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. With the freshness of cilantro, the tanginess of lime, and a kick of garlic, this sauce is sure to elevate your meals.
Ingredients
Cilantro:
- 1 bunch Cilantro stems and all
Lime Juice:
- 1–2 Limes juiced
Jalapeño:
- 1–2 Jalapeño stem removed
Garlic:
- 5–10 cloves Garlic
Mayonnaise:
- 2 cups Mayonnaise (Hellman’s or Duke’s preferred)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients: Place cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, and mayonnaise in a high-speed blender.
- Blend until smooth: Process the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Transfer to a squeeze bottle: Pour the sauce into a squeeze bottle for easy serving.
- Enjoy: Use this delicious sauce to elevate your favorite dishes. It’s perfect for drizzling over meats, salads, or tacos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 48 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
