Cilantro Lime Crema

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Our Cilantro Lime Crema is an easy homemade sauce that adds tons of flavor to enchiladas, fish tacos, burritos, and more. With simple ingredients like cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, sour cream, and mayo, it’s a versatile Tex-Mex staple you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Spoon next to a jar of crema.

What is cilantro lime crema?

Cilantro lime crema is a creamy sauce with a tangy and refreshing flavor. It’s made with a combination of fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise. This versatile sauce can add an extra layer of flavor of various dishes with its vibrant and creamy texture.

Kim’s Tips

Tips
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice will yield the best flavor.
  • Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add a splash of buttermilk, heavy cream, or extra lime juice until you reach your desired thickness.
  • Customize to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cilantro, lime juice, or garlic to suit your preferences.
  • Make it spicy: For a kick of heat, add a jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Blend it well: Use a blender or food processor to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Store leftover crema in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Give it a good stir before using it again, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that Greek yogurt may impart a slightly tangier flavor.

Is cilantro lime crema with jalapeño spicy?

Whether this sauce is spicy depends on the amount of jalapeño used in the recipe. If only a small amount is added, it may provide a hint of heat without being overwhelmingly spicy.

However, if more jalapeño is used or if the seeds and membranes are included, the crema can become quite spicy. 

Adjusting the quantity of jalapeño allows you to control the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make cilantro lime crema without mayo?

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness to the sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer. Substitute it with more sour cream or Greek yogurt.

What dishes can I use this crema with?

Cilantro lime crema is incredibly versatile and pairs well with tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, fish tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, and more. Get creative and drizzle it on anything you like!

Side view of crema in a glass jar.

Easy Crema Recipe with Cilantro and Lime

I’m absolutely obsessed with cilantro lime crema. It’s become a staple in our kitchen, and we find ourselves making it all the time for various recipes. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make.

We start with a simple mixture of sour cream and mayo. Then, we incorporate fresh lime juice and zest to give it a refreshing citrus taste, and fresh cilantro adds a burst of vibrant flavor. We also include a clove of garlic for a subtle savory note, along with diced jalapeño for a touch of heat. A pinch of salt brings all the flavors together perfectly.

It’s light, fresh, and has a hint of heat. It’s perfect for all of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. We love to use it on nachos, shrimp tacos, quesadillas, and taco bowls. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, flavorful, and downright addictive sauce, you’ve got to try our cilantro lime crema. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

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Jar of cilantro lime crema on a plate.

Cilantro Lime Crema

5 from 1 vote
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Author: Kimberly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • ¼ to ½ fresh jalapeño, seeds removed (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • salt, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a food processor, and pulse to combine.
    ¾ cup sour cream
    ⅓ cup fresh cilantro
    ½ cup mayonnaise
    1 lime
    ¼ to ½ fresh jalapeño
    1 small garlic clove
    Ingredients for lime crema in a food processor.
  • Add salt to taste, pulse again, and store in the fridge until ready to use.
    salt
    Top down view of cilantro lime crema in a food processor.

Suggested Equipment

Notes

*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 2 tablespoons of crema. Actual calories will vary.
*This recipe makes about 1.5 cups total.
*The thickness of the crema is dependent on how much lime juice you use. We used quite a bit in the photos, so the crema was on the thinner side. Use less juice to give the crema a thicker consistency.
*Storage information, FAQs, and tips are listed below.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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5 from 1 vote

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