Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As spring transforms into summer, I can’t help but crave vibrant, fresh flavors. One of my personal favorites is a creamy cilantro sauce that perfectly complements a bevy of summertime dishes. Picture this: grilled chicken sizzling on the barbecue, a colorful salad on the side, and a bowl of this luscious sauce glistening under the sun. It’s the kind of plate that looks like it belongs in a food magazine, and trust me, it tastes even better than it looks!

This sauce adds a lively kick to anything you drizzle it over. I often enjoy it with grilled fish tacos, where the freshness of cilantro shines through with every bite. You could also use it as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables or as a dressing for a light pasta salad. It’s incredibly versatile, making it a staple in my fridge as the temperature rises.

Let’s dive into what creamy cilantro sauce is all about.

Table of Contents

What Is Creamy Cilantro Sauce?

Creamy cilantro sauce is a rich, tangy condiment primarily made from fresh cilantro, sour cream, and Greek yogurt. It’s that magical blend of flavors and textures—the creamy base offers richness, while the cilantro and lime bring a burst of freshness. Often, a touch of heat from jalapeño and a hint of sweetness from honey elevate the sauce to a whole new level. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, full of zest and life!

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy delight:

1/2 cup tangy sour cream: Provides the creamy base with a delightful tang.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony brightness.
2 peeled garlic cloves: For that robust flavor kick.
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest: Brings a fresh citrus note.
2 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil: A quality oil adds richness.
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Enhances creaminess and adds protein.
1/2 teaspoon honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
1 cup firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves: The star of the show!
1 jalapeño pepper, halved: Add heat; you can remove seeds for milder flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor to the mix.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice: Amplifies all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Creating this sauce is simple. You can make it in minutes! Here’s a sneak peek at how to prepare it: you’ll blend the ingredients until smooth. Easy, right? Now, let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving in, assemble all your ingredients. Having everything in front of you sets the stage for a smooth preparation phase. Fresh cilantro? Check! Limes, garlic, all that good stuff ready to rock.

Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro

Rinse your cilantro thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt. Shake off the excess moisture, and then remove the leaves from the stems. Measuring a whole cup packed ensures you get that wonderful cilantro flavor.

Step 3: Blend the Base

In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, Greek yogurt, and cold-pressed olive oil. Let the blender whir for about 10 seconds until it’s creamy. If you have a powerful blender, I suggest blending the ingredients first to avoid leafy bits later.

Step 4: Add Fresh Flavors

Add in the fresh cilantro leaves, chives, garlic cloves, lime zest, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, and jalapeño. Here comes the fun part! Blend the mixture until smooth, scraping the sides down if necessary. It should become a vibrant green color that screams freshness!

Step 5: Season to Perfection

Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning. This is your chance to add more salt or a little more honey depending on your preference. Blend again if needed. Do not skip this step—seasoning is everything!

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Transfer the creamy mixture into a bowl or airtight container. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the deliciousness.

Notes

Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Dried cilantro just doesn’t cut it here.
Tweak the Heat: If you prefer the sauce milder, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
Add Some Kick: For an extra hit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Food Processor Option: If you don’t have a blender, a food processor works just as well.
Leftover Sauce: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for about three days.

Storage Tips

Store leftover creamy cilantro sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically lasts about three to five days, according to food safety guidelines. If the sauce thickens while stored, just stir in a teaspoon of water or additional lime juice to bring it back to your desired consistency.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick nutritional analysis for a serving of creamy cilantro sauce (approximately 2 tablespoons):

This sauce is not only delicious but also relatively low in calories, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delightful ways to serve this creamy cilantro sauce:

Grilled Chicken: Drizzle the sauce over grilled chicken for a zesty flavor explosion. The cool creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm, smoky chicken.
Fish Tacos: Use it as a topping for fish tacos. Slather it on and let the fresh flavors take your meal to new heights.
Salad Dressing: Thin it out with a bit more lime juice to use as a salad dressing. Toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a refreshing side salad.
Veggie Dip: Serve it as a dip for fresh veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers love a good dunk in this creamy concoction.
Pasta Salad: Mix it into a chilled pasta salad. Combine it with your favorite veggies and pasta for an easy side dish that sings of summer.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Creamy Cilantro Sauce?

If you’re missing an ingredient or two, don’t fret! You can still whip up this sauce with these substitutes:

Greek Yogurt: Use sour cream in place of Greek yogurt for a slightly different flavor. It will still yield a creamy result.
Fresh Herbs: Try parsley or basil instead of cilantro. Each will bring a unique flavor twist to the sauce.
Lime Juice: Substitute with lemon juice if limes are out of season. The bright acidity will still shine through.
Jalapeño: Swap it out for another mild pepper like a poblano for less heat. You can even go with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar work well if you prefer a different sweetener. Adjust the quantity to taste.

Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe

As spring transforms into summer, I can’t help but crave vibrant, fresh flavors. One of my personal favorites is a creamy cilantro sauce that perfectly complements a bevy of summertime dishes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 64 kcal

Equipment

Blender
Food Processor

Ingredients

1/2 cup tangy sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
2 peeled garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
2 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 cup firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeño pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice