This cilantro garlic sauce is creamy, bright, and ready in minutes. One quick blend turns a handful of ingredients into a sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: Creamy, garlicky, fresh, and zippy with lime.
- Why Make It: Uses a few fridge and pantry staples to make homemade meals taste even better.
- Prep Note: Let the sauce chill for up to 30 minutes if possible, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serving Suggestions: Great as a dip, drizzle, sandwich spread, taco sauce, or dressing for burrito bowls or salads. It’s also great on steak!
Ingredient Notes
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Sour cream gives a richer, classic dip texture. Greek yogurt is a bit tangier and lighter while still creamy.
- Mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and helps the sauce blend into a rich, creamy texture. Avoid Miracle Whip since the sweetness changes the flavor.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice keeps the sauce bright and balanced against the creamy base. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: Helps thin the sauce slightly and makes it blend smoothly. Swap for any neutral oil.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the strongest, most bold flavor. Garlic powder can be used for a milder and smoother garlic taste.
- Fresh Cilantro: Lightly pack the cup and use mostly leaves with tender stems. Start with less if you want a milder flavor and add more after tasting.
How to Make Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- Add sour cream, mayo, lime juice, oil, garlic, and salt to a blender and mix until smooth.
- Add cilantro and blend until mostly smooth with a little texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve or chill.
No-Blender Option:
- Finely chop cilantro.
- Whisk the base ingredients together until smooth.
- Stir in cilantro and serve right away.
Leftovers Made Easy
Store cilantro garlic sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and use within 4 days. Stir before serving since some separation can happen.
Freezing is not recommended since the texture can separate and the flavor fades.
Use leftovers on tacos, bowls, sandwiches, quesadillas, grilled chicken, burgers, or roasted veggies.
Tex-Mex Favorites to Serve With This Sauce
Did you make this Cilantro Garlic Sauce? Leave a comment and rating below.
Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sour cream or greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice juice from 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cilantro packed
Instructions
- Add sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt to a food processor. Blend until combined.
- Add the cilantro and blend until mostly smooth, leaving a few small pieces of cilantro for texture.
Notes
- To make without a food processor: Finely chop the cilantro. In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Use within 3 days for best food safety protocol.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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