Name: Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce: Your New Go-To Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friend, let’s talk about one of my absolute go-to sauces: a creamy cilantro garlic sauce. Seriously, this stuff is magic. I remember the first time I made this creamy cilantro garlic sauce; I was trying to recreate a sauce I had at a little taco stand downtown. It took a few tries, let me tell you! There were some seriously watery, bland attempts, but finally, I nailed it. And let me tell you, the look on my family’s faces when they tried it? Pure joy.

This creamy cilantro garlic sauce has become a staple in our house. We put it on everything from tacos and grilled chicken to roasted vegetables and even eggs! The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. One time, I completely forgot to buy sour cream, which is usually my go-to base. Panic set in! But then I remembered I had some Greek yogurt in the fridge, and honestly, it made the creamy cilantro garlic sauce even better! It added a nice tang that cut through the richness.

My kids are pretty picky eaters, but they gobble this creamy cilantro garlic sauce up. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens, too, because who can resist anything smothered in this deliciousness? Plus, it takes like, 5 minutes to whip up, which is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I’m juggling soccer practice, homework, and trying to get dinner on the table. Honestly, this creamy cilantro garlic sauce has saved me from many a “what’s for dinner?” meltdown.

Trust me, once you try this creamy cilantro garlic sauce, you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect blend of fresh, zesty, and creamy, and it adds a little zing to just about anything. It’s also a great base to create a spicy cilantro sauce if you’re looking for a little extra heat.

INGREDIENTS

Okay, so here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing creamy cilantro garlic sauce. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s mostly stuff you probably already have.

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1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt, like I mentioned!)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (adds richness)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced (I’m a garlic girl, so I usually go for 3!)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (for a kick!)

Now, a few things I always do when making my creamy cilantro garlic sauce. First, I always use fresh cilantro. Dried just doesn’t cut it. I always try to find the brightest green bunches I can find at the store. When making creamy cilantro garlic sauce, you can find good cilantro at most grocery stores, but I’ve found the best prices at my local Latin market.

Here’s a creamy cilantro garlic sauce trick I learned from my mom: she always soaks her cilantro in cold water for a few minutes to help it perk up. It really works! Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the garlic and lime to your liking. Some people like it super garlicky, others prefer a bit more tang.

For a cost-saving tip, grow your own cilantro! It’s super easy to grow in a pot on your windowsill. It will definitely make a difference in your creamy cilantro garlic sauce. Also, if you have leftover cilantro, wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the fridge. It will last for a few extra days. Also, you can freeze leftover cilantro to use in another batch of creamy cilantro garlic sauce.

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP

Alright, here’s how to make this incredible creamy cilantro garlic sauce, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s seriously simple.

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Prep the Cilantro: Thoroughly wash and dry your cilantro. See: Safe Handling of Fresh Produce Then, roughly chop it. You don’t need to be too precise here.
Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and jalapeño (if using).
Blend Until Smooth: Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to make sure everything gets incorporated. Don’t worry if your creamy cilantro garlic sauce looks a little chunky at first; just keep blending!
Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, lime juice, or garlic to your liking. This is where you can really customize it to your preferences. I learned the hard way with creamy cilantro garlic sauce that a little extra lime juice can really brighten it up.
Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, chill the creamy cilantro garlic sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. In my kitchen, creamy cilantro garlic sauce usually takes about 5 minutes to make, plus chilling time.

While the creamy cilantro garlic sauce is chilling, I usually prep whatever I’m planning to serve it with. Tacos, grilled chicken, veggies – whatever strikes my fancy! Your creamy cilantro garlic sauce should smell like fresh cilantro, garlic, and a hint of lime. It’s seriously intoxicating!

A family-tested creamy cilantro garlic sauce shortcut is to use pre-minced garlic from the jar. I know, I know, fresh is always better, but sometimes you just need to save time! I make it a garlic cilantro aioli and spread it on sandwiches. Another delicious variation is a vegan cilantro cream sauce, substituting the sour cream for a plant-based alternative.

SERVING

Okay, so now that you’ve got this amazing creamy cilantro garlic sauce, let’s talk about how to serve it. This is where the fun really begins!

The kids love our creamy cilantro garlic sauce when I make chicken tacos. I just grill up some chicken, chop it up, and let them load it into tortillas with all their favorite toppings, plus a generous dollop of this sauce. It’s always a hit!

My go-to side dishes that pair with creamy cilantro garlic sauce are definitely rice and beans. They’re simple, satisfying, and the perfect complement to the zesty sauce. Sometimes I’ll also make a simple corn and black bean salsa to add some extra flavor and texture. You could also try some creamy garlic butter lobster tails paired with this sauce! Check out this recipe for creamy garlic butter lobster tails

This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is perfect for summer barbecues, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or just a regular weeknight dinner when you want to add a little something special.

For presentation, I like to drizzle the creamy cilantro garlic sauce over whatever I’m serving. You can also put it in a small bowl and let people dip their food into it. I also chop up some extra cilantro and sprinkle it on top for a pop of color.

If you have extra creamy cilantro garlic sauce, you can use it as a salad dressing, a marinade for chicken or fish, or even spread it on sandwiches. The possibilities are endless! I also use my shawarma and garlic sauce recipe to make this sauce even more creamy. Check out this recipe for chicken shawarma and creamy garlic sauce.

I also make a cilantro lime dressing variation by adding a little more lime juice and thinning it out with a bit of water. It’s perfect for salads or as a dipping sauce for grilled shrimp.

My friends always ask for this creamy cilantro garlic sauce recipe whenever I make it for them. It’s become my signature dish, and I’m always happy to share it.

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this creamy cilantro garlic sauce. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this recipe over the years, so I’m happy to share my insights.

Can I make this creamy cilantro garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. The flavors meld together even more when it sits in the fridge for a while. Just store it in an airtight container and it will last for up to 3-4 days.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No problem! Like I mentioned earlier, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It adds a nice tang and is a bit healthier. You can also use crème fraîche or even a combination of mayonnaise and milk.
Can I make this creamy cilantro garlic sauce spicier?
Definitely! Add more jalapeño, or a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some red pepper flakes. You can even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. That’s how I make jalapeno cilantro sauce!
My creamy cilantro garlic sauce is too thick. What do I do?
Simply add a little water or lime juice until it reaches your desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon at a time and blend until smooth.
Can I freeze this creamy cilantro garlic sauce?
I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change when it thaws. The sour cream or yogurt can separate and become grainy. It’s best to make it fresh.
What if I don’t have a food processor or blender?
You can still make this! Just finely chop the cilantro and garlic, and then whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl. It might not be as smooth, but it will still taste amazing.
My creamy cilantro garlic sauce is too garlicky! Help!
You know what I do when my creamy cilantro garlic sauce is too garlicky? I add a little more lime juice and cilantro to balance it out. You can also add a pinch of sugar to cut the bitterness of the garlic.
Can I make this creamy cilantro garlic sauce vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives. There are some great vegan sour creams and mayonnaises available now that work perfectly in this recipe. Now you have vegan cilantro cream sauce.

My Final Thoughts

Enjoy Your Homemade Cilantro Garlic Sauce

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This creamy cilantro garlic sauce recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so versatile and easy to make, and it always brings a smile to my family’s faces. It’s one of those recipes that I know I can always rely on to add a little something special to any meal.

My Pro Tips:

Fresh is Best: Always use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the best flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Chill Out: Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Here are a few creamy cilantro garlic sauce variations that my family loves:

Spicy: Add a jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Sweet: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

My kids love the spicy version, while my husband prefers the smoky one. I personally love the original, but I’m always up for trying new variations!

I really hope you try this creamy cilantro garlic sauce recipe. It’s so easy to make, and it’s a total game-changer. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations and make it your own.

Enjoy this creamy cilantro garlic sauce, and happy cooking! You’re going to love it!