This easy Cilantro Cream Sauce is fresh, creamy, herby, and full of bold flavor! Made with sour cream, garlic, lime, and plenty of fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect creamy sauce to drizzle over tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, or roasted veggies. The flavors are bold, herbaceous, and zesty, perfect for cilantro lovers. Just blend it all together in minutes and keep in the fridge so you can put it on everything!
Creamy Cilantro Sauce
I started making this cilantro sauce about 15 years ago for our favorite Turkey Street Tacos. It has the most amazing flavor, provided you are not one of the unfortunate souls for whom cilantro tastes like soap (and if you are, I'm very sorry).
It’s especially great for taco night, summer grilling, or served as a salad dressing, grain bowl topping, or dipping sauce for chips and veggies. Also a terrific sauce for wraps.
Why I Think You’ll Love Cilantro Cream Sauce
• Super Quick – Just blend and serve!
• Flavorful – Cilantro is the star, while fresh garlic and lime juice brighten every bite.
• Versatile – Works as a dip, drizzle, dressing, or spread.
• Customizable – Add more or less cilantro or garlic to suit your taste.
This is a quick sauce, coming together in about 5 minutes. It's fast, but packs a flavorful punch of creamy, herby goodness.
Cilantro Cream Sauce keeps well in the fridge, making it an easy make-ahead option for casual entertaining or when throwing together quick lunches.
What's in Creamy Cilantro Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves – Rinse them well to remove any dirt before using. One or two handfuls depending on how bold you want the flavor.
• Garlic – Just one clove adds a nice savory flavor.
• Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens and balances out the creaminess.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances all the flavors.
• Sour Cream – Creates a smooth, tangy and creamy base.
• Mayonnaise – Adds extra richness and helps the sauce emulsify.
How to Make Cilantro Cream Sauce
• Prep the cilantro: Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water or pat dry with a paper towel.
• Blend the herbs and seasonings: Add the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a mini food processor (or a full-size one) and pulse a few times to chop and combine.
• Add creamy ingredients: Add the sour cream and mayonnaise. Process until mostly smooth, then scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Finish blending: Process again until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You’ll see small flecks of cilantro throughout.
• Taste and adjust: Add more cilantro or salt to taste. If adding more cilantro, press it down into the sauce with a spatula before blending again.
• Chill: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Recipe Tips
• Start with one handful of cilantro if you're unsure how bold you want the flavor. You can always add more!
• Scrape down the sides of your food processor for the smoothest texture.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor, it makes a difference.
Serving Ideas
• Drizzle over tacos, burrito bowls, grain bowls, or fajitas
• Serve with grilled chicken, steak, pork, or shrimp
• Use as a salad dressing or dipping sauce for raw veggies
• Spread on burgers, wraps, or sandwiches
• Spoon over roasted potatoes or grilled corn
Storage
Store any leftover cilantro sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Stir before using if it has separated slightly.
Homemade Sauces and Seasoning Blends
Tzatziki Sauce
Instant Pot Hot Sauce
Easy Taco Seasoning
Homemade Fajita Seasoning
If you make this delicious, creamy cilantro sauce, let me know! Just leave a comment below with a star rating. I'd love to hear from you!
Cilantro Cream Sauce is a quick & easy recipe full of zesty, herby flavor. Made with sour cream, lime, garlic, and plenty of fresh cilantro, this creamy sauce is perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, or veggies.
- ¾ cup Sour Cream
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1-2 Handfuls Fresh Cilantro Leaves (about 1.5 oz see Notes)
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Lime Juice
- ⅛ teaspoon Kosher Salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
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Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water or pat dry with a paper towel.
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Add the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a mini food processor (or a full-size one) and pulse a few times to chop and combine.
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Add the sour cream and mayonnaise. Process until mostly smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and process again until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You’ll see small flecks of cilantro throughout.
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Add more cilantro or salt to taste. If adding more cilantro, press it down into the sauce with a spatula before blending again.
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Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Amount of Cilantro
I like a strong cilantro flavor, and usually add about 1.5 ounces total (one handful, run the food processor, taste, then add a second handful if desired).
Storage
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition values are estimates and based on 8 servings (about 2 tablespoons per serving) | Calories: 90 | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 95mg | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fiber: 0g | Sugars: 1g | Protein: 1g
Brenda
Can you give me an idea of the size of your "mini" food processor. A tiny one is too small, a d my blender is too large and powerful. Thanks. I wa t to try this recipe!!
Sandy
Here is a link to the one I have which is 3 cups (it is on Amazon and this is my Affiliate link): Mini Food Processor