Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.

Skip to Recipe Skip to Comments

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.

Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe (1)

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!

Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe (2)

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!

More Condiment Recipes to Try

Like This Recipe?

We’d love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest!

Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe (3)

Cilantro Lime Crema

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Author: Kimberly

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes 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

    Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe (4)

  • Add salt to taste, pulse again, and store in the fridge until ready to use.

    Salt

    Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe (5)

Suggested Equipment

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

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.

Get Our Dip Recipes Ebook!More details here ➡️ FREE EBOOK!

Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is cilantro lime crema made of? ›

Made with sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, fresh lime, and salt, this crema comes together in one bowl and is an easy way to add a touch of creamy brightness to rich and spicy dishes. You can prepare Cilantro-Lime Crema up to two days in advance; refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.

What to use Costco cilantro lime crema on? ›

How to Use Cilantro Lime Crema
  1. On veggie tacos or quesadillas. I especially love it in these plant-based mushroom tacos!
  2. Over chilaquiles or nachos. A big drizzle will take them over the top.
  3. On enchiladas. ...
  4. As a dipping sauce. ...
  5. On salads and bowls. ...
  6. On a bowl of soup. ...
  7. On veggies.

What are the ingredients in PC cilantro lime crema? ›

Ingredients: canola oil, water, sour cream (milk, cream, bacterialculture), white vinegar, sugar, modified corn starch, salt, concentratedlime juice, carob bean gum, lactic acid, natural flavour, potassiumsorbate, sodium benzoate, dried garlic, guar gum, cilantro, disodiumedta.

What are the ingredients in Don Pancho cilantro lime crema? ›

SOUR CREAM (CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, CREAM, NONFAT MILK SOLIDS, GELATIN), NOMFAT MILK (NONFAT MILK, NONFAT MILK SOLIDS, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN E D3), LITE MAYONNAISE (WATER, CANOLA OIL, DISTILLED VINEGAR, FOOD STARCH-MODIFIED, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF ISOLATED SOY PROTEIN, CIDER VINEGAR, SALT, NON-FAT DAY MILK ...

What do Mexicans use instead of sour cream? ›

Crema is a staple in Mexican cooking—it's nice and cooling on spicy foods. It's slightly thinner and a little less sour than sour cream, but it can still be used as an even swap in most recipes—drizzle some on tacos or use it in baked goods.

Why is Mexican crema so good? ›

The unique fat percentage and consistency of Mexican crema give it a flavor profile that works almost anywhere you'd use sour cream or crème fraîche. With a fat content nearing whipping cream, which is also above 30%, it is even suitable for sweet dishes.

Does cilantro lime crema need to be refrigerated before opening? ›

Does it need to be refrigerated, even before I open it? Yes. Cilantro Lime Crema is made from fresh dairy products, and can spoil like milk does if left unrefrigerated.

What do Mexicans use for sour cream? ›

Use 'crema' instead of sour cream.

But in Mexico, you won't come across this often (especially not on your tacos!), and when you do, it's not sour cream. If you're asking what the difference is: crema is less sour than sour cream, but has slightly more 'tang' than straight thickened cream.

Does Costco sell cilantro lime crema? ›

Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema Everything Sauce, 16 oz, 2 ct | Costco.

What's the difference between Mexican table cream and sour cream? ›

On the other hand, crema, often referred to as Mexican crema or crema Mexicana, is a Mexican-style cream with a slightly sweeter and milder taste compared to sour cream. It is typically made by fermenting a combination of heavy cream and buttermilk.

Can I freeze cilantro lime crema? ›

Refrigerate: You can keep this creamy sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. Add a splash of lime juice right before serving to freshen it up. Freeze: It's not a good idea to freeze this sauce since the texture just isn't the same when it's thawed.

What is a substitute for crema? ›

Though crème fraîche and sour cream stand as the two best substitutes for crema Mexicana, a less common alternative is plain yogurt. Chili Pepper Madness recommends adding a few drops of lime juice to taste, which can inject some sour twang in compensation for the relatively bland taste of unflavored yogurt.

What is cilantro crema made of? ›

A simple blend of mayonnaise, cilantro, sour cream, and lime turns into a zesty sauce that can be added to almost anything from burritos and tacos to nachos and enchiladas. Add a burst of flavor to any meal with this cilantro lime crema. It's super easy to make and keeps well in the fridge.

What is a cilantro lime sauce made of? ›

Cilantro lime sauce (also called cilantro lime dressing or cilantro lime crema) is a blended creamy sauce. It uses cilantro, lime juice, and sour cream as the primary flavors. This recipe is made with olive oil, avocado, green onion (or scallions), cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).

What is cilantro lime salsa cremosa used for? ›

Pour on the flavor with endless possibilities. Inspired by recipes passed down through the generations, this craveable combination of tangy tomatillos and lime with garlic and jalapeno will transform your fish tacos, grilled chicken or garden salad. A perfect addition to your daily dish.

What is crema made of? ›

Crema fresca or crema espesa is a Mexican dairy product prepared with two ingredients, heavy cream and buttermilk. Salt and lime juice may also be used in its preparation. Crema's fat content can range between 18 and 36 percent.

What is cilantro lime vinaigrette made of? ›

Blend the lime juice, vinegar, and cilantro together in a blender until smooth. Add the brown sugar, garlic, and salt; blend again until smooth. Spoon the mustard into the mixture. Turn the blender on and slowly pour the olive oil into the dressing mixture in a thin stream; blend until thoroughly combined.

What to use cilantro lime salsa cremosa for? ›

Probably best as a finishing sauce to tacos or burritos.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Emmett Berge

Last Updated:

Views: 6153

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Emmett Berge

Birthday: 1993-06-17

Address: 787 Elvis Divide, Port Brice, OH 24507-6802

Phone: +9779049645255

Job: Senior Healthcare Specialist

Hobby: Cycling, Model building, Kitesurfing, Origami, Lapidary, Dance, Basketball

Introduction: My name is Sen. Emmett Berge, I am a funny, vast, charming, courageous, enthusiastic, jolly, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.