Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro

This creamy garlic lime cilantro sauce transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Perfect for drizzling over tacos, grilled meats, or using as a dip, this versatile sauce combines the bright freshness of cilantro with zesty lime and a kick of jalapeño.

I created this sauce when trying to replicate my favorite taco truck's secret green sauce. After dozens of attempts, this version became so popular among friends that I now keep a squeeze bottle ready in my refrigerator at all times.

Ingredients

• Cilantro: Full bunch including stems provides intense herbaceous flavor and beautiful green color
• Limes: Freshly juiced adds brightness that balances the richness of the mayo
• Jalapeño: Offers customizable heat level; use seeds for extra spice or remove for milder flavor
• Garlic: Fresh cloves provide punchy flavor that mellows slightly over time
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base; Hellmann's or Duke's brands offer the perfect texture and neutral canvas

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Ingredients:

Wash cilantro thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit or sand. There's no need to pick leaves from stems as everything goes in. Roll limes on counter with firm pressure before cutting to extract maximum juice. For the jalapeño, remove stem but decide whether to keep seeds based on your heat preference. Peel garlic cloves and give them a rough chop.

Blend Everything:

Add cilantro bunch, freshly squeezed lime juice, jalapeño, garlic cloves, and mayonnaise to your blender. Start on low speed for about 10 seconds to break down larger pieces, then increase to high speed and blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth. Stop and scrape down sides if needed for even blending.

Taste and Adjust:

Sample your sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lime for brightness, jalapeño for heat, or garlic for punch. If too thick, add a tablespoon of water or more lime juice. If too thin, add a bit more mayonnaise.

Store Properly:

Transfer your finished sauce to a squeeze bottle or airtight container. The squeeze bottle makes application easy and precise for drizzling over dishes.

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The first time I served this sauce at a family gathering, my cilantro-averse brother-in-law couldn't stop eating it. He claimed to hate cilantro his entire life, but this sauce converted him immediately. The balance of flavors somehow transforms even cilantro skeptics into believers.

Make It Your Own

This sauce welcomes creativity. For a southwestern twist, add half an avocado and a pinch of ground cumin. Looking for something tangier? Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Need dairy-free? Use vegan mayonnaise with excellent results. The foundation remains the same, but these small tweaks can create entirely new flavor profiles suited to different cuisines.

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Perfect Pairings

While this sauce elevates nearly anything, it particularly shines with grilled seafood, especially shrimp or fish tacos. The creamy texture and bright flavors cut through rich meats beautifully. Try it drizzled over crispy roasted potatoes or as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables. One of my favorite applications is using it as a sandwich spread in place of plain mayonnaise your turkey sandwich will never be the same.

Troubleshooting

If your sauce separates after refrigeration, simply give it a good stir before using. Should the garlic flavor become too intense after storage, balance it with an additional squeeze of lime juice. For a thinner consistency suitable for dressing, whisk in a tablespoon of water or olive oil until reaching desired texture. Remember that flavors meld and develop over time, so a sauce that seems perfect today might need minor adjustments tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this sauce keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce will keep well for 5-7 days. The acid from the lime juice helps preserve it, but for optimal freshness and flavor, use within a week.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of this sauce?

Absolutely! You can adjust the heat by changing the amount of jalapeño. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder sauce, or add extra jalapeño for more kick. You could also substitute serrano peppers for more heat or poblano for a milder flavor.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise to make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Alternatively, you could use Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor profile, though this would add dairy to the recipe.

→ What dishes pair well with this sauce?

This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and as a dip for chips or crudités. It's also excellent drizzled over eggs, avocado toast, or used as a sandwich spread.

→ Do I need to remove the cilantro stems?

No, the recipe specifically calls for using the entire bunch of cilantro, stems and all. The stems contain great flavor and will blend smoothly in a high-speed blender. This also reduces food waste and prep time.

→ Can I make this sauce less garlicky?

Yes, you can reduce the garlic to 2-3 cloves for a milder garlic flavor. Alternatively, you could roast the garlic first for a sweeter, less pungent garlic flavor while maintaining the depth.