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Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce

This Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a fast, easy, and versatile sauce that transforms everything it touches. Made in minutes with fresh cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream/yogurt, and lime, it's perfect as a dip, spread, sauce, or dressing.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course: Condiment, Dip, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves packed, rinsed and patted dry, thickest stems removed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic fresh, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt to taste, start with a small pinch
  • 1 to 2 tbsp water optional, for thinning
  • 1 small jalapeño optional, seeds removed for milder heat

Equipment

  • Blender or Food Processor

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Toss all main ingredients into your blender or food processor. This includes the packed cilantro leaves, mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, roughly chopped garlic, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and a small pinch of salt. Add the optional jalapeño if using.
  2. Step 2: Secure the lid and blend, starting on low speed and gradually increasing until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is incorporated into a vibrant green sauce.
  3. Step 3: Check the consistency. If a thinner, more drizzle-able sauce is desired, add water one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until the desired consistency is reached.
  4. Step 4: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings. Add more salt, lime juice for tang, or a tiny bit more garlic kick as needed until the flavor is balanced and perfect for you.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, or for best flavor, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving if oil separation occurs.

Notes

This sauce is incredibly versatile, great on tacos, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, burgers, sandwiches, salads, or as a dip. To make it lighter, use light mayo and Greek yogurt. For a vegan version, swap dairy ingredients for vegan alternatives. Increase spice with jalapeño seeds, cayenne, or hot sauce. Other flavor boosts include cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, or a splash of apple cider vinegar. Thin further with water, milk, or olive oil for a salad dressing. Use fresh ingredients, especially cilantro and garlic, removing thick cilantro stems. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Blend until very smooth. Add liquid gradually when thinning. Can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen as it sits. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.