Name: Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ¾ cup sour cream; ½ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup fresh cilantro; 1 lime (zested and juiced); ¼ to ½ fresh jalapeño (seeds removed, optional); 1 small garlic clove; salt (to taste)

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Introduction

Cilantro Lime Crema is a creamy, tangy sauce perfect for adding a fresh kick to tacos, grilled meats, or salads. With a cilantro and lime base, it’s easy to make and elevates any dish with vibrant flavor.

A small clear glass jar filled with a creamy light green sauce that has tiny green specks mixed through it, topped with small green herb pieces. The jar sits centered on a clean white plate with a silver spoon resting beside it. Around the plate, there are scattered fresh green herb leaves and lime wedges. The whole scene is set on a white marbled background that adds a soft textured look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup fresh cilantro
1 lime (zested and juiced)
¼ to ½ fresh jalapeño (seeds removed, optional)
1 small garlic clove
Salt (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime zest and juice, jalapeño, and garlic clove into a food processor.
Step 2: Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add salt to taste, pulse again to mix, then transfer the crema to a container.
Step 4: Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Tips & Variations

Remove the jalapeño seeds for milder heat or add more for extra spice.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavor.
Blend in a handful of spinach for a vibrant green crema and added nutrients.

Storage

Store the cilantro lime crema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before using. It can be served cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A small glass jar filled with a creamy light green sauce speckled with tiny green herbs, placed on a white plate with another white plate underneath. The sauce looks smooth and thick, with a few small herbs sprinkled on top. In the blurry white marbled background, there are lime wedges and some green herb leaves scattered around, adding contrast to the soft colors of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this crema without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop the ingredients and whisk them together until smooth, but using a food processor will ensure a creamier texture.

Is this crema suitable for dairy-free diets?

This recipe relies on sour cream and mayonnaise, which contain dairy and eggs. You can use dairy-free sour cream and vegan mayo substitutes to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.