Cilantro Lime Crema

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. Just blend cilantro, lime, sour cream, and mayo, and you’re good to go!

Whip up this creamy, tangy sauce in a few minutes so it’s always ready to go. Use it wherever you’d use plain sour cream or Mexican crema, like on chicken tacos, red chicken enchiladas, bean and cheese burritos, or sheet pan nachos!

What Is Crema?

Mexican crema is a creamy condiment similar to sour cream but with a thinner, more fluid consistency and a slightly tangier flavor. It’s often used as a topping for dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and soups and adds a rich and creamy element that pairs well with Mexican food.

It’s traditionally made with buttermilk and heavy cream, but many versions use Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, or a combination of all three!

Ingredient Notes

• Sour cream and mayonnaise: This is the base of the crema. Both will help the sauce taste a little tangy and creamy.
• Cilantro: For brightness and amazing flavors. It also gives the crema a beautiful light green hue.
• Lime: Both the lime juice and zest give the sauce a hint of citrus flavor that pairs well with the cilantro.
• Garlic: For a delicious savory bite.
• Salt: Helps bring out all of the flavors! Make sure not to forget the salt.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Crema

1. Add all of your ingredients into a bowl of a food processor or blender. No need to chop the cilantro or garlic! Blend everything until it’s super smooth.
2. Transfer the mixture to a jar or squeeze bottle. Serve it immediately, or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Tips

• Refrigerate the crema for a few hours or up to overnight before serving. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld and develop. This helps the crema taste even better than if you were to enjoy it as soon as it’s ready!
• The crema will naturally thicken in the fridge. If it gets too thick, mix in a splash of lime juice or a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add heat: Add a few slices of jalapeño or serrano peppers and blend them into the sauce to add some heat. Leave the seeds in for extra spice.
• Make it vegan by using a plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise alternative.
• Need something a little lighter? Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. The yogurt is nice and light while still giving the sauce a tangy taste and added protein.
• Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with Traditional Mexican crema. If you do this, only add half the amount of lime juice.
• You can also 1/4 of an avocado instead of mayonnaise. It is still super creamy and it blends beautifully.

How to Use Cilantro Lime Crema

There are endless ways to enjoy this cilantro lime crema. Here are a few suggestions: 

• On top of tacos: The flavors in the sauce will add some zest to Baja fish tacos, grilled shrimp tacos, and carne asada tacos.
• In burritos and enchiladas: Add it to layers of protein, veggies, and cheese in breakfast burritos, bean and cheese burritos, and chicken enchiladas.
• In salads: This crema also acts as a great creamy salad dressing! Try it on this Southwest chicken salad, grilled romaine salad, or on a simple green salad.
• As a dip: Use the crema as a dipping sauce for baked chicken wings, chicken taquitos, or flautas.
• On soups: Spoon some on top of slow cooker taco soup, black bean soup, or chicken tortilla soup.
• With veggies: Give your sauteed peppers or Mexican street corn a hit of flavor by mixing in some cilantro lime crema.

Storage

Cilantro lime crema can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

More Recipes

• Jalapeño Ranch
• Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing
• Avocado Crema
• Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
• Cilantro Pesto