Introduction

Oh, this sauce! It brings me back to those summer BBQs and taco nights, you know? That moment when you find a sauce that just elevates everything it touches. This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is exactly that. It’s incredibly simple, comes together in minutes, and is so delicious, you’ll be reaching for it again and again. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a guaranteed win. Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone you feed it to!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Easy: Seriously, you just toss everything into a blender.
Giftable: Package it up in cute jars for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Crowd-pleasing: From tacos to grilled chicken, everyone loves this sauce.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our goodies! This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch.

1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed: We want all those lovely leafy bits for maximum flavor and vibrant green color. Don’t worry about being super precise with the stems, just get rid of the thickest, woodiest ones.
3 cloves garlic, peeled: Fresh garlic is key here! It gives our sauce that unmistakable zesty kick.
1-2 jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed: This is where you can play with the heat! If you like it mild, use just one with all the seeds out. For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in or use two.
1/4 cup lime juice (from about 1-2 limes): Freshly squeezed lime juice brings a lovely brightness and acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: This is our creamy base. It makes the sauce rich and smooth.
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: This adds another layer of creaminess and a slight tanginess. Greek yogurt is a great lighter option!
Salt to taste: Just a pinch to bring all those flavors together perfectly.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty (or rather, our blenders!). This is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.

Combine the Fresh Stuff: Grab your food processor or blender. Toss in the fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems!), those garlic cloves, your prepped jalapeño(s), and the freshly squeezed lime juice.
Give it a Whiz: Put the lid on securely and pulse a few times until everything is finely chopped. You want a nice, vibrant green mixture.
Add the Creaminess: Now, pour in the mayonnaise and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
Blend Until Dreamy: Blend everything together until it’s super smooth and wonderfully creamy. Scrape down the sides of the processor or blender if needed to make sure it’s all incorporated.
Season to Perfection: Taste your masterpiece! Add salt a little at a time, blending and tasting until it’s just right. This is your sauce, make it yours!
Chill and Serve: Transfer your gorgeous green sauce into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge for at least 15-30 minutes. This little chill time lets all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Substitutions & Additions

This sauce is fantastic as is, but you know me, I love to play around! Here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

Herbs: Not a huge cilantro fan? Try using fresh parsley or a mix of parsley and cilantro for a milder flavor.
Creamy Base: If you don’t have mayo or sour cream, you could try avocado for a healthy fat boost, or even a creamy cashew base.
Spice Level: For more heat, try adding a serrano pepper instead of a jalapeño, or leave some of the jalapeño seeds and membranes in. For zero heat, simply omit the jalapeño entirely.
A Hint of Sweetness: A tiny pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can balance out the acidity if you find it a bit too tart.
Zest it Up: Add a bit of lime zest along with the juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Tips for Success

A few little pointers to ensure your sauce is absolutely perfect every time!

Don’t Over-Process the Herbs: While we want it smooth, be careful not to blend for too long once the mayo and sour cream are in, as it can sometimes make the sauce a bit watery. A good pulse until smooth is usually perfect.
Taste as You Go: This is my golden rule for ALL recipes! Everyone’s palate is different, so tasting and adjusting salt and lime is crucial.
Prep Ahead: You can absolutely make this sauce a day or two in advance. The flavors actually get even better as it sits! Just make sure it’s in a well-sealed container in the fridge.
Clean Your Blender: If you’re making multiple things, it’s easier to rinse your blender immediately after making the sauce before it dries.

How to Store It

This sauce is best kept chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay wonderfully fresh for about 5-7 days. I love keeping a jar in the fridge for quick additions to meals throughout the week!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: Can I make this sauce without a food processor or blender?
A: You sure can! It will be more labor-intensive, but you can finely mince the cilantro, garlic, and jalapeños by hand and then whisk them together with the creamy ingredients. It might not be quite as smooth, but it will still be delicious!

Q: My sauce looks a bit watery, what did I do wrong?
A: This can sometimes happen if too much liquid is added, or if it’s over-blended. Make sure your cilantro is well-drained. If it’s too thin, you can try adding a little more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, or even a tablespoon of avocado, to thicken it up.

Q: What are some good ways to use this sauce?
A: Oh, the possibilities are endless! It’s amazing on tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, fish, salads, as a dip for veggies, or even spread on sandwiches. It’s truly a versatile condiment!

Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce

This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is incredibly simple, comes together in minutes, and is so delicious, you'll be reaching for it again and again.

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Equipment

Food processor or blender
Airtight container for chilling and storage

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 bunch fresh cilantro stems removed, leaves and tender stems
3 cloves garlic peeled
1.5 jalapeños seeds and membranes removed, adjust to taste
0.25 cup lime juice freshly squeezed, from about 1-2 limes
0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is a lighter option
to taste salt

Instructions

Combine the fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems!), garlic cloves, prepped jalapeño(s), and freshly squeezed lime juice in a food processor or blender.
1 bunch fresh cilantro
Pulse a few times until everything is finely chopped, creating a vibrant green mixture.
Add the mayonnaise and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the mixture.
1 bunch fresh cilantro
Blend everything together until it's super smooth and wonderfully creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Taste and add salt a little at a time, blending and tasting until it's just right.
1 bunch fresh cilantro
Transfer the sauce into an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Notes

The sauce can be made a day or two in advance, and the flavors actually get even better as it sits. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days.