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This creamy cilantro sauce can do it all from putting life into salads to giving tacos and grilled meats a flavor boost I always keep a jar ready for last minute dinners or snack dips We once discovered this when I was aiming for a lighter version of our favorite taco truck green sauce and now it has earned a permanent spot in our fridge
I first whipped this up to top a batch of rice bowls and ended up using it as a veggie dip all week It is one of those sauces that disappears fast around my house
Ingredients
- Cilantro: both leaves and stems bring that signature freshness choose a bright bunch without wilted leaves
- Plain Greek yogurt: makes the sauce creamy and tangy full fat or low fat both work
- Sour cream: for an extra smooth silky finish you can use more Greek yogurt if preferred
- Garlic: adds a big punch of flavor pick firm fresh cloves for the best taste
- Lime or lemon juice: brings out the best in the other ingredients opt for fresh squeezed for vivid zing
- Olive oil: makes it luxurious and helps the sauce blend choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Cumin: spices things up a little use freshly ground if you have it
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: help round out the flavors use high quality sea salt for best taste
- Jalapeno: delivers a gentle heat you can leave it out for a mild version or add extra for more kick pick a firm green pepper for mild heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Wash and dry cilantro thoroughly chop roughly including stems peel garlic and deseed jalapeno if using this ensures even blending and balanced flavors
- Combine in Food Processor:
- Add cilantro Greek yogurt sour cream garlic lime or lemon juice olive oil cumin salt pepper and jalapeno to your food processor or blender pile everything in at once so the flavors come together
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Blend on high for about one minute scrape down the sides as needed continue blending until the sauce is completely smooth light and creamy be patient for that ultra silky texture
- Taste and Adjust:
- Check for seasoning taste and add more salt pepper lime or lemon juice if needed for perfect balance
- Store and Serve:
- Pour into a glass jar or dressing bottle seal tightly this keeps the sauce fresh and ready to grab from your fridge for up to one week
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Storage Tips
Store your creamy cilantro sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator It stays fresh for about a week Give it a quick stir before each use as the flavors can settle
Ingredient Substitutions
Use all Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for an even lighter sauce If you do not have fresh lime or lemon bottled juice works in a pinch For more heat try adding extra jalapeno or even a small pinch of cayenne
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Serving Suggestions
This sauce is perfect as a salad dressing or drizzled over grilled chicken or steak We love it as a veggie dip and it elevates any taco burrito bowl or even roasted vegetables Try spreading it on sandwiches for a flavor kick
Cultural context
Creamy cilantro sauces have roots across Tex Mex and Latin cooking often served alongside tacos or grilled meats Traditionally made with mayonnaise or crema this Greek yogurt version is a lighter twist that keeps all the brightness with a tangy edge
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this cilantro sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container.
- → Is there a substitute for sour cream?
You can replace sour cream with more Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier result.
- → How spicy is this sauce?
The heat level is mild, especially if you deseed the jalapeno. Feel free to adjust the amount to taste.
- → What dishes pair well with this cilantro sauce?
It's delicious on salads, tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, or served as a dipping sauce.
- → Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?
Absolutely! Lemon juice provides a slightly different citrus note but works well in this sauce.
- → Should I use cilantro stems as well?
Yes, both cilantro leaves and tender stems blend smoothly and add extra flavor.