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Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce

creamy cilantro garlic sauce - featured image

This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is a fresh, zesty, and versatile dip or dressing that comes together in under 10 minutes. With Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, and lime, it’s perfect for chips, tacos, grilled meats, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 packed cup fresh cilantro (about 25g)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 30ml)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (120g, full-fat or nonfat)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60g, optional for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (2g), or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
  • 1/2 small jalapeño, seeded (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml, optional for silkier texture)

Instructions

  1. Wash the cilantro thoroughly and pat dry. Peel the garlic cloves. Slice the lime in half and juice it.
  2. Add cilantro, garlic, lime juice, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, jalapeño (if using), and olive oil (if using) to a high-speed blender or food processor.
  3. Blend on low, then increase to high for 30–45 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed, until the sauce is smooth and vibrant green.
  4. Taste and adjust: add more lime for tang, salt or pepper for flavor, water or yogurt to thin, or mayonnaise to thicken.
  5. Pour into a bowl or jar. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
  6. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

For a dairy-free or vegan version, use coconut or plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo. Adjust garlic and lime to taste. Sauce thickens when chilled; thin with water or lime juice if needed. For a spicier kick, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne. Best served chilled. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro garlic sauce, creamy dip, Greek yogurt sauce, healthy dip, taco sauce, salad dressing, easy sauce, fresh cilantro, zesty dip, gluten-free sauce