Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce: A Deliciously Versatile Recipe for Every Meal
A creamy and flavorful cilantro garlic sauce that combines fresh cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, and a hint of lime for a versatile condiment perfect for enhancing a variety of meals from grilled meats to salads.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing/Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Fresh Herbs and Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Consistency Adjuster
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
- Gather your ingredients: Make sure you have everything on hand. Fresh cilantro is key for that vibrant flavor, so don’t skimp on it!
- Prepare the cilantro: Rinse the cilantro leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off the excess water or use a salad spinner to dry them. Once dry, roughly chop the cilantro leaves to help them blend more easily.
- Mince the garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. If you have a garlic press, feel free to use that for a smoother texture.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Stir them together until well combined.
- Add the cilantro and garlic: Toss in the chopped cilantro and minced garlic into the bowl with the yogurt and mayonnaise mixture. Use a spatula to fold them in gently.
- Season the sauce: Squeeze in the fresh lime juice, and sprinkle in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix it all together: Using a whisk or a fork, mix all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Give your sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream.
- Fresh lime juice is essential for the best taste; avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
- This sauce can be used as a dip, dressing, or topping for grilled meats, tacos, salads, and roasted vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust salt and lime juice according to personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cilantro garlic sauce, creamy cilantro sauce, yogurt cilantro sauce, homemade sauce, versatile dipping sauce, Mexican-inspired sauce