Cilantro Lime Crema

Crema arranged on plate with limes and cilantro.

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 5

Servings: people

Calories: 104kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

This quick and tangy Cilantro Lime Crema is ready in just 5 minutes. Better than sour cream, this Mexican condiment is flavored with fresh cilantro and lime juice to create a creamy and vibrant dressing, taco topping, or dipping sauce.

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Equipment

Ingredients

¾ cup sour cream regular or fat-free
2 Tablespoons mayonnaise regular or fat-free
½ cup cilantro
1 lime zested and juiced
1 clove garlic peeled
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
¼ cup pepitas
¼ cup cotija cheese crumbled, or queso fresco
Salt to taste

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Season with salt, to taste.
Transfer to a jar or squeeze bottle and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Storing

Store the cilantro crema sauce in a sealed jar or squeeze bottle for up to 5 days in the fridge. The longer it sits, the better it will taste!
The texture of the crema will naturally thicken as it sits in the fridge. If it’s too thick, stir in a little lime juice or a splash of water until it thins out.

Variations

Vegan cilantro lime crema: Swap the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives. Omit the cheese entirely or use a vegan parmesan instead.
Cilantro lime crema with yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.
Avocado lime crema: Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with avocado instead.
Spicy Mexican crema: Add in half of a jalapeno or serrano pepper (seeds and veins removed) to give the sauce some spice.
Chipotle crema: Add in some smoky chipotle peppers for some heat and flavor.

Nutrition