Name: Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bunch cilantro stems and all; 2 limes, juiced; 1 jalapeño, stem removed; 10 cloves garlic; 2 cups mayonnaise (Hellman's or Duke's preferred)

If you’re craving something bright, tangy, and creamy to drizzle over your favorite dishes, this Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. I reach for it whenever I want to quickly add a fresh punch of flavor to grilled meats, tacos, or even roasted veggies. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together in minutes to create a sauce that’s creamy with a lively kick of garlic, zesty lime, and vibrant cilantro.

Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image — Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce, garlic lime cilantro sauce, fresh cilantro sauce, easy creamy green sauce, zesty lime sauce

Jump to:

In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This sauce is the perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh zest, making it incredibly versatile. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests on the weekend, it delivers consistent flavor and brightens up almost anything it touches.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: The lime juice adds acidity that truly wakes up the flavors, making every bite pop.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: Creamy mayonnaise rounds out the sharpness of garlic and cilantro in a smooth finish.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You only need a handful of fresh items, but the result feels gourmet.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: It takes just minutes to blend and can elevate everything from salad dressings to sandwich spreads.

Ingredients at a Glance

Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to nailing this Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe. When the cilantro is crisp and the limes are juicy, the sauce sings. I usually shop the farmer’s market or look for vibrant greens and firm limes in my local store.

Cilantro: Use stems and leaves for full herbal flavor; fresher is always better.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must to get that sharp, tangy brightness.
Jalapeño: Seeded or left with seeds depending on your spice tolerance.
Garlic: Lots of fresh cloves—garlic powder just can’t deliver the same punch.
Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality brand like Hellmann’s or Duke’s for creaminess and depth.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Step 1 — Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by rinsing the cilantro well, stems and all—those stems pack a surprising amount of flavor. Juice your limes next, aiming for about 1 to 2 limes depending on their size and juiciness. For the jalapeño, remove the stem and slice it in half; if you want it milder, scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Peel your garlic cloves—because fresh garlic is where the magic begins, don’t skimp here!

Step 2 — Blend Until Smooth and Creamy

Pop all your prepped ingredients into a high-speed blender: cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, and two cups of mayonnaise. Secure the lid and pulse a few times before blending continuously for about 30 seconds. You’ll notice the sauce turns into a silky, bright-green cream. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water or a bit more lime juice to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

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Things to Remember

From experience, I’ve found mastering the balance of sharp garlic and zesty lime is key. This sauce gets better after a little chill time, letting those flavors meld beautifully. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spiciness by adjusting the jalapeño or adding a pinch of salt for brightness.

Doneness Cue: The sauce should be thick, smooth, with no visible large cilantro pieces.
Temperature Trick: Let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to marry the flavors well.
Make-Ahead Move: It keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated, making it perfect for meal prep.
Common Pitfall: Avoid over-blending; too long can make the sauce bitter from overworked cilantro.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

This creaminess with a hint of lime zest works beautifully spooned over grilled chicken or drizzled on tacos for an instant flavor upgrade. You’ll notice it adds a bright, tangy creaminess that cuts through smoky or spicy dishes with ease. I even love it as a salad dressing when thinned slightly with a splash of water or olive oil.

Plays Well With

Think grilled shrimp tacos, roasted sweet potatoes, or as a dip alongside crunchy veggie sticks. The fresh cilantro and lime pair beautifully with Latin American and Southwestern flavors, but don’t hesitate to experiment. We’ve even used it on scrambled eggs or over grain bowls for a quick flavor boost.

Simple Plating Upgrades

Drizzle a zigzag over your plate or dollop a generous spoonful in the center and scatter chopped fresh cilantro on top to echo that vivid green color. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder adds a subtle heat and a gorgeous color contrast for special dinners. It’s such a quick way to make your dish look restaurant-worthy.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe in an airtight container or a squeeze bottle in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days and maintains its vibrant color and tangy flavor. After a day or two, give it a quick stir before serving as it might separate slightly.

Freezing Tips

This sauce doesn’t freeze particularly well because mayonnaise tends to separate and change texture when thawed. I recommend making it fresh or using leftovers within a few days for the best creamy texture and flavor balance.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe Without Drying Out

This sauce is best served cold or at room temperature to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavors. If you prefer it slightly warm, gently heat it in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between and adding a splash of water or lime juice to keep it smooth. Avoid high heat, which can break the emulsion and cause separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the texture will be tangier and less rich. Adjust lime juice to balance the flavor accordingly.

How spicy is this sauce, and can I control the heat?

The heat mostly comes from the jalapeño. Removing seeds and membranes will keep it mild, while leaving them in will add a noticeable kick. You can also omit jalapeño if you prefer no spice.

Will this sauce keep for a long time in the fridge?

It keeps well for about 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Beyond that, freshness and vibrant flavor start to decline.

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Yes! It makes a fantastic marinade for chicken or shrimp, especially if you marinate for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to let the flavors soak in.

Final Thoughts

I always have a batch of this Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce Recipe ready in my fridge because it turns the ordinary into something memorable. It’s one of those recipes where a few fresh, simple ingredients come together to make your whole meal shine. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself spooning it on everything from tacos to roasted veggies, just like I do!

Full Printable Recipe