Name: Easy Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; Salt and pepper to taste

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Over the years, this creamy cilantro garlic sauce has evolved. I’ve tweaked it, experimented with different ingredients, and landed on what I think is the perfect balance of flavors. It’s now become our go-to dipping sauce, marinade, and even salad dressing! You can put it on everything! My husband likes to use it as a sandwich spread. You will find yourself looking for ways to put this creamy cilantro garlic sauce on everything.

Picture this: juicy grilled shrimp drizzled with a generous spoonful of this sauce, or tacos overflowing with seasoned beef and a dollop of creamy cilantro garlic sauce. Can you taste it? I am just thinking about it and it sounds divine. Or how about roasted veggies tossed in this bright and flavorful creamy cilantro garlic sauce? We even use it as a base for our homemade pizza sometimes!

What I really love about this creamy cilantro garlic sauce is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, use different types of herbs, or even add a squeeze of lime for extra zing. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Don’t be afraid to adjust this creamy cilantro garlic sauce to your liking!

I’ve made this creamy cilantro garlic sauce for countless potlucks and dinner parties, and it’s always a hit. People always ask me for the recipe, and now I’m so excited to finally share it with you. Trust me, once you try this sauce, you’ll be hooked!

So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! I promise, this creamy cilantro garlic sauce will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing sauce. I’ve tried different variations over the years, and these are the ingredients that consistently deliver the best flavor and texture. Feel free to adjust to your liking, though! And if you have dietary restrictions, there are a couple of substitutions I can suggest.

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1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped: Fresh cilantro is key here! It provides that signature bright, herbaceous flavor. If you absolutely have to substitute, flat-leaf parsley will work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same distinct taste. Make sure your cilantro is clean and free from dirt or grit.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for that garlicky kick! I prefer using fresh garlic, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if that’s all you have on hand. I know some people are more sensitive to the taste of garlic than others, so feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.

1/2 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the base of our creamy cilantro garlic sauce, providing richness and body. I recommend using full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture, but you can use light mayonnaise to save a few calories. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
1/4 cup sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy note that balances out the richness of the mayonnaise. You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option. My family always has sour cream on hand, so it’s always easy to add.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Fresh lime juice is essential for that bright, zesty flavor! Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch, but fresh is always best. I really think that fresh lime juice is essential to making this creamy cilantro garlic sauce.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil helps to emulsify the sauce and adds a touch of richness. You can substitute with any other neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Adjust to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of spice. Adjust to taste.

For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño. Some people prefer a creamy cilantro garlic sauce that has more of a kick. Also, if you are sodium-conscious, you can use low-sodium mayonnaise. Remember that you can always adjust the ingredients to your liking to make the best creamy cilantro garlic sauce for you!

A great idea would be to shop for these ingredients in bulk to save time! Also, make sure your garlic is fresh and firm. So there you have it – the simple yet delicious ingredients that make up my favorite creamy cilantro garlic sauce. Now, let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friend, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is ridiculously easy to make. Trust me, if I can do it after a long day of work, you definitely can! Here’s how it goes:

Making Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce Step-by-Step

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Combine ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic begins! Don’t worry if it looks a little chunky at first – that’s perfectly normal.
Blend until smooth: Pulse the food processor or blender until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is evenly blended. The key is to get that perfect, silky texture. I usually blend for about 30-60 seconds, depending on the power of my blender.

Taste and adjust: This is the most important step! Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Does it need more salt? A squeeze of lime? A pinch of pepper? Don’t be afraid to experiment! This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is all about personal preference.
Chill (optional): While you can serve the sauce immediately, I find that it tastes even better after it has had a chance to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop even more. Plus, it’s nice to have a cold sauce on a hot day!

Now, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Don’t over-blend: Over-blending the sauce can make it bitter. Blend just until smooth. I learned this the hard way when I first started making it!
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice are essential for the best flavor. Dried herbs and bottled lime juice just don’t cut it.
Adjust the spice level: If you like a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño. My husband likes it spicy, so I often add a dash of hot sauce to his portion.

Make it ahead of time: This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a lifesaver when I’m prepping for a party or a busy week.
Thin it out: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or lime juice to thin it out.

This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative! You will find yourself reaching for this creamy cilantro garlic sauce recipe all the time.

My family is obsessed with this creamy cilantro garlic sauce. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry – you can use a blender! Just be sure to scrape down the sides as needed. Now you know how to make my family’s favorite creamy cilantro garlic sauce!

Serving Ideas

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing creamy cilantro garlic sauce – now what do you do with it? The possibilities are endless! I’ve used it in so many different ways over the years, and it always adds a burst of flavor to whatever I’m making.

Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:

As a dipping sauce: This is the most obvious one, but it’s also the most versatile! Serve it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. It’s also great with vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. My kids love dipping tortilla chips in it, too! The creamy cilantro garlic sauce goes great with anything!
As a marinade: Marinate chicken, steak, or shrimp in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking. It adds a ton of flavor and keeps the meat nice and moist. I love marinating chicken in this creamy cilantro garlic sauce.
As a salad dressing: Thin the sauce with a little water or lime juice and toss it with your favorite salad greens. It’s especially delicious with grilled chicken or shrimp salad.

As a topping for tacos or burritos: Drizzle the sauce over tacos or burritos for a burst of flavor. It’s especially good with fish tacos! The creamy cilantro garlic sauce adds an amazing touch to your tacos!
As a spread for sandwiches or wraps: Spread the sauce on sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful twist. It’s especially good with grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches. This creamy cilantro garlic sauce can make any sandwich amazing!
As a sauce for pasta: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta for a quick and easy meal. Add some grilled chicken or vegetables for a more complete meal. This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is a wonderful addition to your pasta recipes!

On roasted vegetables: This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is awesome on roasted vegetables. My family loves to roast zucchini, peppers, and asparagus with this creamy cilantro garlic sauce.

We love this with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. I like to sprinkle fresh herbs on top – it makes it look so much fancier! This has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. This recipe says it serves 6, but in our house it barely feeds 4 hungry people! My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion.

If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. Seriously, this creamy cilantro garlic sauce is a game-changer!

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some of the questions I get asked most often about this creamy cilantro garlic sauce. I’ve made this sauce so many times, I feel like I could do it in my sleep! Here are some answers to help you make the perfect batch every time.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. The flavors meld together even more when the sauce has a chance to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can make it up to 3 days in advance.

Q: Can I freeze this sauce?

A: I don’t recommend freezing this sauce. The mayonnaise and sour cream can separate when frozen and thawed, resulting in a grainy texture. It’s best to make it fresh.

Q: Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?

A: While you can use dried cilantro in a pinch, it won’t have the same bright, fresh flavor as fresh cilantro. If you have to use dried, use about 1 tablespoon.

Q: Can I make this sauce vegan?

A: Yes! Simply substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives. There are many great vegan mayonnaise and sour cream options available at most grocery stores. This would make an awesome creamy cilantro garlic sauce for vegans!

Q: How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?

A: This sauce will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make this sauce spicier?

A: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a finely chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Adjust to your liking. My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the leftovers for lunch.

Q: What if I don’t have a food processor or blender?

A: You can still make this sauce! Finely chop the cilantro and garlic, and then whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl. It won’t be as smooth as if you used a food processor or blender, but it will still taste great.

Q: Can I use this sauce on everything?

A: YES! Okay, maybe not everything, but it’s pretty darn versatile. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite ways to use it. Some people prefer a creamy cilantro garlic sauce that has more of a kick.

Q: What are the nutritional benefits of the ingredients?

A: Cilantro is packed with Vitamin K, which is good for your blood! Cilantro Nutrition Facts, Benefits and Risks And garlic is a great source of many helpful compounds.

I’ve definitely overcooked this before – here’s how to avoid that! My mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, so here’s how I modify it for her… Don’t have a stand mixer? No problem – I use my hand mixer and it works great!

Conclusion

So there you have it – my family’s beloved creamy cilantro garlic sauce recipe! I hope you love it as much as we do. It’s a simple, flavorful sauce that can be used in so many different ways. And the best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

This recipe isn’t just food; it’s about family memories and the joy of cooking together. It’s about those weeknight dinners where we all gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. It’s about those weekend barbecues where everyone raves about the delicious sauce on the grilled chicken. This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is more than just a sauce; it’s a part of our family’s story.

Enjoying Your Homemade Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce

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Here are some final tips to keep in mind:

Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices.
Taste and adjust as you go.

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This creamy cilantro garlic sauce can be altered to your liking! You can try swapping in some jalapenos if you like more spice. Or you can try swapping sour cream for greek yogurt. This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is a blank canvas.

My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it plain. I hope this recipe becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!

A final reminder, handling food safely is so important! Here is some more information Food safety facts and some guidance on proper food handling and cooking.

Always let it rest for 5 minutes – I learned this the hard way when I served it too soon and it fell apart! This is a fun and easy recipe that your whole family will love!

I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! I love making this creamy cilantro garlic sauce for my family.

Consider these similar recipes if you love creamy sauces , Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce , Cheesesteak Tortellini in Creamy Provolone Sauce