Description
This creamy cilantro garlic sauce is a fresh, tangy, and versatile condiment perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. Featuring a smooth blend of fresh cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, and zesty lime juice, it’s an easy-to-make sauce that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, tacos, salads, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Dairy and Sauces
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients: Make sure you have all the fresh cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, and seasonings ready to go. Fresh cilantro is essential for the vibrant flavor of this sauce.
- Prepare the cilantro: Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt or grit. Shake off excess water or use a salad spinner to dry them. Roughly chop the cilantro to help it blend easily.
- Mince the garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. You can also use a garlic press for a finer texture, which helps distribute the garlic flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Stir them together until well combined, creating a creamy base for the sauce.
- Add the cilantro and garlic: Add the chopped cilantro and minced garlic to the yogurt and mayonnaise mixture. Gently fold them in with a spatula, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Season the sauce: Squeeze in the fresh lime juice, then sprinkle in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to season the mixture.
- Mix it all together: Use a whisk or fork to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency throughout the sauce.
- Adjust the consistency: If your sauce feels too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition to reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Sample your sauce and tweak the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, lime juice, or spices based on your preference.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best bright flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
- This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- This sauce works great as a dip, dressing, or spread for sandwiches and wraps.
