Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce blends fresh cilantro punch with roasted garlic depth and tangy lime in silky sour cream base creating addictive green goddess drizzle. This versatile condiment serves 8 in 10 minutes perfect for tacos bowls grilled meats or chips.

Why This Recipe Works

Food processor pulverizes cilantro garlic releasing aromatic oils evenly coating creamy base. Sour cream provides rich body without mayo heaviness. Lime juice balances garlic pungency preventing raw bite. Olive oil emulsifies creating velvety mouthfeel. Flavors mellow beautifully after 30 minutes fridge rest.

Ingredients & Prep

12 oz full-fat sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise optional richer, ½ cup fresh cilantro packed stems removed, 4 garlic cloves peeled, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp cumin optional, 1 jalapeño seeded optional heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pulse cilantro garlic jalapeño food processor chopped fine. Add sour cream mayonnaise lime juice salt cumin blend smooth. Drizzle olive oil running emulsify creamy. Taste adjust salt lime. Refrigerate 30 minutes minimum flavors meld. Thin Greek yogurt if needed.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Refrigerate airtight 1 week. Freeze cubes 3 months. Shake separation normal.

FAQs

Too garlicky? Roast garlic first mellows flavor. Too thin? Extra sour cream. Cilantro bitter? Use tender leaves avoid stems.

Conclusion

Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce transforms simple ingredients into flavor legend bright creamy addictive perfection.

Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce delivers vibrant green herbaceous punch with cooling sour cream base and zesty lime brightness. Fresh garlic heat builds while olive oil silkiness coats every taco, bowl, and grilled protein. Pollo Tropical copycat magic transforms street food into restaurant quality. Ultimate Pinterest sauce board essential.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 5 mins (+ chill)
• Yield: 1½ cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: Latin

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Cream Base:
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Flavor Power:
• 1 cup fresh cilantro (stems + leaves)
• 3–4 garlic cloves (peeled)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (1 lime)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp cumin (optional)
• ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Variations:
• Greek yogurt (lighter)
• Avocado (2 tbsp, ultra creamy)
• Jalapeño (½ for heat)

 

Instructions

• 1. Add sour cream, mayo, olive oil to food processor.
• 2. Toss in cilantro (stems OK), garlic cloves, lime juice, salt.
• 3. Pulse 10-15 seconds until vibrant green + creamy smooth.
• 4. Scrape sides. Pulse 5 seconds more if needed.
• 5. Taste. Add cumin/flakes for depth/heat. Blend 3 seconds.
• 6. Transfer squeeze bottle or airtight jar.
• 7. Chill 30 mins minimum (flavors marry).
• 8. Stir before serving. Keeps 7 days refrigerated.

Notes

• Full-fat sour cream = rich restaurant texture.
• Stems add cilantro intensity, no waste.
• Garlic mellows after 2+ hours refrigeration.
• Food processor > blender = smoother emulsion.
• Lime > lemon = authentic Latin brightness.
• Double garlic first day, builds potency.
• Perfect for: Tacos, bowls, grilled chicken/steak/shrimp, fries, salads.
• Make ahead: Flavors peak day 2-3.
• Freezes 3 months (may separate, whisk smooth).
• Makes 1½ cups. Taco night game changer.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tbsp
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: creamy cilantro garlic sauce, pollo tropical sauce, green sauce recipe, taco sauce, cilantro lime sauce