Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce 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
- 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)
- 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