Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce with Jalapeños | Zesty Dip & Drizzle for Tacos, Bowls & More

What Is Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce With Jalapeños?

Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce with Jalapeños is a zesty, herbaceous, and mildly spicy condiment that elevates any dish with its bold flavor and vibrant color. This versatile sauce blends fresh cilantro, pungent garlic, tangy lime juice, and fiery jalapeños into a smooth, creamy base of mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt. The result is a luscious green sauce that’s perfect as a dip, drizzle, or spread.

Inspired by Peruvian green sauce and infused with Tex-Mex flair, it’s a fusion of Latin American brightness and Southwestern spice. Whether you’re topping tacos, dressing up grilled meats, or adding zing to sandwiches and salads, this sauce delivers a punch of flavor in every spoonful. Its balance of creaminess, acidity, and heat makes it a crowd-pleaser and a staple for flavor-forward cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Sauce

This sauce is a game-changer in the kitchen—and it takes just five minutes to make. With minimal prep and a quick blend, you’ll have a vibrant, restaurant-worthy condiment ready to go. It’s incredibly versatile: spoon it over tacos, drizzle it on grilled chicken or steak, spread it on sandwiches, or toss it with roasted veggies and salads.

The flavor profile is beautifully balanced—creamy and tangy from the mayo and lime, garlicky and herbaceous from the cilantro, with a customizable kick from jalapeños. You control the heat: seed the peppers for a milder sauce or leave them in for extra spice. Want more brightness? Add a splash more lime. It’s endlessly adaptable.

Whether you’re hosting a party or meal-prepping for the week, this sauce adds instant flavor and flair. Keep a jar in the fridge and you’ll always have a go-to finishing touch for your favorite dishes.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant sauce:

Core Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
• 2–3 cloves garlic
• 2 jalapeños (seeded for mild, unseeded for heat)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Olive oil: for a silkier texture
• Honey: to mellow the acidity
• Avocado: for extra creaminess and richness
• Cumin or coriander: to add earthy depth

Each ingredient plays a key role. Cilantro brings freshness and herbal brightness, garlic adds boldness, and lime juice cuts through with tangy acidity. Jalapeños offer a customizable heat level, while the creamy base ties everything together.

Tip: Always use fresh lime juice and real garlic—not powders—for the best flavor. The optional ingredients allow you to tailor the sauce to your taste or the dish you’re pairing it with. Whether you want it smoother, sweeter, or deeper in flavor, these tweaks make it uniquely yours.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep: Start by washing the cilantro thoroughly and patting it dry. Peel the garlic cloves and slice the jalapeños in half. If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For more heat, leave them intact.

Blend: Add the cilantro, garlic, jalapeños, mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to a food processor or blender.

Pulse: Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of olive oil or water to loosen it.

Taste & Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust as needed. Add more lime juice for brightness, salt for seasoning, or extra jalapeño for heat. If it’s too tangy, a small drizzle of honey can help balance the acidity.

Chill: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

Serve: Use the sauce immediately or keep it chilled for up to a week. It’s perfect as a dip for veggies or chips, a drizzle over grilled meats, or a spread for sandwiches and wraps. You can also stir it into rice bowls or use it as a salad dressing.

Flavor & Texture Notes

This sauce is creamy and smooth with a vibrant green hue that hints at its bold flavor. The tangy lime and pungent garlic hit first, followed by the gentle heat of jalapeños. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal depth that lingers on the palate.

The texture is rich yet light, making it ideal for dipping or drizzling. It’s flavorful without being overpowering, and the heat level is easily adjustable. For an even deeper flavor, let the sauce sit overnight—this allows the ingredients to fully infuse and mellow into a harmonious blend.