Name: Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 packed cup cilantro; 3 cloves garlic; 1/2 medium lime (juiced (about 1 tablespoon)); 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2-4 tablespoons water ((adjust based on desired consistency))

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce combines Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and cumin for a zesty, refreshing flavor. Ready in just 5 minutes, this easy cilantro lime yogurt sauce is perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, grilled veggies, and more!

Send this recipe to your email for later

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce is the kind of recipe that instantly upgrades literally anything you drizzle it on. It’s bright, zesty, and packed with fresh flavor from cilantro, garlic, and cumin.

This recipe is made with a simple Greek yogurt base and comes together in just 5 minutes, but tastes like something you might order from your favorite restaurant. It’s creamy, protein-rich, and the perfect way to add freshness and depth to tacos, rice bowls, and so much more.

Once you try this Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce, you’ll want to keep a jar of it in your fridge at all times. Trust me, it really is that tasty and versatile. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Why you’ll love this Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

It has a bold and zesty flavor, featuring bright lime and fresh cilantro.
It’s made with a creamy yogurt base for an extra boost of protein.
It’s a versatile drizzle for tacos, bowls, wraps, grilled veggies, and more.
It’s incredibly quick and easy — all you need is 5 minutes and a quick blitz in the blender!

Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce ingredients

Greek yogurt forms the creamy, protein-rich base of the sauce. Stick to plain yogurt and skip any varieties with added sugar or flavors. Nonfat, low-fat, and whole milk yogurt will all work!
Cilantro brings a fresh, herby flavor and vibrant green color to the sauce.
Garlic delivers sharp, savory depth to help balance out the creaminess. Use fresh cloves for the best flavor and feel free to toss in an extra clove if you’re a garlic lover like me.
Lime juice adds freshness with just the right amount of zing.
Cumin gives the sauce its signature warm, earthy flavor.

How to serve this Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

Drizzle it over tacos, burritos, nachos, or quesadillas.
Use it as a creamy dressing for salads or crunchy slaws.
Serve as a dip with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or roasted potatoes.
Spread it onto wraps and sandwiches for a zesty flavor boost.
Add a spoonful to help spice up hearty grain bowls.

Substitutions & variations

Greek yogurt – You can always use sour cream for a richer sauce, though it will be a little lower in protein. Alternatively, swap in unsweetened dairy-free yogurt to make it vegan!
Cilantro – If you’re not a fan of cilantro, swap some or all of the cilantro for fresh parsley. It will definitely have a different flavor profile, but should still be delicious.
Lime juice – Fresh tastes best, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon and adjust as needed.
Make it spicy – Blend in a jalapeño, serrano pepper, pinch of cayenne, or splash of hot sauce to take it up a notch.
Add avocado – Toss in half an avocado for an extra-thick and creamy sauce with lots of heart-healthy fats!
Adjust the consistency – Use less water for a thick dip or add more for a pourable dressing.

Quick recipe tips

No need to remove the cilantro stems — you can use both the leaves and stems for even more fresh flavor.

Add water gradually so you can control the consistency and keep it creamy yet drizzleable. Keep in mind that it will thicken a bit in the fridge, so stir in a little more as needed right before serving.

Taste and adjust the lime juice and salt at the end to balance the acidity and seasoning.

Let the sauce sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully combine.

Step-by-step instructions

Blend the sauce: Add the Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Adjust the consistency: Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust the salt, lime juice, or cumin as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Make ahead & storage

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce is easy to prep ahead and keep on hand for quick meals throughout the week. Store it in the fridge, then drizzle it on right before serving!

Meal prep

Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Adjust before serving: The sauce will thicken as it chills, so add a splash of water if needed. Make sure you also give it a good stir before serving, as some separation is normal.

Storing leftovers

Fridge: Store leftover Cilantro Lime Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Keep it covered: Seal the container tightly to help preserve its fresh flavor.

Freezing

Skip freezing: This recipe is not freezer-friendly. Greek yogurt sauces can separate and become grainy after thawing, so keep it in the fridge instead.

FAQ

Yes, you can easily swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative, such as coconut, soy, almond, or cashew yogurt.

It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days.

It’s great on tacos, rice bowls, grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, or even as a dip!

Stay in the loop!

Healthy eating tips & recipes delivered directly to your inbox

More sauces, dips, and dressings

High-Protein Creamy Edamame Spread

Fresh Cilantro Mint Chutney

Classic Chimichurri Sauce

Roasted Beet Whipped Feta

Green Goddess Yogurt Dressing

Vegan Pesto Aioli

Vegan Cashew Queso

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce is made with Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime, garlic, and cumin. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, roasted vegetables, and more!

Course Sauces, Dips, and Dressings

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 35kcal

Ingredients

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 packed cup cilantro
3 cloves garlic
1/2 medium lime juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-4 tablespoons water (adjust based on desired consistency)

Instructions

Add the Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the lime juice, salt, or cumin as needed.