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    Everyday Family Eats » Condiments

    Creamy Cilantro Sauce

    Published: Jun 25, 2024 · Modified: Aug 16, 2024 by Kelli Avila · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    A zippy and bright Creamy Cilantro Sauce recipe, perfect for serving on just about anything.

    A jar of cilantro sauce.

    My husband and I are certified cilantro enthusiasts, so this creamy, bright, happy green sauce is something we love to have on hand in summer. If we've got this and Colombian Aji in the fridge, then we are sure to be happy with whatever I can pull together for dinner with it drizzled on top.

    With a whole bunch of cilantro, a jalapeño, garlic, and green onions, this sauce is perfect for marinating, drizzling, dipping, and just generally brightening up anything it's used on.

    Creamy cilantro sauce in a jar.

    Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

    Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. The recipe card lists the full recipe with quantities below this text.

    A cilantro bunch.
    • cilantro (if you don't like cilantro, this probably isn't the recipe for you!)
    • green onion
    • garlic
    • fresh lime juice
    • olive oil
    • jalapeño (this is optional but adds a nice little kick to the sauce, I've also used pickled jalapeño when I don't have fresh and they're equally good)
    • Greek yogurt + mayonnaise or sour cream (I always find it a little annoying when a recipe calls for similar ingredients like yogurt and mayo so I will say that you can use one or another, but the two different textures and flavors of each really work well together so I highly recommend sticking with the ratios)
    • pinch of sugar (this is optional, but again really worth it in making this sauce feel well-rounded)
    • coarse kosher salt
    Cleaning cilantro.

    Most Important Task!

    The most important task when using any herb, especially in a large quantity, is to make sure you wash it well. Cilantro can be super gritty, and nothing is worse than grit in a sauce like this. To wash your cilantro:

    1. Add the picked cilantro to a large container.
    2. Fill it with cold water.
    3. Swish around the cilantro leaves.
    4. Let the cilantro sit, undisturbed, for 30-60 seconds to allow the grit to fall to the bottom of the bowl.
    5. Carefully lift them the cilantro out from the water, being mindful not to disturb any grit settled at the bottom of the bowl. Transfer the herbs to a salad spinner or strainer.
    6. Rince the bowl of debris and repeat this process until there isn't any grit left in the bowl.
    7. Dry the cilantro as much as possible.

    How to Make It

    Use a blender or a food processor to puree the ingredients until completely smooth. You must taste the sauce and adjust with additional lime juice, salt, jalapenos, or Greek yogurt or sour cream to your taste preference.

    Fresh cilantro in a blender cup.
    Cilantro sauce in a blender.

    Usage and Storage

    What doesn't this sauce go well on? It's good for serving with meat (Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast or Smoky Air Fryer Chicken Thighs), over tacos, in a salad, with veggies (so good with Sweet Potato Wedges), etc.

    It will last a few days in the refrigerator, about 2-3. A glass container with a tight-fitting lid is preferable, as plastic can absorb the strong flavors in this sauce.

    Cilantro sauce served over a chicken and bean bowl.

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    Making this Cilantro Sauce recipe? Be sure to leave a comment with a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!

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    Full Recipe

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    A jar of cilantro sauce.

    Creamy Cilantro Sauce

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
    • Author: Kelli Avila
    • Prep Time: 00:05
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 1 heaping cup 1x
    • Category: Condiments
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    Description

    A zippy and bright creamy Cilantro Sauce recipe, perfect for marinating, drizzling, dipping, and just generally brightening up anything it's used on.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 bunch cilantro, washed, dried and leaves picked (about 2 cups packed cilantro leaves or 30 grams)
    • 1 green onion, cut into 1” pieces
    • 1 small clove garlic
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, more as needed
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, more as needed
    • ½ jalapeño pepper, seeded (optional)
    • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
    • pinch of sugar (optional)

    Instructions

    1. In a blender or food processor, blend all of the ingredients together until smooth.
    2. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and lime juice as needed to balance the sauce.

    Notes

    Be sure to wash your cilantro well.

    Pickled jalapeño can be substituted for fresh jalapeño, or omitted all together.

    This recipe was tested using Diamond Crystal coarse kosher salt. If you use Morton's kosher salt or fine salt, decrease the volume by half.

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    I'm Kelli, the creator of Everyday Family Eats, this space where I share easy and quick recipes the whole family will love! I'm a former professional cook and baker, and full-time working mom, who is passionate about creating approachable dinner ideas that allow the whole family to gather at the table and enjoy a meal together.

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