Packed with zesty lime, creamy avocado, and a burst of fresh cilantro, this Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe is the ultimate condiment that elevates everything it touches. Whether you’re spooning it onto tacos, drizzling it over grilled meats, or scooping it up with crunchy veggies, this vibrant sauce is pure flavor magic in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Creamy Texture: The combination of avocado and sour cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Insanely Versatile: This Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe makes everything from tacos to roasted veggies sing with flavor.
- Quick & Easy: You only need about 10 minutes and a handful of fresh ingredients—no cooking required!
- Fresh, Bright Flavor: Zesty lime and vibrant cilantro bring a refreshing kick that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few humble ingredients, each playing a starring role, can come together to create something so delicious. These essentials aren’t just for flavor—they’re key to achieving that signature creamy texture and gorgeous green hue in your Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Adds a punchy, savory base that makes the flavors pop without overpowering the crema.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural tastes of avocado and cilantro.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Delivers velvety smoothness and just enough tang to balance the richness of avocado.
- Ripe Avocado (1): The ultimate creamy element and the secret behind the sauce’s dreamy texture and color.
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves (¼ cup): Infuses the crema with herby, citrusy flavor for that unmistakable freshness.
- Lime Juice (from ½ lime): Adds brightness, a zesty pop, and helps preserve the beautiful green color.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A few grinds for subtle heat and aromatic depth—adjust to your taste.
Variations
One of the best things about an Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your own cravings or refrigerator finds. Feel free to experiment—there’s truly no wrong way to add your personal flair!
- Greek Yogurt Swap: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for extra tang and a lighter profile that’s just as creamy and delicious.
- Spicy Kick: Add a jalapeño or a squirt of hot sauce to turn up the heat and make the crema a bit bolder.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based sour cream or even a splash of coconut milk to keep it vegan and equally yummy.
- Citrus Boost: Zest the lime before juicing, or add a bit of lemon juice for a fearless citrusy punch.
How to Make Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe
Step 1: Chop the Garlic and Salt
Start by adding the peeled garlic cloves and kosher salt to your food processor or mini chopper. Pulse until the garlic is finely chopped and the salt is incorporated. This step ensures that the garlic flavor is evenly distributed throughout your Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe for that subtle savory kick.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Now, scoop in the sour cream and the perfectly ripe avocado. Add the fresh cilantro leaves, squeeze in the lime juice, and grind in a few twists of black pepper. These ingredients work together to give your crema its wonderfully creamy, tangy, and fresh character.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Blend the mixture until completely smooth and vibrant green. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed, and blend again to catch any stray bits of cilantro or avocado. Your Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe is ready when it’s silky, bright, and uniform.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give your crema a taste and adjust with a bit more salt, lime juice, or black pepper as needed. This is the part where you can really make the flavor sing—try not to eat it all with a spoon before serving!
Pro Tips for Making Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe
- Avocado Ripeness: Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure—too firm and your crema won’t blend smoothly, too soft and it could be brown inside.
- Vibrant Color Keeper: Add the lime juice right away—this not only brings zing but also protects your crema from turning brown.
- Food Processor Magic: For the creamiest results, use a mini food processor; a blender can work, but stop often to scrape the sides so all the cilantro gets pureed.
- Flavor to Finish: Always taste before serving and adjust the seasoning—everyone’s palate (and lime) is a little different!
How to Serve Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle a few whole cilantro leaves or chopped chives on top of your crema. A dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of olive oil can make it look downright gourmet—just right for impressing guests or treating yourself!
Side Dishes
This Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe is pure magic drizzled over tacos, burrito bowls, or enchiladas, and it’s a show-stealer next to roasted potatoes, grilled shrimp, or a platter of crisp veggies for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your crema in a squeeze bottle for artful zig-zags over nachos, pipe it into tiny dishes for appetizers, or spread a swipe on toast as a vibrant base for poached eggs. Let your creativity run wild—the color alone brightens any meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your crema ultra-fresh, transfer it to an airtight container and smooth the top. Press a layer of plastic wrap directly to the surface before sealing the lid—this little trick helps prevent browning for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing
Avocado-based sauces don’t freeze particularly well, as the texture can change and the flavor can dull. If you do want to try freezing, use a freezer-safe bag and press out as much air as possible, but for peak deliciousness, I highly recommend making this Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe fresh.
Reheating
This recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed. If your crema thickens up in the fridge, simply give it a good stir and add a splash of water or lime juice to bring it back to silky-smooth perfection.
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
Yes! While a food processor makes it extra creamy, you can mash the avocado very well with a fork and finely chop the cilantro and garlic, then stir everything together by hand for a rustic version that’s still delicious.
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Is this Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe spicy?
As written, the recipe is mild. If you love a little heat, add a slice of fresh jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some spicy kick.
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How can I prevent my crema from turning brown?
Lime juice is your best friend! It helps keep the creamy green color vibrant. Also, store the crema with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface in an airtight container to limit exposure to air.
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Can I make this Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely—just prep it the morning of, store as directed, and give it a good stir before serving. If making more than a day ahead, wait to add the lime juice until the last minute for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
Give this Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe a try, and you’ll have a new secret weapon in your kitchen arsenal. It’s so fresh, so versatile, and so full of flavor that you’ll want to put it on everything. Whip up a batch and see just how many meals it can transform—you might never want to be without it again!
Print
Avocado Cilantro Crema Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, this Avocado Cilantro Crema is a versatile sauce perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
For Avocado Cilantro Crema:
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled (153g)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: In a small food processor, add the garlic and salt, and process until finely chopped.
- Blend the Crema: Add the sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and a few grinds of pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the crema and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
- Storage: Store the crema in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
