Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce is the perfect condiment. This versatile sauce brings together fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, spicy jalapeños, and aromatic garlic, all blended into a creamy base of mayonnaise.

This sauce is sure to become your go-to recipe. Let me walk you through how I make this delicious creation in my kitchen, step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce

First off, this sauce is incredibly easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have at home. Plus, its flavor profile is adaptable spicy, tangy, and herbaceous, with just enough creaminess to balance everything out. It’s also highly customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of heat, simply remove the seeds from the jalapeño or skip it altogether. On the other hand, if you love bold flavors, feel free to double down on the garlic or swap in spicier peppers like serrano or habanero.

Another reason I adore this sauce? It pairs beautifully with almost anything from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to sandwiches and even salads. Once you start making it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Trust me; once you try it, you won’t want to stop!

Ingredients for Your Perfect Batch

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful sauce:

1 bunch cilantro, stems and all (make sure they’re rinsed well!)
Juice of 1–2 limes (freshly squeezed is always best, but bottled key lime juice works too)
1–2 jalapeños, stem removed (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
5–10 cloves garlic (depending on how much garlic flavor you crave)
2 cups mayonnaise (Hellman’s or Duke’s are preferred, but any good-quality mayo will work)

Optional variations include going vegan by swapping regular mayo for plant-based alternatives, or keeping things paleo-friendly with avocado oil mayonnaise. There’s truly something here for everyone!

How to Make Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce

Start by adding all the ingredients cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, and mayonnaise into a high-speed blender. If you don’t have a Vitamix or Blend-Tec, don’t worry! A standard blender or food processor will still yield fantastic results, though the texture might be slightly chunkier.
Blend everything together until the mixture reaches a silky-smooth consistency. Depending on your equipment, you may need to scrape down the sides occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated. In my video, you’ll notice me using a blender plunger to push everything toward the blades. This helps achieve that emulsified perfection.
Once your sauce is smooth and vibrant green, transfer it to a squeeze bottle. Not only does this make serving easier, but it also keeps the sauce fresh longer.
Taste test! If the sauce feels too thick, simply add more fresh lime juice to thin it out. Can’t find fresh limes? No problem Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice is an excellent substitute.
Store your sauce in the fridge for up to a week. And trust me, you’ll want to use it on everything. From chicken to chips, this sauce elevates every dish it touches.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Now that you know the basics, let me share a few tips to take your sauce game to the next level:

Blender Type Matters: As mentioned earlier, a high-speed blender creates a smoother, more uniform sauce. However, if you’re using a regular blender or food processor, don’t fret it’ll still taste amazing, just with a bit more texture.
Scrape Down the Sides: To avoid leaving behind chunks of jalapeño or garlic, pause the blending process and give the sides a quick scrape every now and then. This ensures all the goodness gets mixed in evenly.
Adjust Thickness: If your sauce turns out thicker than expected, no worries! Simply add a splash of extra lime juice or water to reach your desired consistency.

For those who love big batches, here’s my favorite trick: Multiply the recipe! Use 1 30-oz jar of mayo, 2 large bunches of cilantro, 10–20 cloves of garlic, and the juice of 3–4 limes along with 3–4 jalapeños. This way, you’ll have plenty of sauce to last through multiple meals or maybe even share with friends!

Recipe Variations & Possible Substitutions

One of the best things about this Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce is its flexibility. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Vegan Version: Swap traditional mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based alternative. Voilà you’ve got a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor!
Pollo Tropical Copycat: Combine half mayo and half sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist. This variation mimics one of my favorite restaurant sauces.
Paleo/Whole30-Friendly: Opt for avocado oil mayonnaise instead of conventional options. It’s rich, healthy, and completely compliant with these dietary lifestyles.

And remember, the heat level is entirely up to you. Removing the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño reduces spiciness, while adding additional peppers amps up the intensity. Experimentation is key when finding your ideal balance of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce isn’t just limited to Mexican-inspired dishes. Its versatility makes it a staple in my household. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Drizzle it over grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for an instant burst of flavor.
Use it as a dip for tortilla chips, sweet potato fries, or veggie sticks.
Mix it into rice bowls or grain salads for added depth.
Spread it generously onto burgers, wraps, or sandwiches for a creamy kick.

It’s amazing how such a simple combination of ingredients can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary ones.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once prepared, store your Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about a week. Need to stretch its shelf life? Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you’re ready to use them.

If the sauce thickens after refrigeration, stir in a little more lime juice or water to restore its original consistency. Pro tip: Always give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any settled herbs or spices.

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce

Q: Is this sauce spicy?

A: That depends on how many jalapeños you add! If you prefer mild flavors, stick to one jalapeño and remove the seeds. For those who enjoy a little heat, two jalapeños should do the trick. Feeling adventurous? Try substituting with hotter peppers like serrano or scotch bonnet.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen over time, so preparing it a day in advance can enhance its taste. Just keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q: What can I substitute for fresh limes?

A: While fresh limes offer the best flavor, bottled lime juice is a convenient alternative. Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice is particularly tasty and widely available.