Ingredients

Scale

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!

Instructions

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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Latin-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: per 2-tablespoon serving
Calories: 141 kcal
Sugar: 0.4 g
Sodium: 45 mg
Fat: 14.2 g
Saturated Fat: 6.3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7.9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
Fiber: 0.4 g
Protein: 1.6 g
Cholesterol: 19 mg