Inspired by the cilantro lime crema on my black bean tacos, this creamy cilantro sauce is made without avocado, heavy cream, or sour cream. It has a creamy texture you’ll love and will keep well in the fridge, so you can use it as part of your meal prep routine. Drizzle this cilantro cream sauce over burrito bowls, nachos, chicken tacos, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh cilantro is key to this recipe, along with fresh lime juice and garlic. Using hemp hearts will add plant-based protein and keep it dairy-free. Crushed red pepper flakes add spice to this sauce, but you can cut this amount in half or omit them entirely. Add a few jarred jalapeño slices if you prefer a more mild spice.
How to Make Creamy Cilantro Sauce
In a high-speed blender, combine the hemp hearts, water, cilantro leaves, lime juice, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Secure the lid and blend until smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the flavor, if needed. Pour the creamy cilantro lime sauce into a storage jar with a lid. You can serve this right away as a dip, or as a sauce to drizzle over tacos and fajitas. This sauce will thicken when chilled, so you can store it tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it thickens too much, let it come to room temperature again, or stir in a splash of water to immediately thin it out again. Use this sauce as a swap for Mexican crema, or anywhere you’d use salsa or guacamole. It will add flavor to everything! Looking for more cilantro ideas? Try my Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe, Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Slaw, Ulitmate Detox Soup, or Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing. If you try this Creamy Cilantro Sauce recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it!
