Plain old sour cream can't compare to this zesty cilantro lime crema recipe. It's easy to make, and it adds bold, bright flavor to tacos, burritos, and more!

Skip the sour cream—this cilantro lime crema is the BEST way to add a burst of tangy flavor to tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. I love it because it’s more complex than regular sour cream or my go-to alternative, Greek yogurt. The lime juice gives it zesty brightness, the cilantro freshens it up, and a little onion powder adds addictive savory depth. And the best part? To make this cilantro lime crema recipe, you just need 7 simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes. The next time you want to jazz up Mexican or Tex Mex fare (or even grilled veggies!) you can easily make a batch.

What is crema?

Before we dive into the recipe, I want to share some background on Mexican crema in case you’re not familiar. Traditional Mexican crema is cultured heavy cream, similar to French crème fraîche. It has a rich, sour flavor and a texture that’s slightly thinner than sour cream. It adds richness and acidity to tacos, enchiladas, or whatever it’s spooned over.

Homemade crema is commonly made with a combination of heavy cream and buttermilk, but in this zesty twist, I use Greek yogurt and mayo, both of which I always keep in my fridge. I wouldn’t call it authentic, but it yields a tangy, creamy sauce I love. I think you’ll enjoy it too!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Crema

This cilantro lime crema recipe is SO simple to make!

Gather the ingredients:

Plain Greek yogurt – It creates the creamy base. I recommend using full-fat yogurt for the richest flavor. Substitute sour cream if you prefer!
Mayonnaise – It loosens the yogurt and adds richness.
Fresh lime juice – For tangy flavor.
Garlic – It gives the sauce a garlicky bite.
Onion powder – For savory, umami flavor.
Cilantro – For fresh flavor and pretty flecks of green.
And sea salt – To make all the flavors pop!

Place the yogurt, mayo, lime juice, salt, garlic, and onion powder in a food processor, and process until smooth.

Add the cilantro, and pulse until the sauce is smooth but green flecks are still visible.

That’s it! Season to taste and enjoy.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Tip

No food processor? A blender works here too! Just like you would with a food processor, add all of the ingredients except for the cilantro to the blender first. Blend until smooth. Then, pulse in the cilantro until you have a creamy sauce with green flecks.

How to Use Cilantro Lime Crema

Once you try this cilantro lime crema recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. The creamy, zesty condiment is delicious on so many dishes! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

On veggie tacos or quesadillas. I especially love it in these plant-based mushroom tacos!
Over chilaquiles or nachos. A big drizzle will take them over the top.
On enchiladas. Its bright flavor perfectly accents the rich enchilada sauce.
As a dipping sauce. I love to dip burritos in it, and it’s fantastic with avocado fries or homemade taquitos.
On salads and bowls. It’s a delicious creamy dressing for this taco salad recipe, and it’s great on a burrito bowl, too!
On a bowl of soup. Swirl a spoonful into a bowl of black bean soup or tortilla soup.
On veggies. Drizzle it over grilled corn, grilled sweet potatoes, or these grilled vegetables.

How do you like to use this tangy cilantro lime crema sauce? Let me know in the comments!

Storage

Got leftover crema? You’re in luck! It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You’ll love having it on hand to liven up whatever you’re cooking!

More Zesty Sauces You’ll Love

If you love this cilantro lime crema, try one of these zesty sauce recipes next: