Cilantro lime sauce is one of those magical condiments that can transform an ordinary dish into something bold, fresh, and unforgettable. With its bright citrus flavor, herbaceous aroma, and creamy or zesty texture, it pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, salads, seafood, and even rice bowls.
In this article, you’ll discover 12 cilantro lime sauce recipes, each with a unique twist. Whether you want something creamy, dairy-free, spicy, or keto-friendly, there’s a sauce here for you. These recipes are simple, versatile, and made with everyday ingredients.
Why Cilantro Lime Sauce Is So Popular
Cilantro lime sauce has become a favorite in home kitchens and restaurants alike because it is:
- Fresh and vibrant in flavor
- Quick to prepare (most recipes take under 10 minutes)
- Customizable for different diets
- Perfect for meal prep
- A healthier alternative to heavy store-bought sauces
Now let’s dive into the 12 cilantro lime sauce recipes you can make at home.
1. Classic Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
This is the most popular and versatile version—smooth, tangy, and mildly garlicky.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed.
Best with: Tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, wraps.
2. Cilantro Lime Yogurt Sauce
A lighter and healthier alternative using Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Best with: Grilled vegetables, falafel, kebabs.
3. Dairy-Free Cilantro Lime Sauce
Perfect for vegan and lactose-intolerant diets.
Ingredients
- ½ cup soaked cashews
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend cashews and water until creamy.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again.
Best with: Buddha bowls, roasted sweet potatoes.
4. Spicy Cilantro Lime Sauce
This sauce brings heat without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 jalapeño (seeded or unseeded)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend everything until smooth.
- Adjust spice by adding more jalapeño if desired.
Best with: Tacos, nachos, grilled shrimp.
5. Cilantro Lime Avocado Sauce
Creamy, rich, and naturally thick.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until silky smooth.
- Add water if needed to thin.
Best with: Rice bowls, salmon, sandwiches.
6. Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
A fresh and zesty dressing version.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro
- Juice of 2 limes
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until emulsified.
- Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Best with: Salads, grain bowls.
7. Mexican-Style Cilantro Lime Sauce
Inspired by street-food flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 cup cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend until smooth.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Best with: Tacos al pastor, grilled corn.
8. Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce
Bold and aromatic with extra garlic punch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Chill before serving for a deeper flavor.
Best with: Fries, burgers, wraps.
9. Cilantro Lime Sauce for Fish
Light, tangy, and seafood-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until creamy.
- Serve immediately over fish.
Best with: Grilled or baked fish.
10. Keto Cilantro Lime Sauce
Low-carb and high-fat friendly.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend until smooth.
- Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Best with: Grilled meats, lettuce wraps.
11. Cilantro Lime Sauce with Honey
Sweet, tangy, and balanced.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Best with: Chicken, roasted carrots.
12. Cilantro Lime Sauce for Rice and Bowls
Fresh and pourable, perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup water
- Salt
Instructions
- Blend until smooth and slightly thin.
- Drizzle over rice or quinoa bowls.
Best with: Rice bowls, beans, veggies.
Storage Tips for Cilantro Lime Sauce
- Store in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning
- Stir before each use
Final Thoughts
These 12 cilantro lime sauce recipes prove just how versatile and irresistible this sauce can be. From creamy and rich to light and zesty, there’s a version for every taste, diet, and meal. Once you try making cilantro lime sauce at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions again.
