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Zingy, creamy, and wildly versatile, this lime crema is about to become your new favorite sauce. It’s bright with fresh lime, rich from sour cream and mayo, and blends in just the right amount of garlic and cilantro for flavor that pops.
This is the kind of condiment that makes everything better — tacos, enchiladas, soups, bowls, and more. I like to blend the cilantro right into the sauce so it’s silky smooth with flecks of green, and the flavor gets infused throughout. It’s fresh, light, and comes together in minutes.
Try it spooned over chicken tortilla soup, tucked into shredded chicken tacos, or served with shrimp fajitas. However you serve it, this lime crema adds instant brightness and creaminess to any dish.
Table of Contents
Lime cerma ingredients
- Sour cream: The creamy, tangy base — use full-fat for best flavor and texture (or sub with plain natural yogurt if you prefer)
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps the sauce blend silky smooth
- Lime (zest + juice): Bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the creaminess
- Garlic: Just one small clove, finely minced, adds subtle depth and aroma
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors
- Fresh cilantro: Finely chopped for a thicker texture, or blend gently for a smoother version with a slight hint of green color
See printable recipe card below for the full ingredients list and quantities.
How to make it
This sauce comes together in just a few minutes — and you can make it two ways depending on your texture preference.
If using a food processor, add the sour cream, mayo, lime zest and juice, garlic, and salt. Pulse just a few times to combine — avoid over-blending, or the sauce can turn too runny. Add the cilantro and pulse briefly until flecks remain.
This method gives you a smoother, slightly thinner crema with a faint green tint from the blended herbs.
For a thicker, more scoopable version, finely chop the cilantro by hand and stir everything together in a bowl. It takes a few extra minutes but gives you more control and a richer texture. Taste and adjust as needed — add more lime or salt to suit your dish.
Then chill the crema for at least 30 minutes if you have time. It sets up slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again.
Recipe tips
- Start with less lime juice and add more to taste — especially if your lime is super juicy.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture.
- Blend gently if using a food processor — too much and the crema can turn runny.
How to use lime crema
This lime crema goes with just about everything — drizzle it, dollop it, or use it as a dip. It’s especially perfect for tacos (like beef birria tacos or shredded chicken tacos), nachos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls.
I also love it spooned over soups like chicken tortilla soup or black bean soup, or paired with crispy tortilla chips for an easy appetizer.
Want something cozy? Try it with crockpot chicken enchiladas or chicken quesadillas — it adds just the right tangy finish.
More Mexican-Inspired Sauces and Dips
If you love this lime crema, try these next:
If you try this lime crema recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Lime Crema
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1–2 tbsp lime juice to taste
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl (or using a food processor), combine the sour cream, mayo, lime zest, 1 tablespoon lime juice, garlic, salt, and finely chopped cilantro.
- Stir or pulse just until combined — taste and add more lime juice if needed.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving — this helps the crema thicken and the flavors develop.
Notes
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving. Not freezer-friendly.
Tips:
• Finely chop the cilantro and mix manually for a thicker crema
• Use food processor pulse mode for a smoother, more pourable texture
• Chill before serving for best consistency and flavor See full post for more helpful tips.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Amazing!
Made shrimp fajitas for the first time and used this sauce. My son is obsessed with the sauce! Will definitely make again!
So happy you all liked it! 🙂