Zesty Cilantro Lime Crema
Elevate your dishes with this zesty cilantro lime crema that blends tangy, fresh flavors with a hint of heat. This versatile sauce is not just perfect for drizzling over grilled salmon or chicken; it's also a game-changer for roasted vegetables, tacos, or even as a dip for warm bread or tortilla chips. The smooth texture and vibrant taste will make it a staple in your kitchen, and it's incredibly easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients. Ideal for summer cookouts or a festive dinner, this crema will bring life to any meal.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
sour cream
1 (8 ounce container)
jalapeno pepper
1 (fresh, chopped (adjust to your heat preference))
limes
2 (juiced)
cilantro
1 (bunch, roughly chopped)
kosher salt
1/2 (teaspoon (to taste))
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the sour cream and a generous handful of roughly chopped cilantro.
2
Squeeze the juice of one lime into the blender, then blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Carefully chop the jalapeno pepper, removing the seeds if you prefer less heat, and add it to the blender.
4
Taste the mixture and add kosher salt and juice from the second lime as needed, blending again until everything is well combined and smooth.
5
Transfer the crema to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Lime Crema?
Zesty Cilantro Lime Crema is a tangy and fresh sauce made from sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeno, perfect for drizzling over various dishes.
How long does this crema last in the refrigerator?
You can store the crema in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Is this cilantro lime crema spicy?
It has a hint of heat from the jalapeno pepper. You can adjust the spiciness by removing the seeds or using less of the pepper.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream alternative or soaked and blended cashews.
What should I serve with cilantro lime crema?
It pairs perfectly with grilled salmon, chicken, roasted vegetables, tacos, or as a dip for tortilla chips.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is recommended to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency for the sauce.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great healthy substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar tangy flavor.
How many limes are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 limes, using the juice of one initially and adding the second to taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including sour cream, lime, cilantro, and jalapeno, are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is highly recommended for this recipe to achieve the vibrant flavor and green color characteristic of a crema.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Should I remove the seeds from the jalapeno?
If you prefer less heat, it is recommended to remove the seeds and the white membranes before blending.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a clove of fresh garlic or a pinch of garlic powder can enhance the savory profile of the crema.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this crema is low in carbohydrates and high in fats, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.
How do I thin out the crema if it is too thick?
You can thin it out by adding a teaspoon of water or additional lime juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests kosher salt, but sea salt or table salt can be used; just adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together even better.
Does this crema work as a salad dressing?
Yes, it makes an excellent creamy dressing for taco salads or Southwest-style bowls.
Can I freeze cilantro lime crema?
Freezing is not recommended as the dairy in the sour cream may separate and change texture upon thawing.
How much cilantro should I use?
A full bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped, is used to give the sauce its vibrant color and taste.
Can I use a food processor instead?
Yes, a food processor will work well if you don't have a blender.
Is there a substitute for jalapeno?
If you want no heat at all, you can omit the jalapeno or replace it with a bit of green bell pepper for flavor.
What is the texture of the crema?
The texture is smooth, creamy, and pourable, making it ideal for drizzling.
Can I add avocado to this?
Adding half an avocado will make it even creamier and turn it into a delicious avocado-cilantro crema.
Is this recipe low calorie?
While it uses sour cream, the serving size is small, making it a relatively moderate addition to meals.
How do I garnish the crema?
You can garnish the serving bowl with extra chopped cilantro or a thin slice of lime.
What type of sour cream is best?
Full-fat sour cream provides the richest flavor, but low-fat options also work well.
Can I use this as a sandwich spread?
Yes, it's a fantastic zesty alternative to mayonnaise on wraps and sandwiches.
Is this kid-friendly?
If you omit the jalapeno, children typically enjoy the creamy, tangy flavor of the lime and sour cream.