There’s something wild and healing about the smell of garlic sizzling in a pan—especially when it mixes with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro. That scent takes me back to my abuela’s kitchen in San Antonio. She never measured, just tossed in handfuls of this and that with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how to feed a soul.
This easy creamy cilantro garlic sauce is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re doing something special, even on a weeknight. It’s rich, herbaceous, just the right kind of garlicky—and shockingly simple to throw together. I started making it during my time in Beirut, where toum ruled the table. This version blends the Mediterranean love of garlic with my Mexican-Texan roots and a splash of lime to keep it bright.
Whether you’re drizzling it over grilled chicken, dipping veggies, or dolloping it onto tacos, this cilantro garlic sauce is pure magic in a blender.
What is Cilantro Garlic Sauce?
Cilantro garlic sauce is a creamy, vibrant condiment made by blending fresh cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and creamy ingredients like Greek yogurt, avocado, or mayonnaise. It’s a staple in Latin American and Middle Eastern cooking, celebrated for its bold herb flavor and versatility.
My version leans creamy without being heavy—no mayo here—just real ingredients that sing together.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- Quick to make: From blender to bowl in under 10 minutes.
- Naturally gluten-free and pork-free
- Packs a punch: Garlic, lime, and cilantro come through with a zesty kick.
- Super versatile: Drizzle, dip, spread, or spoon onto just about anything.
- No cooking required: Just toss and blend.
Tips for Making the Best Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- Use fresh cilantro, stems and all—they pack tons of flavor.
- Soak garlic cloves in warm water for 5 minutes to mellow their bite.
- Choose thick Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy base.
- Don’t skip the lime juice—it balances the garlic and brings brightness.
- Blend in stages for a smooth, even texture.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few pantry and fridge staples to make this cilantro garlic sauce come to life:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, packed
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for extra tang)
- 1 small avocado, ripe
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
How to Make Easy Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Rinse the cilantro well and pat dry. Peel the garlic cloves.
- Blend: Add cilantro, garlic, yogurt, avocado, lime juice, olive oil, and salt to a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Adjust texture: Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and blend again.
- Taste: Add more lime juice or salt if needed for balance.
- Serve or store: Use right away or refrigerate.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Citrus juicer (for lime)
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Spatula
- Glass jar with lid for storing
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- For a thicker dip, skip the water or reduce the yogurt slightly.
- For extra tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or more lime.
- Want it spicier? Toss in half a jalapeño or a pinch of red chili flakes.
- Too garlicky? Add more yogurt or avocado to mellow it out.
- Use the stems! They blend beautifully and are packed with flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Pour into an airtight container or mason jar and refrigerate. Lasts 3–5 days.
- Freezing? Not recommended—avocado and yogurt don’t thaw well.
- Reblend before serving if any separation occurs.
FAQs
What is garlic cilantro sauce made of?
Typically, it includes fresh cilantro, garlic, a creamy base like yogurt or mayo, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Some versions use avocado for richness.
How to make a thick creamy garlic sauce?
Use thick Greek yogurt, skip any added water, and blend well. Avocado also helps make it smooth and thick.
What is in creamy cilantro sauce?
Most creamy cilantro sauces include cilantro, garlic, lime, yogurt, avocado or mayo, and seasoning.
What is creamy garlic dipping sauce made of?
Creamy garlic dipping sauces usually feature garlic, a creamy component like yogurt or sour cream, lemon or lime juice, and sometimes herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Conclusion
This easy creamy cilantro garlic sauce has become a staple in my fridge—right next to the salsa verde and hummus. It’s a sauce I reach for when I need to pull dinner together fast, or when the kids need something fun to dip sweet potato fries into.
It’s bold, fresh, creamy, and garlicky with just the right pop of lime—and best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable.
Whether you’re grilling steak or layering it into veggie wraps, this sauce is that secret weapon that makes people say, “Wait—what is in that?!”
Print
Easy Creamy Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
Description
A rich, herbaceous sauce that blends the bold flavors of garlic and cilantro with the creaminess of avocado and Greek yogurt. Perfect as a dip, drizzle, or spread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, packed
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for extra tang)
- 1 small avocado, ripe
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Rinse the cilantro well and pat dry. Peel the garlic cloves.
- Add cilantro, garlic, yogurt, avocado, lime juice, olive oil, and salt to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and blend again.
- Taste and adjust with more lime juice or salt as needed.
- Use immediately or refrigerate in a sealed jar.
Notes
For a spicier version, add jalapeño or red chili flakes. If it’s too garlicky, increase the yogurt or avocado. Use within 3–5 days and stir if separation occurs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Keywords: cilantro garlic sauce, creamy sauce, yogurt sauce, avocado, dipping sauce, lime
