Lime Crema Recipe

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Lime Crema is a tangy, creamy sauce that takes your meals to the next level! It's perfect with spicy grilled shrimp but also works wonders on salads, bowls, or any grilled meat. Ready in 5 minutes!

50 CAL 4g CARBS 3g FAT 2g PROTEIN 2
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Creamy sauces are some of the best things to jazz up your favorite dishes! From Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce to Creamy Chipotle Sauce, a little sauce can take an average meal from good to fantastic. When I made my spicy grilled shrimp the other day, I needed something creamy and bright to pair with it. That's how this lime crema recipe was born!

This Lime Crema has become a household favorite in our family because it's the perfect way to balance out spicy, bold flavors with its creamy, zesty kick. It's an easy-to-make topping that you can use on everything from grilled meats to salads and even rice bowls.

The Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture, while the lime and garlic bring a refreshing zing that pairs so well with smoky grilled meats. It only takes a few minutes to make, but it's best when it sits for a while to let all those flavors come together.

It's also one of those recipes that makes meal prep easier. Just mix it up ahead of time, and you have a tangy sauce ready to go for any meal. My family loves it on everything, and I love how it elevates even the simplest of dishes!

A Flavor-Packed Creamy Sauce

We can't get enough of this Lime Crema and you won't be able to, either! Here's why we love it:

  • Quick: This Lime Crema comes together in less than 5 minutes and uses simple ingredients, making it the perfect last-minute addition to any meal. Just stir everything together, and you're good to go!
  • Tangy and creamy: The combination of lime, yogurt, and cilantro creates a perfect balance of tangy and creamy!
  • Versatile: Use this creamy condiment on everything, like grilled shrimp, tacos, grilled veggies, or even salads. It's the sauce you didn't know you needed but now can't live without.
  • Make-ahead: This recipe needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours before serving, so it's great for making ahead of time!
  • Healthy-ish: With Greek yogurt and fresh ingredients, this crema is a healthier alternative to store-bought creamy sauces, and it still delivers on flavor.
  • Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge. This sauce lasts for days, and you'll always have something to jazz up your meals!

Ingredients and Substitutions

An array of ingredients on a light surface, including lime halves, yogurt, garlic, sugar, and spices in small bowls.

Here's everything you need to make Lime Crema from scratch. Don't forget to check the recipe card for exact measurements.

  • Plain Greek yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt is the go-to for a rich, smooth texture that balances the tartness of the lime. You can swap it for regular yogurt if you prefer, but the thick, tangy nature of Greek yogurt is what gives this crema its satisfying texture.
  • Mayonnaise: If you want to keep it lighter, you can opt for light mayo or Mexican crema for a smoother, slightly milder flavor.
  • Lime: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor! Plus, you need the lime to get the lime zest, which adds even more brightness to the crema.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, finely minced to integrate into the sauce smoothly. If you don't have fresh, a small amount of garlic powder can do the trick in a pinch.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro complements the creaminess and tang, but if you're not a fan, you can swap it for parsley for a milder flavor.
  • Mint: Optional, but it gives a cool, refreshing edge to the crema, which pairs wonderfully with the heat from grilled shrimp or spicy tacos. If you prefer a more straightforward flavor, you can skip it or use basil instead for a different take.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Crema From Scratch

This Lime Crema recipe comes together in less than 5 minutes! Here's how to make it:

To make this Lime Crema, mix together all the ingredients for the dressing—Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a little garlic. Add in the fresh cilantro and mint (if you like a refreshing twist), and give everything a good stir until it's smooth and creamy.

A before-and-after image of a creamy lime sauce preparation, featuring ingredients like yogurt, sugar, and lime zest.

Pro tip: Adjust the thickness of the crema by adding as much or as little lime juice as you like!

Different Ways to Use Lime Crema

This Lime Crema goes with pretty much anything! Here are some of our favorite ways to use this sauce:

Storing Lime Crema and Making It Ahead of Time

Here's how to store lime crema and creative ways to use leftovers!

Storing: Store Lime Crema in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting for a few hours, so it's perfect to make ahead.

Make-Ahead: This crema is meal-prep friendly! You can make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

Leftovers: Use leftover crema as a topping for Chicken Street Tacos or a Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe:

For sure! To add some heat, you can mix in jalapeños, a bit of sriracha, or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust until it reaches your desired spice level.

 

Yes, this recipe is easily scalable! Feel free to double the ingredients for a larger batch or halve it if you're only serving a couple of people. It keeps really well in the fridge, so don't worry about extra leftovers!

 

A light green creamy sauce in a blue bowl, with a spoonful lifted, surrounded by fresh lime slices and cilantro.
The Recipe
A bowl of creamy lime sauce with a spoon, surrounded by fresh cilantro, lime halves, and a dish of sugar.

Lime Crema Recipe

50 CAL 4g CARBS 3g FAT 2g PROTEIN 2
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 5 Min
TOTAL TIME: 10 Min
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 3/4 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt (I prefer full fat in this recipe)
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (or Mexican creama or sour cream)
  • 1 lime (juice and zest)
  • 1 small garlic clove, crushed or minced very finely
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder

Instructions

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1

Add everything to a bowl and stir until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

2

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Equipment

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Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 2 tbspAdd everything to a bowl and stir until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Amount Per Serving
Calories 50
Calories from Fat 29
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g
5%
Saturated Fat 1g
4%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 4mg
1%
Sodium 209mg
9%
Total Carbohydrate 4g
1%
Dietary Fiber 0g
1%
Sugars 2g
Protein 2g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
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