Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce, a blend of spicy jalapeno and fresh cilantro, is a versatile condiment perfect for a variety of dishes.
Its creamy base, made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and Greek yogurt, is enriched with the zesty tang of lime juice or lemon juice.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce Recipe
A bright creamy jalapeno sauce is a condiment I can’t live without. It adds fresh flavor and heat to everything. But too often store-bought versions lack that vibrant herby taste I crave.
This easy blender sauce highlights the best of cilantro and jalapeño. The flavor combo is addictive – cooling cilantro tempered by spicy jalapeño heat, rounded out with lime and olive oil. You control the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
While it takes just minutes to make, its impact is huge. It punches up any meal with a brisk, mouthwatering flavor boost. Such a versatile sauce. Spoon it over tacos or taco salads, use as a dip or marinade, or drizzle it over proteins, veggies, or eggs. However you use it, this lively green sauce makes any dish sing.
I know this cilantro jalapeño purée will become your new secret weapon for adding vibrant Latin flair. The fresh, addictive taste is totally homemade. You’ll love it!
Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce Ingredients
- 2 jalapeños
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbs sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce
- Place the jalapeños into a blender along with all the remaining ingredients (I even include the cilantro stems), and blend on high in your food processor for at least 30 seconds, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
What To Serve with Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce
When it comes to pairing my Creamy Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce, the possibilities are endless! This versatile sauce is a fantastic addition to a wide range of dishes, elevating them with its vibrant and zesty flavor profile. Here are some mouth-watering ideas for what to serve with it:
- Tacos and Fajitas: Whether you’re enjoying fish, chicken, or veggie tacos, a dollop of this sauce adds a refreshing kick.
- Grilled Meats and Seafood: The sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp, enhancing their smoky flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle it over roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for an extra flavor boost.
- Rice and Grain Bowls: Stir it into rice or quinoa bowls for a touch of creaminess and spice.
- Breakfast Dishes: Transform your morning eggs, whether they’re scrambled, fried, or in an omelet, with a spoonful of this sauce.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread it on bread or tortillas for an instant upgrade to your usual sandwich or wrap.
- Salads: Use it as a dressing to add a zesty, creamy element to your green salads.
- Dips and Appetizers: Mix it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a delicious dip, perfect for chips and veggies.
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: Elevate your grill game by slathering this sauce on burgers and hot dogs.
- Nachos and Quesadillas: A great way to add some excitement to these classic Mexican dishes.
Variations and Substitutions
Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce Substitutions
Fresh Jalapenos – A good substitution for jalapeno peppers that will give off a milder or slightly different flavor and spice level would be serrano peppers, green bell peppers, anaheim peppers, poblano peppers, or even canned mild chiles. Remove all the seeds if you want less of a kick!
Cilantro – You can use another fresh herb in place of cilantro leaves if you want a different kind of flavor to your sauce. Your options could either be flat-leaf parsley, basil, or mint.
Fresh Garlic – Use garlic powder if you do not have fresh cloves of garlic on hand.
Mayonnaise / Sour Cream – A common substitute for both ingredients is plain greek yogurt since it adds much flavor and more texture to the already creamy sauce.
Fresh Lime Juice – Use lemon juice in place of lime juice since it provides a similar acidity to the sauce.
Sea Salt – A good alternative would be regular table salt or kosher salt.
Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce Variations
There are various ways to customize and add your own little twist to this Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce recipe that will suit your taste preferences! Here are some examples:
– Add a ripe avocado or avocado oil to enhance the overall texture of the sauce while giving a fresh taste and subtle avocado flavor that would complement your green sauce.
– Use vegan mayonnaise and cashews as healthier alternatives if you want a dairy-free sauce.
Equipment
Blender / Food Processor
Knife and Cutting Board
Measuring Utensils
Airtight Container (Storage)
How to store and Creamy Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce
Storing Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within a week.
Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce Recipe Tips
1. Use Fresh Ingredients – Make sure the jalapeños and cilantro leaves that you will use are fresh and firm since freshness contributes greatly to the overall taste and flavor of the sauce.
2. Adjust to your desired spice level – To control the spiciness, consider removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños if you want a milder sauce that contains a wonderful flavor with just the right amount of heat.
3. This sauce is versatile! You can use it for anything – Use your cilantro jalapeño sauce for different kinds of purposes! It could be a great dipping sauce for tortilla chips, salad dressing, sandwich spread or even as a topping for burrito bowls or rice bowls.
Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce FAQs
What is cilantro sauce made of?
Cilantro sauce can have various recipes, but a basic cilantro sauce typically includes the following key ingredients: cilantro leaves, jalapeños, garlic, dairy/dairy-free base, lime juice, salt and pepper, and oil.
Can you freeze Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce?
Freezing is a great way to preserve the sauce. However, keep in mind that the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing, especially if it contains dairy or dairy alternatives.
How long can I store Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce in the refrigerator?
Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce can be stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Can I use Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce as a marinade?
Of course! Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce can be used as a flavorful and zesty marinade for various proteins, such as chicken, steak, shrimp, fish, or even tofu.
Creamy Cilantro Sauce Conclusion
This Creamy Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce is sure to be a hit, whether used as a dip, salad dressing, or marinade. Its simple preparation in a blender or food processor ensures a smooth and creamy consistency, perfect for drizzling over your favorite dishes.
You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by manipulating the amount of jalapeño peppers and seeds. For those seeking a dairy-free option, choose vegan mayonnaise or yogurt.
Storing the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator will maintain its freshness, making it a handy condiment to have on hand for up to a week. Whether you’re looking to add a fresh flavor to your meals, seeking a spicy kick, or wanting a creamy complement to your dishes, this cilantro jalapeno sauce is an awesome choice.
If you loved this versatile and delicious sauce recipe, please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!
Recipe:
PrintCreamy Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce (Ready In 5-Minutes!)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
-
- 1–2 jalapeños
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
- Place the jalapeños into a blender with all the remaining ingredients (including the cilantro stems), and blend on high in your food processor for at least 30 seconds until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
This bright cilantro jalapeño sauce is highly adaptable to your personal taste. If the lime makes it too tart, balance it out by mixing in extra mayo or sour cream. Want even more of that fresh cilantro flavor? Throw in more leaves. When it comes to jalapeños, it can be hard to judge their spice level before cutting them open. I recommend cutting one in half and tasting a piece to check the heat before adding. Jalapeños can range from as mild as a bell pepper to hotter than a serrano. Adjust the amount you use based on your desired spice level. The versatility of this sauce makes it easy to customize to your preferences. Play around until you get the perfect lime, cilantro and jalapeño balance to match your tastebuds.
