Why we put this garlicky cilantro lime sauce on everything
- We can make it in 5 minutes and it’s loaded with fresh flavor from the cilantro, garlic, lime and a pop of spice from the poblano pepper.
- We started with tacos, then decided to put it on all the proteins – fish, steak, pork chops & shrimp!
- It’s also a delicious sauce over some roasted or grilled veggies. We tried it with a simple combo of roasted cauliflower, carrots and broccoli.
- We made it dairy free with oil instead of greek yogurt or mayo, so it’s a lighter, fresher tasting sauce that’s more like a chimichurri than a creamy sauce.
Love tacos? So do we! Try this sauce on our Easy Ground Chicken Tacos or our Fish Tacos with Coleslaw.
How to make fresh cilantro lime sauce with oil
Recipe testing and ingredient notes
- Cilantro – Make sure to pack the cilantro leaves into your cup when measuring. We always remove the stems as well.
- Poblano pepper – This really is the key secret ingredient for this recipe! We love the little pop of spice it gives the sauce along with a little thicker texture.
- Lime juice – Limes are all different sizes, so go by the 1/4 cup amount if you aren’t certain.
- Salt – We like using a hefty dose of salt to balance out the acid (lime) in the recipe. If you’re sensitive to salt, start with 1/4 tsp and work your way up to suit your taste.
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do!
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Get the Recipe:
Fresh Cilantro Lime Sauce for Tacos & More!
With four main ingredients plus a little oil and seasonings, this fresh cilantro lime sauce is an easy 5-minute recipe you can whip up to put on just about anything! Try it with tacos, steak, pork, fish, veggies and more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cilantro , (packed)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 poblano pepper, stem and seeds removed, (optional, adds texture and a little spice depending on the pepper)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, (about 2 small limes)
- 1/4 cup avocado oil, (or light olive oil)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, (approximate, adjust to taste)
Equipment
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or high-powered blender. Process/blend for 30-45 seconds, or until the sauce is mostly smooth.
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