If you’re looking for a way to use up that bunch of cilantro before it goes bad, this post is for you. Cilantro sauce takes an herb that is likely to wither and go bad in a few days and turns it into a sauce with that is good for more than a week. It even turns the sometimes overpowering flavor of plain cilantro into a sauce with complex layers of flavor that can be enjoyed on almost anything savory.
Your grocery list
Produce
- Fresh bunch(es) of cilantro
- Fresh garlic
- Lime
- Jalapeño pepper (optional)
Pantry items
- Extra virgin olive oil (canola oil also works)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Equipment/tools you’ll need
- Knife and cutting board
- Food processor or blender
- Mason jar or another type of airtight container (for storage)
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Tips for making a great cilantro sauce
- Freshness is Key: Use vibrant, fresh cilantro leaves for the best flavor. Ensure that the leaves are thoroughly washed and dried before using them in the sauce.
- Balancing Flavors: Achieve a harmonious balance of flavors by adjusting the amount of lime juice, garlic, and salt to suit your taste preferences.
- Texture Matters: For a smooth and creamy texture, blend the cilantro sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until they reach your desired consistency.
- Chill Out: Allow the cilantro sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Creative flavor variations for cilantro sauce
Once you’ve mastered the art of making classic cilantro sauce, consider these creative ways to switch up its flavors:
- Spicy Kick: Add a seeded and deveined jalapeño or serrano pepper to the sauce for a spicy twist. Adjust the amount of pepper based on your heat tolerance.
- Creamy Avocado: Incorporate ripe avocado into the cilantro sauce for a lusciously creamy and rich variation. The avocado adds a delightful creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Tangy Yogurt: Blend in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to create a tangy and velvety version of cilantro sauce. The yogurt adds a delightful tang and creamy texture to the sauce.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the bright flavors of the sauce by adding a hint of lime zest or lemon zest. The citrus zest adds a pop of freshness and elevates the overall vibrancy of the sauce.
- Nutty Notes: For a nutty undertone, blend in a handful of toasted pine nuts or cashews. The addition of nuts brings a delightful depth of flavor and a hint of richness to the sauce.
Ways to enjoy your cilantro sauce
Chili, Tacos, and Burritos:
- Add it to your favorite bowl of chili along with your fresh lime, cheese, and whatever else you love to top your chili with.
- Drizzle cilantro sauce over classic beef, chicken, or fish tacos for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Spread cilantro sauce on warm tortillas before layering on your favorite burrito fillings for a zesty kick.
Grilled Meats and Seafood:
- Serve cilantro sauce as a dipping sauce for grilled kebabs, such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetable kebabs.
- Brush cilantro sauce onto grilled steaks or seafood for a vibrant and herbaceous finishing touch.
Salad Dressing:
- Transform plain salads into flavor-packed delights by tossing them with cilantro sauce as a zesty dressing.
- Mix cilantro sauce with a splash of lime juice and olive oil for a refreshing and unique salad dressing.
- For creamy dressings, just combine plain Greek yogurt, mayo and/or sour cream (whichever you prefer) with a dollop cilantro sauce. Salt and pepper, to taste.
Rice and Grain Bowls:
- Drizzle cilantro sauce over nourishing rice or grain bowls for a pop of color and flavor.
- Mix cilantro sauce into cooked rice or quinoa for a vibrant and aromatic side dish.
Veggie Dips and Spreads:
- Use cilantro sauce as a dip for fresh vegetable crudités for a healthy and flavorful snack.
- Spread cilantro sauce onto sandwiches or wraps for a zesty and herb-infused spread.
Marinating and Grilling:
- Use cilantro sauce as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or vegetables before grilling for an infusion of fresh flavor.
- Baste grilled foods with cilantro sauce during cooking for a vibrant and aromatic glaze.
Breakfast and Brunch:
- Drizzle cilantro sauce over scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos for a unique and zesty morning meal.
- Use cilantro sauce as a flavorful topping for avocado toast or breakfast sandwiches.
Cilantro Sauce
Cilantro, garlic, oil and lime juice combine into a super easy sauce that takes tacos, chili, sandwiches, soups, and salads up a notch.
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Rate
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 3%
Cost: $7
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 2 bunches cilantro, fresh, tightly packed
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water, or as needed for desired consistency
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh cilantro leaves, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend the ingredients until they begin to break down, scraping down the sides of the processor or blender as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
- With the motor running, gradually add water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You may not need to use all of the water.
- Continue blending until the cilantro sauce is smooth and vibrant, with a pourable yet slightly thick texture.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if desired.
- Transfer the cilantro sauce to a jar or airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition
Calories: 63kcal (3%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 147mg (6%) | Potassium: 22mg (1%) | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 137IU (3%) | Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) | Calcium: 5mg (1%) | Iron: 0.1mg (1%)
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