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Simple Zesty Taco Sauce

Featured in Quick Recipes That Save the Day.

This tangy mix of Greek yogurt, lime juice, fresh cilantro, and seasonings makes an easy 5-minute topping for tacos or enchiladas.

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Hannah Author
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:22:08 GMT
Wooden bowl with a creamy green dip, topped with a cilantro leaf, surrounded by limes and chips. Pin it
Wooden bowl with a creamy green dip, topped with a cilantro leaf, surrounded by limes and chips. | recipesbyhannah.com

I first whipped up this Zesty Lime Cilantro Sauce as a simple taco companion but it's now our family's favorite topping for practically everything. The mix of zesty Greek yogurt, garden-fresh cilantro and tangy lime creates an irresistible flavor combo that takes any meal up a notch.

Zesty and Adaptable

What makes this sauce special is how it adds life to whatever you're eating. The citrus kick and leafy herbs mixed with smooth yogurt make food taste so much better. And you can throw it together in just a few minutes.

What You'll Need

  • Plain Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup, grab the full-fat kind for extra creaminess. You can swap in sour cream if that's what you've got.
  • Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup, adds smoothness and thins the yogurt nicely.
  • Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, squeeze it fresh for that zingy flavor punch.
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced, gives that perfect hint of spice.
  • Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, brings a nice depth of taste.
  • Cilantro: 1/4 cup chopped fresh leaves, for that burst of color and garden-fresh taste.
  • Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, pulls all the flavors together.

Let's Make It

Ready to Serve
Use straight away or chill it to let the tastes come together better.
Perfect the Flavor
Give it a try and maybe add extra lime or salt if it needs it.
Add Fresh Herbs
Mix in the cilantro with a few quick pulses to keep some chunky bits for look.
Start with the Base
Mix your yogurt mayo and spices till they're all combined nicely.
A bowl of smooth green sauce topped with cilantro bits sits alongside tortilla chips and cut limes for dipping. Pin it
A bowl of smooth green sauce topped with cilantro bits sits alongside tortilla chips and cut limes for dipping. | recipesbyhannah.com

Ways to Enjoy

This sauce tastes amazing poured over tacos enchiladas and roasted veggies. It's wonderful stirred into hot soups or used for dipping snacks. You'll find tons of ways to use it.

Keep It Fresh

Your sauce will stay tasty in the fridge for several days and actually improves as the flavors blend together. Just stir it a bit before you use it again.

A wooden serving board displays a bowl of creamy green sauce surrounded by fresh lime slices and crunchy tortilla chips. Pin it
A wooden serving board displays a bowl of creamy green sauce surrounded by fresh lime slices and crunchy tortilla chips. | recipesbyhannah.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I swap yogurt for sour cream?

Sure! Sour cream works just as well, with almost no flavor difference.

→ How long does it stay fresh?

Seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It's good for five days.

→ Want to make it less thick?

Add more lime juice or a small splash of milk until it’s the right texture.

→ What should I pair it with?

Add it to tacos, enchiladas, roasted veggies, burritos, or Mexican-style dishes.

→ Can I skip using a food processor?

You can! Just chop cilantro and garlic finely by hand, then mix. The texture won’t be as smooth but will still taste great.

Zesty Taco Sauce

A tangy dip blending sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime, garlic, and fresh cilantro. Ideal for any Mexican-inspired meal.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes

Category: 30-Minute Magic

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings (1 ¼ cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro.
02 1 small garlic clove, minced.
03 2 tablespoons of mayo.
04 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
05 ¼ teaspoon of onion powder.
06 ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt.
07 1 tablespoon of lime juice, freshly squeezed.

Instructions

Step 01

Dump yogurt, mayo, lime juice, garlic, salt, and onion powder into the processor. Run it till it’s smooth.

Step 02

Toss in the cilantro and give it a few pulses. Stop when it’s smooth but still shows tiny green bits.

Notes

  1. Stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  2. Pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican bites.
  3. Add more lime juice to thin it out if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • A food processor.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (yogurt).
  • Includes eggs (mayo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g