Lime Crema with Yogurt

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Creamy, bright, and tangy, this 5-minute lime crema is the perfect refreshing sauce for all your favorite summer meals! It’s made with simple, healthy ingredients and a hint of fresh cilantro and garlic.

Lime crema topped with lime zest in a glass mason jar on a wooden table beside two lime slices.

Quick Look at the Recipe

  • 🍽️ Flavor: Bright and slightly tangy
  • ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • 👥 Yield: 1 cup
  • 🥣 Main Ingredients: Lime, yogurt, garlic, cilantro
  • 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, egg-free, paleo, Whole30
  • 👩‍🍳 Tip: A small amount of fresh cilantro gives this sauce a zesty, herbal note without being overpowering.
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What Makes this Lime Sauce Special?

  • Tangy, balanced taste using just the right amount of garlic and cilantro for added flavor.
  • 5-minute recipe using simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Healthy sauce with limitless ways to serve!
Labeled ingredients on a wooden surface including yogurt, garlic, salt, pepper, cilantro, and lime.

Ingredients

  • Yogurt – I used homemade yogurt, but any type of plain, unsweetened yogurt (including dairy-free yogurt) works great! For a thicker consistency, you can use plain Greek yogurt instead.
  • Lime – For all that delicious fresh juice and zest! Don’t substitute bottled lime juice in this recipe.
  • Garlic – Adds a rich, savory flavor that perfectly balances the lime juice and zest.
  • Fresh cilantro – Some lime crema recipes use a ton of cilantro, but I prefer just a small amount so the lime flavor can really shine through.

Tools Needed

Step-By-Step Instructions

Yogurt, lime juice, and other ingredients in a mixing bowl on a wooden table beside a striped cloth napkin.

Step 1: First, combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir together.

Lime crema in a glass jar on a wooden table beside lime slices.

Step 2: Then cover and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

Top view of lime crema garnished with lime zest in a glass jar on a wooden table beside two lime slices.

If you’re looking for more healthy homemade condiments, check out my yogurt dill sauce and easy Italian dressing!

Tips for Success

Avoid the white pith when zesting the lime – The outer green zest has the flavor you want, so make sure to avoid the bitter white pith.

Prep in advance – Lime crema is delicious right away, but it’s even better once the flavors have had time to develop. For the ultimate tangy flavor, make it the day before serving and store in the fridge overnight.

How to Serve

Over Mexican and Southwestern dishes – It’s the ultimate topping for everything from chicken enchilada casserole to ground beef rice bowls. You can even use it to take nachos or a taco bar to a whole new level!

With vegetables – Everything from roasted sweet potatoes to grilled corn is delicious drizzled with this tangy sauce.

As a salad dressing – Give your favorite salad a bright and refreshing makeover!

On sandwiches and wraps – Lime crema is a fantastic healthy substitute for mayonnaise!

Over grilled meats and seafood – The bright, creamy flavor perfectly balances savory meat and fish.

FAQs

How long does lime crema keep?

You can store lime crema in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. A little bit of separation is normal, so stir before serving.

Can I freeze lime crema?

No, due to the dairy content, lime crema should not be frozen.

What does lime crema taste like?

Lime crema has a bright, slightly sour, citrusy flavor with savory notes from the cilantro and garlic. It’s a versatile sauce delicious served with a variety of dishes.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome

Closeup of lime crema topped with lime zest in a glass mason jar on a wooden table with fresh lime slices.

Lime Crema with Yogurt

Creamy, bright, and tangy, this 5-minute lime crema is the perfect refreshing sauce for all your summer meals!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Clean Eating Condiments
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 people (approx. 1 cup)
Calories: 22kcal
Author: Violet Parcha

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
  • 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir together.
    1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt, 1 lime, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, 1 clove garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Cover and let sit in the fridge overnight (or at least a few hours) before serving.

Notes

  • You can use any type of plain dairy or non-dairy yogurt. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can substitute Greek yogurt.
  • Lime crema will keep for 5-7 days in the fridge. A little bit of separation is normal, so stir before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.1mg

If you tried this lime crema, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.

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