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.

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.

Healthy Summer Favorite
Lime is one of my top warm weather flavors. The only thing I like more than lime in the summer might be watermelon, but even that is better with a squeeze of lime (like in this refreshing watermelon juice).
While I love sweet lime recipes like these healthy-ish lime bars, this fruit shines in a whole new way when served with savory foods. This lime crema not only adds incredible flavor, but also a yogurt probiotic kick (I’m ALL about the power of probiotics), to your favorite meals.
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!

Ingredients
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions

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

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

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

Lime Crema with Yogurt
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
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.


I love simple recipes that take food to the next level, and this lime crema is the ultimate summertime sauce! I’d love to hear what your favorite way to serve it is!