Easy Zesty Taco Sauce

Featured in Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out.

This tangy 5-minute sauce mixes creamy yogurt, fresh lime, and cilantro, making it a quick topping for any Mexican-inspired dish.

Clare Recipes
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:19:41 GMT
A rustic bowl of creamy green sauce, decorated with cilantro, lime wedges, and tortilla chips around it. Pin it
A rustic bowl of creamy green sauce, decorated with cilantro, lime wedges, and tortilla chips around it. | lilicooks.com

My Zesty Lime Cilantro Sauce began as just something quick for our taco nights but soon became the family's favorite topping for practically everything. When you mix the zesty Greek yogurt with fresh-cut cilantro and zingy lime juice, you get this amazing flavor combo that makes any meal taste better.

Zesty and Adaptable

What makes this sauce special is how it adds life to whatever you put it on. The tangy lime mixed with those garden-fresh herbs and smooth yogurt really makes food taste incredible. And you can whip it up in just a few minutes.

Ingredients List

  • 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 have.
  • Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup, adds a nice smoothness and thins the yogurt.
  • Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, squeeze it fresh for that bright kick.
  • Garlic: 1 clove, finely chopped, gives that nice punch of flavor.
  • Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, adds depth and richness.
  • Cilantro: 1/4 cup fresh leaves chopped up, brings color and garden-fresh taste.
  • Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, pulls all the flavors together.

Simple Steps

Mix Your Foundation
Stir together yogurt mayo and your dry seasonings until they're combined.
Toss In Greenery
Mix in the cilantro but don't overdo it so you can see those pretty green bits.
Check Your Taste
Give it a try and maybe add extra lime or salt if it needs it.
Time To Enjoy
Eat it straight away or let it chill in the fridge to get even tastier.
A smooth green sauce topped with cilantro sits in a white bowl next to corn chips and sliced limes. Pin it
A smooth green sauce topped with cilantro sits in a white bowl next to corn chips and sliced limes. | lilicooks.com

Tasty Pairings

This sauce goes great poured over fish tacos spicy enchiladas and roasted veggies. It's fantastic stirred into hot soup or as something to dip chips in. You'll find tons of ways to use it.

Storage Tips

You can keep this sauce in your fridge up to four days and it actually tastes better the next day when all the flavors blend together. Just mix it up again before you use it.

A white bowl filled with green creamy sauce sits on wooden board with lime pieces and tortilla chips around it. Pin it
A white bowl filled with green creamy sauce sits on wooden board with lime pieces and tortilla chips around it. | lilicooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap yogurt with sour cream?

Absolutely! Sour cream works great as a substitute and tastes just as good.

→ How long does it stay fresh?

Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container and it'll last up to 5 days.

→ How do I make it thinner?

To thin it out, just stir in a bit of milk or extra lime juice until it’s how you like it.

→ What goes well with this?

Top tacos, drizzle on enchiladas, spread on veggies, or pair with burritos—it’s super versatile!

→ Can I make it without fancy gadgets?

Totally! Just chop the cilantro and garlic super fine and mix everything by hand. It'll still taste amazing, just not as smooth.

Zesty Taco Sauce

A tangy and creamy blend of sour cream or yogurt with garlic, lime, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for tacos and more.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings (1¼ cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Toss in the yogurt, mayo, garlic, lime juice, salt, and onion powder, and blend until it's smooth and creamy.

Step 02

Blend in the cilantro in short bursts until it’s mostly smooth but still has small specks left.

Notes

  1. Stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  2. Pairs well with Mexican-style meals.
  3. Can be loosened up with some extra lime juice if it thickens.

Tools You'll Need

  • A food processor or blender.

Allergy Information

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

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