Condiments

Lime Crema (Creamy, Tangy & Easy!)

By Samira Kazan

published June 19, 2025

Zingy, creamy, and wildly versatile, this lime crema is about to become your new favorite sauce. It’s bright with fresh lime, rich from sour cream and mayo, and blends in just the right amount of garlic and cilantro for flavor that pops.

Side view close-up of lime crema in a green bowl with a spoon, shrimp fajitas faintly visible in the background. - 1

This is the kind of condiment that makes everything better — tacos, enchiladas, soups, bowls, and more. I like to blend the cilantro right into the sauce so it’s silky smooth with flecks of green, and the flavor gets infused throughout. It’s fresh, light, and comes together in minutes.

Try it spooned over chicken tortilla soup , tucked into shredded chicken tacos , or served with shrimp fajitas . However you serve it, this lime crema adds instant brightness and creaminess to any dish.

  • Lime cerma ingredients
  • How to make it
  • How to use lime crema
  • More Mexican-Inspired Sauces and Dips
  • Lime Crema Recipe

Lime cerma ingredients

A photo of the ingredients needed to make lime crema. - 2
  • Sour cream: The creamy, tangy base — use full-fat for best flavor and texture (or sub with plain natural yogurt if you prefer)
  • Mayonnaise : Adds richness and helps the sauce blend silky smooth
  • Lime (zest + juice) : Bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the creaminess
  • Garlic : Just one small clove, finely minced, adds subtle depth and aroma
  • Sea salt : Enhances all the flavors
  • Fresh cilantro : Finely chopped for a thicker texture, or blend gently for a smoother version with a slight hint of green color

See printable recipe card below for the full ingredients list and quantities.

How to make it

This sauce comes together in just a few minutes — and you can make it two ways depending on your texture preference.

If using a food processor, add the sour cream, mayo, lime zest and juice, garlic, and salt. Pulse just a few times to combine — avoid over-blending, or the sauce can turn too runny. Add the cilantro and pulse briefly until flecks remain.

This method gives you a smoother, slightly thinner crema with a faint green tint from the blended herbs.

Using a food processor to make lime crema. - 3

For a thicker, more scoopable version, finely chop the cilantro by hand and stir everything together in a bowl. It takes a few extra minutes but gives you more control and a richer texture. Taste and adjust as needed — add more lime or salt to suit your dish.

Then chill the crema for at least 30 minutes if you have time. It sets up slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again.

Recipe tips

  • Start with less lime juice and add more to taste — especially if your lime is super juicy.
  • Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture.
  • Blend gently if using a food processor — too much and the crema can turn runny.

How to use lime crema

This lime crema goes with just about everything — drizzle it, dollop it, or use it as a dip. It’s especially perfect for tacos (like beef birria tacos or shredded chicken tacos ), nachos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls.

I also love it spooned over soups like chicken tortilla soup or black bean soup , or paired with crispy tortilla chips for an easy appetizer.

Want something cozy? Try it with crockpot chicken enchiladas or chicken quesadillas — it adds just the right tangy finish.

Top view of three shrimp fajita tacos drizzled with lime crema, served on a white plate with a blue rim and a bowl of lime crema on the side. - 4

More Mexican-Inspired Sauces and Dips

If you love this lime crema, try these next:

A jar with salsa verde - 5 A jar with salsa verde - 6 Salsa roja in a jar - 7 Salsa roja in a jar - 8 A spoonful of chipotle sauce over a jar - 9 A spoonful of chipotle sauce over a jar - 10

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 cup sour cream full-fat
  • ▢ ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ▢ 1 lime zest
  • ▢ 1–2 tbsp lime juice to taste
  • ▢ 1 garlic clove small, minced
  • ▢ ½ tsp sea salt
  • ▢ ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl (or using a food processor), combine the sour cream, mayo, lime zest, 1 tablespoon lime juice, garlic, salt, and finely chopped cilantro.
  • Stir or pulse just until combined — taste and add more lime juice if needed.
  • Chill for 30 minutes before serving — this helps the crema thicken and the flavors develop.

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Side view close-up of lime crema in a small green bowl with a spoon drizzling dressing from it. - 11

Lime Crema

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream full-fat
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 lime zest
  • 1–2 tbsp lime juice to taste
  • 1 garlic clove small, minced
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl (or using a food processor), combine the sour cream, mayo, lime zest, 1 tablespoon lime juice, garlic, salt, and finely chopped cilantro.
  • Stir or pulse just until combined — taste and add more lime juice if needed.
  • Chill for 30 minutes before serving — this helps the crema thicken and the flavors develop.

Notes

Nutrition

Recipe on Alphafoodie: https://www.alphafoodie.com/lime-crema/