Cilantro Sauce

If you’re looking for a way to use up that bunch of cilantro before it goes bad, this post is for you. Cilantro sauce takes an herb that is likely to wither and go bad in a few days and turns it into a sauce with that is good for more than a week. It even turns the sometimes overpowering flavor of plain cilantro into a sauce with complex layers of flavor that can be enjoyed on almost anything savory.

Your grocery list

Produce

Fresh bunch(es) of cilantro
Fresh garlic
Lime
Jalapeño pepper (optional)

Pantry items

Extra virgin olive oil (canola oil also works)
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper

Equipment/tools you’ll need

Knife and cutting board
Food processor or blender
Mason jar or another type of airtight container (for storage)
Citrus juicer (optional)

Tips for making a great cilantro sauce

Freshness is Key: Use vibrant, fresh cilantro leaves for the best flavor. Ensure that the leaves are thoroughly washed and dried before using them in the sauce.
Balancing Flavors: Achieve a harmonious balance of flavors by adjusting the amount of lime juice, garlic, and salt to suit your taste preferences.
Texture Matters: For a smooth and creamy texture, blend the cilantro sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until they reach your desired consistency.
Chill Out: Allow the cilantro sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Creative flavor variations for cilantro sauce

Once you’ve mastered the art of making classic cilantro sauce, consider these creative ways to switch up its flavors:

Spicy Kick: Add a seeded and deveined jalapeño or serrano pepper to the sauce for a spicy twist. Adjust the amount of pepper based on your heat tolerance.
Creamy Avocado: Incorporate ripe avocado into the cilantro sauce for a lusciously creamy and rich variation. The avocado adds a delightful creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor.
Tangy Yogurt: Blend in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to create a tangy and velvety version of cilantro sauce. The yogurt adds a delightful tang and creamy texture to the sauce.
Citrus Zest: Enhance the bright flavors of the sauce by adding a hint of lime zest or lemon zest. The citrus zest adds a pop of freshness and elevates the overall vibrancy of the sauce.
Nutty Notes: For a nutty undertone, blend in a handful of toasted pine nuts or cashews. The addition of nuts brings a delightful depth of flavor and a hint of richness to the sauce.

Ways to enjoy your cilantro sauce

Chili, Tacos, and Burritos:

Add it to your favorite bowl of chili along with your fresh lime, cheese, and whatever else you love to top your chili with.
Drizzle cilantro sauce over classic beef, chicken, or fish tacos for a burst of fresh flavor.
Spread cilantro sauce on warm tortillas before layering on your favorite burrito fillings for a zesty kick.

Grilled Meats and Seafood:

Serve cilantro sauce as a dipping sauce for grilled kebabs, such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetable kebabs.
Brush cilantro sauce onto grilled steaks or seafood for a vibrant and herbaceous finishing touch.

Salad Dressing:

Transform plain salads into flavor-packed delights by tossing them with cilantro sauce as a zesty dressing.
Mix cilantro sauce with a splash of lime juice and olive oil for a refreshing and unique salad dressing.
For creamy dressings, just combine plain Greek yogurt, mayo and/or sour cream (whichever you prefer) with a dollop cilantro sauce. Salt and pepper, to taste.

Rice and Grain Bowls:

Drizzle cilantro sauce over nourishing rice or grain bowls for a pop of color and flavor.
Mix cilantro sauce into cooked rice or quinoa for a vibrant and aromatic side dish.

Veggie Dips and Spreads:

Use cilantro sauce as a dip for fresh vegetable crudités for a healthy and flavorful snack.
Spread cilantro sauce onto sandwiches or wraps for a zesty and herb-infused spread.

Marinating and Grilling:

Use cilantro sauce as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or vegetables before grilling for an infusion of fresh flavor.
Baste grilled foods with cilantro sauce during cooking for a vibrant and aromatic glaze.

Breakfast and Brunch:

Drizzle cilantro sauce over scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos for a unique and zesty morning meal.
Use cilantro sauce as a flavorful topping for avocado toast or breakfast sandwiches.