Learn to make Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce using mayonnaise and sour cream as the base. This sauce is spicy and packed with a punch that tastes delicious.
With summer already here, it's the perfect time to incorporate refreshing flavors like this jalapeno cilantro sauce.
This recipe is straightforward(like this green taco sauce). Gather and blend the ingredients in a food processor. That’s it—a delicious, flavorful side dish ready in minutes effortlessly.
Not only that, cilantro and jalapeño are classic flavor combinations that pair exceptionally well together.
The ingredients are simple and easy to find; most are probably already in your refrigerator.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
⭐️Flavorful & a versatile recipe!
⭐️Simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
⭐️Quick to make, ready in under 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- Jalapeno: If you're a beginner or sensitive to chili peppers, wear gloves while handling jalapenos to avoid skin burns or irritations.
- Cilantro: Cilantro makes this spicy jalapeno sauce vibrant with its unique color and taste.
- Garlic: Garlic is a flavor booster that intensifies the overall taste of the sauce.
- Lime juice: Or swap with lemon juice.
How To Make Jalapeno Cilantro Sauce?
- In a food processor/blender, add roughly chopped cilantro, jalapeno pepper, and garlic.
- Pulse it until these ingredients are finely chopped.
- Now add mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. Blend until the mixture becomes smoother.
- Transfer this jalapeno cilantro sauce to a bowl and refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and meld.
- And enjoy it as a dip for chips or vegetables, a salad dressing, or a sauce for tacos or grilled meat.
♨️How To Adjust The Heat
The heat level of jalapeno cilantro sauce highly depends on how we add the jalapeno peppers to this dish.
I recommend removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño and setting them aside(like in this Jalapeno Avocado Sauce). And add them back(a little at a time) during the final stages of making until they match your desired heat level.
You can also make this sauce mild by swapping the fresh jalapeno peppers with the pickled jalapeños.
Storage & Reheating
Use the leftover jalapeño cilantro sauce as a taco topping, with grilled vegetables, as a sandwich spread, or even as a dip.
You can store the leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing is not advisable for this recipe, as the mayonnaise may separate once frozen and defrosted.
How To Use?
As we've already discussed, this sauce is highly customizable and versatile. Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas.
- Dipping sauce. Serve this jalapeño cilantro sauce along with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh-cut vegetables.
- Topping. Drizzle this hot cilantro sauce over tacos(I love this Street Tacos) or use it as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.
- Marinade. Use this sauce as a marinade for meats and vegetables.
- Salad dressing. Whisk with extra lime juice or water to make a spicy salad dressing that adds flavor to any salad.
FAQ
Add the cilantro stems to the jalapeño cilantro sauce if they are tender and soft. If they are thick or mature, it is best to remove and discard them.
If you prefer the sauce thinner, add more lime juice or a splash of water. Add more mayo or substitute with sour cream for a thicker consistency.
More Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Jalapeno Cilantro Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, add roughly chopped cilantro, jalapeno, and garlic.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice to the food processor and blend until smooth.
- Transfer the jalapeno cilantro sauce to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy the sauce as a dip or as a salad dressing.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by controlling how many jalapeño seeds and ribs you add.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended.
- For a milder version, use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones.
Anjali says
This sauce was so creamy and flavorful!! We used it as a sauce for veggie burgers and it worked out great!
Holley says
This sauce recipe is out of the world! I paired it with grilled chicken last night and it was incredible! I will definitely make this again and again!