Chipotle Crema is a jazzed up Mexican cream made with chipotles in adobo. Add layers of flavor to tacos, tortas or your favorite dish!

On this post I have two versions; one made with Greek yogurt and one with plant-based Mayonnaise (vegan). Both recipes taste pretty much the same and both are super delicious!

A small bottle with Chipotle Sauce

Mexican cuisine is all about layered flavors and textures. The top player may be a wavy stripe or drizzle of something soothing crema. But if you like an extra kick to your dish, jazz it up with smoky chipotle flavor.

This Crema De Chipotle comes together in less than 10 minutes just like my Cilantro Lime Crema. you’ll love this healthy version that is loaded with protein!

A small bottle with our recipe and a spoon in it.

The Ingredients

I like to use Greek yogurt for recipes that call for sour cream or mayonnaise as it’s a healthy replacement. Nonfat Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, no fat and low in carbs. Plus the flavor is pretty interchangeable to sour cream.

  • chipotle peppers 
  • 1 cup Mexican crema or nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt, or more to taste

Plant Based crema:

Use the same ingredients as above but replace the greek yogurt with 1/2 cup Vegan mayonnaise and 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt.

Ingredients in small bowls: chipotle peppers, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder and salt.

How To Make Chipotle Crema

  • In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients (2 chipotle peppers, 1 cup Greek yogurt (or vegan mayo & plant based yogurt), 3 teaspoons lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt).
Blender glass with yogurt and a chipotle pepper
  • Blend until the chipotle pepper is pureed and all ingredients are incorporated well.
  • Taste and adjust the lime juice and salt as needed.
Blender glass with yogurt and chipotle all pureed together.

It’s good to have some handy in the fridge for when the opportunity arises you’re ready to transform something ordinary into a delicious treat!

A small glass with Chipotle Sauce dripping from a spoon.
The BEST Chipotle Sauce using Greek yogurt as the base!

Ideas on how to use it

Try it with various dishes:

How long will this Chipotle Crema last?

This crema will last as long as the expiration date of the yogurt or crema. I recommend you select the freshest ingredients before making and make sure you’ll be able to keep it for at least a week. It’s good to have it handy for the when the opportunity arises.

Chipotle Crema – Healthy, Easy & Delicious!

Servings 1 Cup
Ana Frias
5 from 12 votes
Prep Time 7 mins
Total Time 7 mins
This Chipotle Crema recipe is lightened up with Greek yogurt. No mayo here! It’s so easy to whisk this crema together. Recipe yields 1 cup and keeps well for 10 to 14 days.

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
1 Cup

Ingredients  

  • 2 chipotle peppers seeds removed
  • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or Mexican crema)
  • For vegan version use 1/2 cup Vegan mayonnaise and 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt instead.
  • 3 tsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt, or more to taste

Instructions 

  • In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients (2 chipotle peppers, 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or Mexican crema), 3 teaspoons lime juice and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt).
  • Blend until the chipotle pepper is pureed and incorporated well with the yogurt.
  • Taste and adjust the lime juice and salt as needed.

Muy Delish Notes:

This crema will last as long as the expiration date of the yogurt or crema.
Keep refrigerated 
The calories are based on using 8 ounces of Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt

Add Your Own Private Notes

Whenever you come back to this recipe, you’ll be able to see your notes.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tbsp | Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 40mg | Sugar: 1g

The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.

A small bottle with a red cream a jar with some leaves in the background.

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Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Just made this! This is exactly what I have been looking for in a chipotle sauce, and it’s healthy… double win! I made slow cooker barbacoa and didn’t want to waist the extra chipotle peppers. This will make a nice topping to the tacos. Thank you for sharing. Definitely will be making again.

  2. 5 stars
    This Mexican Chipotle Crema goes perfect on my seafood tacos! I love the slight tanginess and the smoky taste from the peppers.