Name: Cilantro Lime Ranch Crema
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup reduced fat mayonnaise; ¼ cup non fat plain greek yogurt (you can also use sour cream); ¼ cup almond milk (or regular milk (see notes)); 1 Tbsp buttermilk ranch seasoning mix; ¼ cup cilantro (about a small handful, finely chopped.); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Juice of ½ lime

This Cilantro Lime Crema will be a staple for your Mexican recipes. With a secret ingredient that makes it perfect on tacos, drizzled on roasted vegetables, enchiladas and more!

Mexican Crema served on a cup placed on a small plate.

Friends, I have the perfect way to bring your Mexican Crema to a higher level! This Cilantro Lime Sauce is so easy to make and comes together in 5 minutes. It’s nice to have some handy in your fridge for when you need it.

I like to add lime juice, cilantro and buttermilk ranch seasoning to give my dishes that extra zing I always crave. These flavors compliment your savory dishes without overpowering the main flavor.

This is the sister recipe for Chipotle Crema and both will satisfy all of your cravings for all that creamy goodness!

Why this recipe works

It doesn’t require any complicated or hard-to-find ingredients.
It’s a budget-friendly and easy alternative.
Homemade crema always tastes fresh, more vibrant, and well-balanced.
It’s easy to customize and can be made vegetarian, vegan, and it’s gluten free.

A spoon with dripping Mexican Crema — Homemade Crema

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Ingredients

The ingredients in this recipe are very accessible in most areas but I have these suggestions for substitutions in case you can’t find them or if you prefer something else.

Reduced fat mayonnaise – I like to use reduced fat but you can use regular as well. Also, vegan or plant based mayo is an excellent choice that tastes just as the original kind.
Yogurt – I use nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Substitutes with regular plain yogurt or sour cream.
Milk – I use almond milk but regular milk will do: oat milk, whole milk, 2% & skim. Do not use coconut milk as this tends to have a very strong flavor and it will change results.
Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning – This is the secret ingredient! It comes in powder form and you can find it in the dressing isle of your grocery store. I use this one from Hidden Valley
Fresh cilantro – about a small handful, finely chopped.
Garlic powder, fresh lime juice, and optional salt.

3 small bowls with milk, yogurt, mayonnaise and a spoon with ranch dressing in powder. — Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Ranch Mexican Crema

How to make Cilantro Lime Crema

It’s as simple as combining all ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk with a fork until all ingredients are mixed well.

A small cup with Crema and garnished with cilantro and lime wedges on the side

Tips & Notes

It’s important to use fresh ingredients when making the crema. Make sure the mayo, milk and other ingredients are not about to expire.
Make it vegan! Swap the mayonnaise and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.

Storing

Fridge – You may make this ahead of time and store in refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

Serving Suggestions

Put it on everything!! Hehe just kidding :). As a condiment, this Mexican Crema has a unique flavor all its own and a wonderful creamy texture. I’ve been serving this jazzed up crema on my Healthy Veggies Tacos for many years now, but recently I got hooked on serving it on other dishes like tortas & enchiladas.

Perfect to serve along with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, radishes and snap peas. Use it on salads, burritos, grilled chicken, fish tacos, on a taco salad, burrito bowls, nachos, drizzle on quesadillas, grilled potatoes, and even works as a salad dressing!

It also goes perfectly with these Blackened Salmon Tacos !!! (PSA, If you haven’t made them yet, you’re missing out!)

A gray bowl with crema garnished with cilantro

More Condiments To Try:

I hope you like this recipe! Share it, or leave a rating and comment below. For questions that need an answer right away, please contact me and I’ll get back to you asap. Gracias!!!! xx, Ana

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