40 minutes
A creamy cilantro dressing perfect for salads or as a dipping sauce, featuring fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and a blend of Greek yogurt and sour cream.
Fresh Cilantro, packed, roughly chopped
cups
cups
cups
Garlic, minced
cloves
Lime, juiced
each
tablespoons
teaspoons
to taste
Black Pepper, freshly ground
to taste
1. Herb Cleaning
Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat dry with a kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
2. Garlic and Lime Prep
Peel and finely mince the garlic clove. Roll the lime on your countertop, applying gentle pressure to release the juices, then cut in half and squeeze to obtain the juice.
3. Blending the Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper.
4. Emulsification
Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that the cilantro is fully incorporated and no large chunks remain.
5. Taste and Adjust
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For a thinner consistency, add a small amount of water or lime juice and blend again.
6. Chill and Serve
Transfer the dressing to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
The key to a vibrant crema is using fresh cilantro and limes. The oils in fresh lime zest and juice, along with the aroma of freshly picked cilantro, are irreplaceable.
Start with the juice of half a lime, taste, and then adjust. The lime's acidity should complement the cilantro, not overpower it.
Salt is critical in balancing the flavors. Add a pinch at a time, tasting after each addition.
For an even deeper flavor, let the crema sit in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving. This allows the cilantro and lime to meld with the cream.
When zesting your lime, a Microplane will give you the finest zest without any bitter pith. It can also be used for the garlic if you're adding it.
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