If you’re anything like me and can’t get enough of the cilantro and lime combo, you’re going to love this Vegan Cilantro Lime Crema. Drizzle it on tacos, spoon it over burrito bowls, or use it as a dip for tortilla chips. It’s creamy, fresh, and makes everything better!
This cashew crema is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
It’s perfect for meal prep and gives you a flavorful sauce to have ready all week.
Drizzle it over tacos. Spoon it onto burrito bowls. Toss it with salads. Use it as a dip for crunchy veggies.
Honestly, I’ve been putting it on just about everything!
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Ingredients
The ingredients in this crema come together to create something seriously delicious.
You’ve got creamy cashews, fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, a little garlic, and just the right amount of salt.
It’s bright, bold, and perfectly smooth.
Cashews: This is the base of the crema. Traditionally, cremas are made with buttermilk and heavy cream, though many variations use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise. But cashews are naturally creamy and make a perfect plant-based substitute.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential for this sauce.
Lime Juice: Start with the juice of 1 ½ limes, then taste and add more if needed.
Garlic: Two garlic cloves should be enough to add flavor without taking over. If you enjoy a stronger garlic taste, you can add a little more, but the lime and cilantro will still be the main flavors.
Jalapeño: Adds flavor and a mild heat. If you want it spicer, add the seeds!
Salt: Helps bring out the flavors!
Water: To blend it all together.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Equipment
For a velvety smooth texture, a high-speed blender is needed.
Even so, I still recommend soaking the cashews in boiling water to soften them a bit before blending.
How to Make This Recipe
Whether you're looking to upgrade your weeknight meals or just want a flavorful sauce on hand to pull everything together, this cilantro lime dressing has you covered.
The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the cashews. Turn off the heat and soak the cashews in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender. Add all remaining ingredients except the cilantro into the blender with the cashews.
Step 3: Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. No gritty texture should remain.
Step 4: Once smooth, add the fresh cilantro.
Step 5: Pulse a few times until the sauce is well mixed but still has visible flecks of cilantro. Give the sauce a taste and adjust as needed.
Step 6: Enjoy on tacos, burritos, tostadas, salads, and more!
Note: The crema will thicken as it chills in the fridge. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water and stir until it’s the consistency you like.
Substitutions & Variations
Need to switch things up? No problem.
This recipe is super flexible, and there are plenty of easy swaps!
Make it nut-free by using vegan greek yogurt or sour cream. This will change the flavor but it'll be a delicious variation.
Make it tangier by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or more lime juice.
Make it spicer by adding the jalapeño seeds. I usually omit them to make this mild, but it is delicious with additional spice!
Cilantro adds a ton of flavor, but you can change up the herbs to make a different style sauce. Some dill and parsley makes a delicious "ranch" inspired flavor.
Serving Ideas
This cilantro lime crema is the kind of sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it!
On top of tacos: This sauce is perfect on tacos! Try it with buffalo cauliflower tacos or classic tofu “ground beef” tacos loaded with shredded lettuce and pico de gallo.
On tostadas or burritos: Try it drizzled over vegan tostadas or in your favorite burrito.
In salads: Thin in out and use it as salad dressing for taco salads.
As a dip: Dip tortilla chips in it or fresh or roasted veggies.
Tips & Tricks
The crema will naturally thicken as it chills in the fridge. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Soaking cashews is crucial for a smooth and creamy sauce. It helps ensure they blend completely and you end up with a really smooth cilantro lime crema without any cashew bits.
To speed it up, chop the cashews and bring water to a boil. Turn off the heat, add the cashews, and let them soak for 15 minutes. Then, blend until smooth in a high-speed blender like a Nutribullet for a perfectly creamy cilantro lime crema.
Storage
Store: This cashew crema will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days. If needed, just stir in a splash of water to loosen it up before serving.
Freeze: To freeze, transfer the crema to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well or re-blend before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but a high-speed blender gives the smoothest texture. If using a regular blender, soak the cashews well to help them blend, though you might notice a slight grittiness.
Nope! This crema is all about fresh, zesty lime and cilantro flavors. It has a touch of heat from the jalapeño but is still considered very mild.
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Vegan Cilantro Lime Crema
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cashews softened
- ¾ cup Water
- Juice of 1 ½ Limes more to taste
- 2 tablespoons Minced Jalapeño seeds removed
- ½ cup Packed Cilantro
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt see note
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the cashews. Turn off the heat and soak the cashews in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
- Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender.
- Add all ingredients except the cilantro into the blender with the cashews.
- Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. No gritty texture should remain.
- Add the cilantro and then pulse a few times until the sauce is well mixed but still has visible flecks of cilantro.
- Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of extra lime, or a splash of water if it's too thick.
- Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it chills but just stir in a little water to loosen it up before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
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