A Sauce That Elevates Everything
When I think of Mexican-inspired meals — from tacos to grilled meats — there’s one sauce that instantly brings dishes to life: a creamy cilantro avocado sauce. Smooth, tangy, and herbaceous, this sauce is like a bridge between a classic guacamole and a yogurt-based dip.
Growing up, my grandmother always had a jar of homemade avocado-based sauces in the fridge, ready to drizzle over roasted chicken or spoon onto fresh tortillas. She taught me that the secret to unforgettable meals isn’t always in the main dish — often, it’s in the sauce that ties everything together.
Today, I’m sharing my modern twist on her tradition: a creamy cilantro avocado sauce that’s not only delicious but also versatile, healthy, and ready in just 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce
There are endless reasons to fall in love with this sauce, but here are my favorites:
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Quick & Easy → Made in 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
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Healthy & Nutritious → Packed with avocado’s healthy fats and Greek yogurt’s protein.
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Flavorful → Bright cilantro, tangy lemon, and creamy avocado balance each other beautifully.
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Versatile → Works as a dip, dressing, spread, or marinade.
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Make-Ahead Friendly → Stores well for 2–3 days with the right tips.
This is the kind of recipe that can transform plain roasted veggies, take grilled meats to the next level, or become the star dip at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy cilantro avocado sauce, gather the following ingredients:
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1 large ripe avocado – The creamy base of the sauce.
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt – Adds tanginess and extra protein.
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1 small garlic clove – For depth and savory punch.
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Juice of ½ lemon – Brightens and prevents browning.
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½ cup fresh cilantro leaves – Earthy, fresh, and aromatic. (Substitute parsley for a milder flavor.)
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper – To taste.
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1–2 tablespoons water or olive oil (optional) – To thin out the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this sauce is as easy as it gets.
Step 1: Prep the Avocado
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Builders
Toss in the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Blend until creamy and silky. Scrape down the sides if needed.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
For a thinner sauce, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or olive oil and blend again.
Step 5: Taste & Adjust
Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance flavors.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy cilantro avocado sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it in these ways:
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Tacos & Burritos → Drizzle inside tacos or spread in burritos for creaminess.
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Buddha Bowls & Salads → Use as a dressing over grain bowls, quinoa, or leafy greens.
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Grilled Meats → Perfect with chicken, steak, or fish.
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Veggie Dip → Serve with raw vegetables, chips, or pita bread.
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Sandwich Spread → Swap mayonnaise for this sauce in sandwiches or wraps.
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Eggs & Breakfast Dishes → A dollop on scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos is a game-changer.
Variations to Try
Want to customize this sauce? Here are some tasty variations:
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Spicy Version → Add ½ jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Dairy-Free & Vegan → Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
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Extra Creamy → Blend in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
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Citrus Twist → Use lime juice instead of lemon for a more Mexican-style flavor.
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Herb Swap → Replace cilantro with parsley or basil for a completely different profile.
Storage Tips
Avocados brown quickly, so here’s how to keep your sauce fresh:
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Refrigerate → Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
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Plastic Wrap Trick → Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
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Extra Lemon Juice → A bit more lemon juice helps preserve color.
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Do Not Freeze → Avocado changes texture when frozen, making it grainy.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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Calories: ~67
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Carbohydrates: 5 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Fat: 5 g
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Sugar: 1 g
(Based on 6 servings — about 2 tablespoons each)
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce
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Use ripe avocados – They should yield slightly when pressed.
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Balance flavors – Taste as you go; adjust salt, pepper, or citrus.
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Smooth texture – A high-speed blender makes the creamiest sauce.
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Make ahead – Prepare just before serving for the freshest color and flavor.
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Double batch – It disappears quickly, so you may want to make extra!
FAQs About Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce
1. Can I make this sauce without cilantro?
Yes! Substitute with parsley, basil, or a mix of herbs.
2. Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Definitely — lime adds a more authentic Mexican flavor.
3. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Add more avocado or yogurt until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Is this sauce vegan-friendly?
Not as written, but you can easily swap Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt.
5. Can I freeze avocado sauce?
It’s not recommended, as the texture will separate once thawed.
Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe avocado
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves or parsley for a milder flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 –2 tablespoons water or olive oil optional, to thin sauce
Instructions
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
- Add Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner sauce, blend in 1–2 tablespoons of water or olive oil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve immediately as a dip, spread, or drizzle.
