Fresh and flavorful, this avocado lime crema is made with just a handful of simple ingredients including ripe avocado, lime and Greek yogurt. Drizzle it on shrimp tacos, use it to dress a salad, spread it on a sandwich, use it as a dip for veggies (or chips) and so much more!
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This crema came to be a bit by chance. We had some leftover nachos hanging around (that awkward amount that isn't quite enough for a snack on its own) and so I was scouring the fridge for a little something to add to them.
After finding an avocado, Greek yogurt, and some leftover lime and cilantro, I decided I would just throw it all in the blender and drizzle it over some extra tortilla chips.
It was one of those recipes I was just throwing together at the last minute and never intended to share on the blog (as were these crispy egg wraps). But after tasting it, I couldn’t not! I know you'll love it because:
- Quick and Easy. This whole recipe comes together in under 10 minutes. The biggest effort required is simply cleaning your processor after! (If that sounds like too much effort, try this even easier southwest ranch).
- So Many Ways to Use It. It is perfect as a dip, salad dressing, spread, or sauce for a variety of dishes.
- Fresh and Flavorful. Bursting with fresh avocado, lime, and cilantro flavors, it is everything you love about guacamole but even creamier.
- Wholesome Ingredients. It is made with protein-rich Greek yogurt as the base and a handful of fresh ingredients (mostly vegetables!).
The Ingredients
- Avocado- Use a ripe avocado for the best creamy texture because if it is too firm, it won’t blend as smoothly.
- Greek Yogurt- Opt for full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture. You can also substitute with sour cream or plain yogurt if needed.
- Cilantro- Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out or try using fresh parsley.
- Lime Juice- Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for a zesty, tangy flavor. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch but may not taste as fresh.
- Garlic- You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
- Sea Salt- Table or kosher salt will also work; adjust to taste.
The Method
1. Prep Ingredients. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add the Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
2. Blend. Blend the ingredients until they reach a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is well combined.
3. Adjust. Taste and add more salt or lime, if necessary. If using as a sauce or salad dressing, you can add 2-4 tablespoons of water to thin it out.
4. Use.
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Store leftover avocado lime crema in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, give it a quick stir and enjoy.
Make it Your Own
- Make it Spicy- Include 1 jalapeño in the mixture. I recommend removing the seeds and membranes prior to adding unless you want it very spicy.
- Include Different Herbs- You can replace the cilantro with parsley or basil or add up to an additional ¼ cup of herbs for a blend.
- Dairy Free/Vegan: Though I haven't tested it, I suspect this recipe would work well with a vegan based plain yogurt as well.
Serving Ideas
- Crema: Drizzle this on tacos (it's especially amazing with shrimp or fish tacos), nachos (like these Shredded Chicken Nachos), enchiladas and more. Or try making this spicy fish taco sauce.
- Salad Dressing: Thin it out with a bit of water or milk and then use to to top pasta salad or a green salad (try it out in place of the dressing in this Santa Fe salad). Or use it as the topping for a taco bowl.
- Dip: Serve it as a dip with vegetables, tortilla chips or plantain chips.
- And More: Spread it on sandwiches, use it as the topping for grain bowls, eat it off the spoon... Whatever you'd like!
Key Tips
- Choose a Ripe Avocado. Make sure your avocado is ripe for the best texture. It should give slightly when you press on it.
- Use Full Fat Greek Yogurt. Full fat Greek yogurt ensures the creamiest consistency. You can use fat-free but I highly recommend using at least 2%.
- Adjust to Taste. Taste and add more salt and lime if needed.
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Recipe Card
Avocado Lime Crema (with Greek Yogurt)
Equipment
- Food Processor or High Powered Blender
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 avocado
- ¼ cup cilantro packed
- 2 tablespoon lime juice about 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor along with the Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
- Blend the ingredients until they reach a smooth and creamy consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides a few times as needed.
- Taste and add more salt or lime, if necessary. If using as a sauce or salad dressing, add 2-4 tablespoons of water to reach a more pour-able consistency.
- Use as a salad dressing, sauce for tacos, dip and more.
Marie says
I wanted something easy and quick to make so serve with our shrimp tacos and stumbled on this. It was perfect! So creamy and delicious. Will be making it again.
Janessa says
I'm so glad you liked this recipe, Marie! Thank you for your kind review.