This Cilantro Lime Dip is delicious served with tortilla chips and margaritas, or used as a flavorful topping on fish, chicken, or burgers.
This dip is completely addictive and perfect for parties or picnics...or just make a batch all for yourself!
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💚 Why You'll Love This Recipe
WARNING! This dip is completely addictive! I can't stop eating it. I rue the day I had the idea to make a dip perfect for serving with tortilla chips and margaritas. This recipe turned out better than I ever imagined it would be!
Not only is it amazing with tortilla chips, but just try putting it on a fish sandwich, baked chicken, or even a burger. YUM! This stuff adds incredible flavor to just about anything you can think of.
Today I added a couple of tablespoons to a big bowl of lettuce, tossed it around to coat all the leaves, and enjoyed a super-yummy salad. I might have to do that again tomorrow!
🧂 Ingredients Needed
- mayonnaise - provides a creamy base for this cilantro dipping sauce.
- sour cream - gives your dip a nice tangy finish.
- cilantro - contributes a distinctly fresh and somewhat citrusy flavor.
- lime juice - pairs well with the cilantro and gives the dip a nice acidic bite.
- salt - helps to bring out the other flavors.
- minced garlic - this additional optional ingredient adds an extra layer of garlicky flavor.
🔪 Instructions
- Add mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to a large bowl (as well as garlic, if using).
- Stir until well combined and serve!
❔ FAQs
Most recipes combine cilantro and lime juice with sour cream and salt. Some also include ingredients like mayonnaise, avocado, and minced garlic for additional creaminess and flavor.
This versatile recipe yields a finished product that's excellent as a dipping sauce, a spread for sandwiches, or even a salad dressing. Serve it with a big bowl of tortilla chips, slather it on a fish sandwich or burger, or mix it with a little bit of oil and toss with lettuce and tortilla strips!
💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
- For a bit of extra pizzazz, top your dip with additional cilantro and another squeeze of lemon juice.
- You'll want to use fresh ingredients for best results with your cilantro dipping sauce, but if you're in a pinch you could use a lightly dried cilantro instead.
- If you like fresh lime juice, you'll need to squeeze 2 to 3 limes in order to achieve 4 to 5 tablespoons of juice.
- Microwave your limes for 20 to 30 seconds before squeezing to make juicing easier.
📌 This cilantro dipping sauce would be a perfect appetizer to serve at a Cinco de Mayo party, but actually I think this is going to become an all-around summer staple for us. Next time we head up to the lake house, we are bringing a big bowl of this dip to share with all our friends!
I can imagine relaxing with a Corona, munching some chips with this Cilantro Lime Dip, while hanging out on the boat in the bright, warm sunshine!
💡 Substitutions and Variations
- For an even more flavorful dip, add other spices and herbs like dill, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and more.
- Use low fat mayonnaise and sour cream for a slightly lighter and healthier version of this cilantro dipping sauce.
🔊 What readers are saying...
"Love this dipping. I made it to go with fish and chips. Used Greek yogurt as I didn't have sour cream at home. Thanks for sharing!"
- Evonne
🥫 Storage
Leftover Cilantro Lime Dip can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. I don't recommend storing it in the freezer, as the texture will be altered when thawed.
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
This cilantro dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any taco dinner! Pair it with Chipotle Shrimp and Asparagus Soft Tacos or use it as one of your fix-ins with Tortilla Bowls. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for these Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas or as an appetizer or side dish with Baked Eggplant Fries.
✔️ More Dip Recipes You'll Love
If you like dips, check out this article with over 25 ideas for savory and sweet pretzel dips, which can also be used for crackers, chips, cut veggies, fruit, or anything you like to dip!
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip - This tasty take on buffalo chicken dip has hidden veggies!
- Homemade Queso Dip - Another hidden veggie dish, this homemade queso is so easy to make and will be a crowd pleaser wherever you serve it.
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip - Looking for something sweet instead? Serve this delicious cream cheese dip with a fruity platter.
- Dill Pickle Dip - If you're a fan of pickles, you'll LOVE this dill and pickle-juice infused dip from Cocktails and Appetizers!
Cilantro Lime Sauce
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📋 Recipe Card
Cilantro Lime Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (light or regular)
- 1 cup sour cream (light or regular)
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 4-5 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup chopped cilantro, 4-5 tablespoons lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, to allow all the flavors to combine.
- Serve as a dip with chips or bread, or use as a topping on fish, chicken, or hamburgers.
Notes
- Fresh ingredients taste best, but in a pinch you can use lightly dried cilantro like the kind made by Gourmet Garden (not an affiliate link).
- Fresh lime juice tastes amazing in this recipe. To squeeze about 4-5 tablespoons of fresh lime juice you will need 2-3 limes. Microwave a whole lime for 20-30 seconds before squeezing to get the most juice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezing is not recommended.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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Happy cooking!
Elizabeth
Yum, this looks like a great dip to bring to the next party I go to. I might try adding the red pepper flakes to give it a spicy kick!
Kristin King
Great idea! 🙂
Kushigalu
Flavorful and easy dip recipe to try. Thanks for sharing