If you’ve been looking for a flavorful, creamy sauce to elevate your tacos, grilled veggies, or burrito bowls, this avocado crema recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s smooth, tangy, herby, super fresh and made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re planning a taco night or just want a quick dip or spread that packs a punch, this avocado crema delivers on all fronts.The best part? It takes less than five minutes to make, and it’s as versatile as it is delicious. Drizzle it, dollop it, or dip right into it—once you try this avocado lime crema, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
What Is Avocado Crema?
Avocado crema is a creamy, smooth, and flavorful Mexican-inspired sauce made from blended avocados, lime juice, herbs, and a creamy base like mayo or sour cream. It lands somewhere between guacamole and sour cream—less chunky than guac, but more flavorful and rich than plain crema.
One of the best parts about this avocado crema sauce is how versatile it is. I love to pair it with marinated flank steak tacos, protein bowls, loaded salads and of course it’s the perfect dip to go with corn chips! I recently made it and paired it with this amazing crispy pan fried chicken supreme and it was so good I wish I made more! Think of it as a flexible finishing touch that instantly brightens any dish.
For this avocado crema recipe, I decided to go with mayonnaise as the base because it’s a common ingredient that you’ll most likely already have in the fridge. But you can also make it with plain greek yogurt or sour cream. Just add less lime to compensate for the natural acidity from yogurt and sour cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to make! You can throw it together in 5 minutes!
- Made with just 5 ingredients – all super fresh
- It hits all the right notes – creamy, zesty and fresh with a refreshing hint of citrus
- Perfect as a topping for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, or chips
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best avocado crema at home:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- Juice and zest of 1 lime – for that bold citrusy flavor
- ¾ cup loosely packed cilantro leaves – no stems
- ½ cup mayonnaise – or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist
- Kosher salt, to taste
Avocados: Choose ripe ones that are slightly soft when squeezed. If they’re too firm, the texture won’t blend as smoothly.
Lime: Zest it before juicing—it adds a bright punch that balances the creaminess.
Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality brand. You can also sub in sour cream or Greek yogurt depending on your taste and dietary preference.
Fresh cilantro: Don’t skip it! It makes a huge difference. Cilantro brings freshness and pairs very well with lime and avocado.
Using a powerful blender is ideal. You want to make it as smooth as possible.
If you want to play with the thickness, you can always thin it down with a touch of water or olive oil at the very end.For extra flavor, feel free to toss in a small garlic clove or a sliver of fresh jalapeño
How to Make Avocado Lime Crema
Making this avocado crema recipe couldn’t be easier.
Ingredients
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
Juice and zest of 1 lime
¾ cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
½ cup mayonnaise
Kosher salt, to taste
Preparation
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor: peeled and pitted avocados, lime juice and zest, cilantro leaves, and mayo.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Season with kosher salt to taste and blend again to combine.
Best Ways to Use Avocado Crema Sauce
This sauce is more than just a topping for tacos—though it does shine on taco night. Here are our favorite ways to use it:
- Drizzled over shrimp, chicken, or fish tacos
- Dolloped on burrito bowls or rice bowls
- Spread onto burgers or grilled sandwiches
- Poured over roasted vegetables or grilled corn
- Served as a dip for tortilla chips, fries, or raw veggies
- Swirled into soups or salads for a creamy finish
No matter how you serve it, this avocado crema sauce adds vibrant flavor and luxurious texture to any dish.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Best used within 2–3 days
- To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the crema
- Stir before serving if it separates slightly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make avocado crema without mayo?
Yes! Greek yogurt or sour cream are great substitutes. You’ll still get that creamy texture with a slightly tangier flavor.
How do I keep avocado crema from turning brown?
Lime juice helps prevent browning, but placing plastic wrap directly on the surface creates the best seal against air. Use an airtight container and enjoy within a couple of days.
Can I freeze avocado crema?
Freezing isn’t recommended. Avocados tend to become watery after thawing, which can affect the texture and flavor of the crema.
Final Thoughts
Give this avocado crema recipe a shot! It’s creamy, zesty, and incredibly easy to make. Leave a comment below and let me know how you used it!
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