Description
This vibrant green cilantro lime sauce features roasted garlic and smoked paprika for a creamy, flavorful result. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile sauce perfect for quick, healthy weeknight meals and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 bunches fresh cilantro (about 60 g), rinsed and dried
- 1 whole head garlic
- 6 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 9 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp agave syrup (or pure maple syrup)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp filtered water, optional
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until very soft.
- Squeeze and Cool: Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the soft cloves into a food processor bowl. Discard the skins.
- Blend Ingredients: Add cilantro, lime juice, remaining 8 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, agave, salt, and pepper to the food processor with the roasted garlic. Blend until completely smooth.
- Adjust and Chill: Add water one tablespoon at a time if a thinner consistency is desired. Taste and adjust seasonings. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
To avoid bitterness, make sure to use only the thin cilantro stems, not the thick ones. Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. The sauce’s flavor deepens significantly after chilling for a few hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cilantro lime sauce, Roasted garlic, Smoked paprika, Sauce, Dressing, Dip, Healthy, Gluten-free, Mexican cuisine, Easy recipe