Vibrant and Fresh Homemade Mexican Sauce Recipe

This Mexican Cilantro Sauce is your secret weapon to instantly elevate any Mexican dish! Bursting with fresh cilantro and zesty lime, this vibrant green sauce is incredibly easy to make and adds a gourmet touch to tacos, burritos, eggs, chili, and so much more. Get ready to discover your new favorite condiment – you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!

I was recently experimenting with a new chili recipe and felt it needed a fresh, bright sauce to complement the rich flavors. After trying a few online recipes that didn’t quite hit the mark, I decided to create my own version. The result? This incredible Mexican Cilantro Sauce! It was a hit at my family gathering, and now I’m excited to share this recipe with you.

Horizontal photo of a Weck glass jar of Mexican Cilantro Sauce on a wood cutting board surrounded by fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

Homemade Mexican cilantro sauce in a glass jar, surrounded by fresh cilantro and limes, showcasing its freshness and vibrant color.

While I call it “Mexican Cilantro Sauce,” it’s important to note that this isn’t your traditional Mexican salsa. My dear friend from Mexico City taught me that “Mexican Sauce” often refers to a chunky tomato and onion salsa, similar to pico de gallo. This cilantro sauce is different, but it earns its “Mexican” title because it perfectly complements and enhances the flavors of so many Mexican dishes. Think of it as a modern, fresh twist on a classic condiment, designed to bring pizzazz to your favorite Mexican meals.

Vertical closeup photo of a serving bowl of Mexican Cilantro Sauce on a wood cutting board surrounded by fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

A close-up shot of a bowl of vibrant green Mexican cilantro sauce, highlighting its smooth texture and fresh ingredients.

Ways to Enjoy This Delicious Mexican Sauce

The versatility of this Mexican Cilantro Sauce is truly amazing. It’s not just for Mexican food; its bright, fresh flavor profile makes it a fantastic addition to a wide variety of dishes. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Tacos, Burritos, and Enchiladas: Drizzle generously over your favorite fillings for an extra layer of flavor.
Migas, Taquitos, and Chilaquiles: A perfect finishing touch to these classic Mexican breakfast and brunch dishes.
Huevos Rancheros and Quesadillas: Elevate simple egg and cheese dishes with a spoonful of this vibrant sauce.
Nachos and Empanadas: Add a cool, refreshing contrast to the richness of nachos and empanadas.
Tortilla Chips: Move over salsa! This Mexican sauce is an incredibly addictive dipping sauce for tortilla chips. Set out a bowl at your next gathering and watch it disappear.

Even More Ways to Use Mexican Cilantro Sauce

Beyond the usual suspects, there are countless other ways to incorporate this flavorful sauce into your meals. Get creative and experiment!

Eggs: Drizzle over scrambled, fried, or sunny-side-up eggs for a flavorful breakfast boost.
Guacamole: Stir in a few spoonfuls to your guacamole for an extra layer of freshness and vibrant flavor.
Salad Dressing: Thin it out with a bit more oil (3-4 tablespoons) and a touch of honey (1 tablespoon) for a unique and zesty salad dressing. Perfect for Mexican-inspired salads or any salad that needs a flavor kick.
Chicken Sausage Wrap: For a quick and healthy lunch, try a chicken sausage in a low-carb wrap with a side of this sauce for dipping.
Mexican Aioli: Combine a few spoonfuls with mayonnaise to create a delicious Mexican aioli. Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or as a dipping sauce for fries or vegetables.
Flavored Rice: Stir a few spoonfuls into plain jasmine or basmati rice for a vibrant and flavorful side dish.
Grilled Meats: Drizzle over grilled or pan-seared chicken, pork, or seafood to add a burst of fresh flavor.
Sandwich or Wrap Spread: Use it as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps instead of mayonnaise or mustard.
Potato Salad: Mix it with steamed potatoes for a unique and incredibly delicious potato salad.
Chili Garnish: Serve a bowl alongside your chili as a refreshing and flavorful garnish. It cuts through the richness and adds a bright counterpoint.

Vertical extreme closeup photo of a bowl of Mexican Cilantro Sauce.

An extreme close-up of Mexican cilantro sauce in a white bowl, emphasizing its smooth, vibrant green texture and inviting appearance.

Overhead vertical photo of Mexican Cilantro Sauce used as a condiment for Turkey Black Bean Chili.

Overhead view of turkey black bean chili topped with a generous drizzle of homemade Mexican cilantro sauce, showcasing a delicious pairing.

Making Your Own Mexican Sauce: It’s Easier Than You Think!

The best part about this Mexican Cilantro Sauce? It’s incredibly easy to make! Forget complicated recipes – this one is ready in just minutes with minimal effort.

The instructions are simple: “Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.” That’s it! Seriously, it’s that easy.

Once you taste this homemade Mexican sauce, you’ll want to keep it stocked in your fridge at all times. Just make sure cilantro and limes are on your grocery list, and you’ll be ready to whip up a fresh batch whenever you need a flavor boost. If you have 5-10 minutes to spare, you can create a condiment that will elevate your meals for days to come.

Horizontal photo of a serving bowl of Mexican Cilantro Sauce on a wood cutting board surrounded by fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

A bowl of freshly made Mexican cilantro sauce on a wooden board, surrounded by the key ingredients: cilantro and limes, highlighting the simplicity and freshness of the recipe.

Expert Tips for the Best Mexican Cilantro Sauce

To ensure your Mexican Cilantro Sauce is perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Food Processor or Blender is Key: You’ll need either a food processor or a blender to achieve the smooth, creamy texture of this sauce.
Use the Whole Cilantro: Don’t discard the stems! Cilantro stems are packed with even more flavor than the leaves. Use both stems and leaves for the most flavorful sauce.
Cilantro Quantity: The recipe calls for a large bunch of cilantro (4-4½ ounces). If your bunches look small, use two to ensure you have enough.
Jalapeño Guide: A medium jalapeño, around 1 ounce, provides a mild kick. Remove the seeds for less heat, or add some seeds back in if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Oil Choice Matters: Avoid olive oil! It can become bitter when blended raw. Opt for a neutral-flavored oil like canola, sunflower, grapeseed, avocado, or vegetable oil.
Don’t Skip the Honey: A teaspoon of honey might seem small, but it plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors and rounding out the sauce. It doesn’t make the sauce sweet, but enhances the overall taste.
Storage: This Mexican Cilantro Sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! If you won’t use it within a few days, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and shake well before using.
Spice Level: This recipe is mild. For a spicier sauce, add an extra jalapeño or include some of the jalapeño seeds.
Cilantro Alternative: If you’re not a cilantro fan (though this sauce might convert you!), you can try making it with fresh basil leaves instead. Just remember to call it Italian Basil Sauce!

Recipe Card: Mexican Cilantro Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Servings: 32 servings (approximately 1 cup of sauce)
Calories: 22 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

1 large bunch cilantro, 4-4½ ounces (stems and leaves), roughly chopped
1 medium-size jalapeño, around 1 ounce, seeds removed and reserved as desired
2 medium green onions (scallions), roots removed, cut into pieces
⅓ cup neutral-flavored oil (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, avocado, or vegetable oil)
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 medium clove fresh garlic
1 teaspoon honey
¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe Notes:

See “Expert Tips” section in the article above for detailed instructions and helpful advice.
For a spicier sauce, add jalapeño seeds or use an extra jalapeño.
For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water or more lime juice while blending.

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: 22kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 18mg

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Mexican Cilantro Sauce! It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out and let me know in the comments how you like to use it! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who love delicious, easy-to-make condiments.

Mexican Cilantro Sauce (perfect for drizzling, dipping and spreading!)