Avocado Crema

Avocado crema is creamy, tangy, and fresh. With just 6 ingredients, it instantly elevates tacos, bowls, and more.

Why I Love This Avocado Crema Recipe

Avocado crema is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s simple, super delicious, and always seems to be the final finishing touch that so many summer recipes need. Whether I’m making tacos on a weeknight or building a grain bowl with leftovers, this crema brings it all together.

Here are a few reasons to keep it in regular rotation:

• It’s smooth and creamy without feeling heavy. It’s lighter than mayo, and sort of a smoother guacamole.
• Takes 5 minutes or less to throw together in a blender or food processor.
• Super versatile. Use it as a drizzle, dip, or even a salad dressing base.
• Keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so it’s the perfect thing to make ahead.

If I’ve got a ripe avocado on the counter and some limes in the fridge, this is probably what I’m making.

Avocado Crema Ingredients

There are 6 simple ingredients needed for this crema sauce:

• Avocado – This is the base of the crema. A ripe avocado gives it body and that signature green color.
• Sour cream – Adds creaminess and a slight tang. You can also swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt here, as both work well. Use what you have on hand!
• Fresh lime juice – Brightens the whole mixture and keeps the avocado from browning.
• Kosher salt – Brings out the flavors and balances the richness of the avocado and cream.
• Garlic – Just enough to add a little bite without overpowering the other flavors.
• Fresh cilantro – For a herby finish and fresh flavor that ties everything together. Plus, it adds to the vibrant green color of the sauce!

The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make Avocado Crema

Add everything to a blender or food processor. Scoop in the avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, salt, garlic, and cilantro.

Blend until smooth. Start on low, then increase the speed until the mixture is creamy and pourable. You can add a splash of water (or more lime juice) if needed to thin it slightly.

Taste and adjust. Give it a taste and add more salt or lime juice, if needed. That’s it!

Recipe Tips

A few tips will make sure this recipe is as delicious for you as it is for me:

• Use a ripe avocado. If it gives slightly when gently pressed near the stem, it’s ready. Underripe avocados won’t blend smoothly.
• Fresh lime juice makes a difference. Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness or flavor. Always go with freshly squeezed.
• Taste and adjust. Depending on the ripeness of your avocado and the tartness of your limes, you may need to tweak the salt or lime levels.
• Add water to thin, if needed. If you feel like the crema is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you get the consistency you like.

More Sauce Recipes

• Burger sauce
• Homemade tzatziki sauce
• Garlic scape chimichurri sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Dill aioli