Avocado Crema- A topping for (literally) everything!
Mexican food is really high up there on my favorite foods lists. I love the bold, Mexican spices in tacos and I’m a sucker for a cucumber margarita to pair with my Instant Pot carnitas. Having a creamy avocado sauce (avocado crema) to add to our dishes makes them even better.
This buttery avocado lime crema has an ultra-creamy texture without any dairy, making it a perfect addition to a variety of dishes. It’s an incredibly versatile sauce and can be used as a dip, dressing, or drizzle to elevate your meals.
Plus, it’s easy to make in just minutes using a blender or food processor, so you can whip up a batch anytime. I’ll also show you how to keep this creamy sauce from turning brown! Try it with fish tacos or even roasted vegetables for an instant flavor boost!
Table of Contents
What is Avocado Crema?
Think of it as a cross between avocado cream sauce and guacamole. It has the same rich avocado flavor but blended to a rich consistency, making it perfect for drizzling over your favorite Mexican-inspired meals, like healthy chicken enchiladas and sweet potato nachos.
Unlike traditional Mexican crema, this version is naturally dairy-free, but you can add Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra tanginess.
Ingredient Notes
- Avocados: Use large, ripe avocados for the best consistency; they should be slightly soft when squeezed but not mushy.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herby flavor—be sure to use the leaves and tender stems for the best taste.
- Fresh Limes: Lime juice Helps balance the flavors and prevents browning. You can also use prepared lime juice from a bottle.
- Honey or Agave: A touch of sweetness balances the tangy lime and enhances the overall flavor. Use agave for a vegan avocado crema option.
- Garlic clove: Fresh garlic adds depth and a little bite.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep all the ingredients and add ingredients to a blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a creamy consistency.
Expert Tips
- Use ripe avocados. They should be slightly soft when squeezed but not mushy. Using an unripe avocado results in a chunky or grainy texture instead of the desired smooth consistency.
- Is the sauce too thick? Add in a little water. Too thin? Blend in a little extra avocado.
- Add jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Mix in sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or coconut cream to make it extra creamy or to add some protein.
Serving Tips
This creamy avocado crema sauce is incredibly versatile! It’s perfect as a condiment for Taco Tuesday, as a sandwich or burger spread or mixed into salads, burrito bowls and buddha bowls for extra creaminess. It’s also perfect as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips, vegetables, or sweet potato fries.
My favorite recipes to serve it with are:
- Drizzled over chorizo tacos, carne asada tacos, or pork tenderloin tacos.
- Thin the sauce out with a bit of olive oil to make a salad dressing and spoon it over my BBQ chicken salad.
- As a dip for breakfast quesadillas.
Storage Tips
Avocados can turn brown quickly so make sure to follow these instructions to ensure your crema stays fresh. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the crema and store in a container that is airtight in the fridge for no more than 5 days. Add extra lime juice on top of the crema to slow oxidation.
Recipe FAQs
Not if stored properly! Keeping air out and adding lime juice helps prevent browning
How do I know when my avocados are ripe?
A ripe avocado should have some give when gently squeezed but not feel mushy.
To ripen an avocado faster, place it in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple and leave it at room temperature. The fruit releases ethylene gas, which helps the avocado ripen faster. For even quicker results, store the bag in a warm spot, like near a sunny window.
Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using.
More Avocado Recipes
Recipes
Creamy Avocado Dip
Appetizers
Guacamole Recipe
Healthy Sides
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Smoothies
Creamy Banana Avocado Smoothie
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
5-Minute Avocado Crema Recipe (Vegan)
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Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocados
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon raw honey or agave (vegan option)
- Juice from 1 lime (2 Tablespoons)
- 2 small cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prep all of the ingredients and add them to a high speed blender or food processor. We used our Vitamix, but any blender or food processor works here.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
Video
Equipment
- Blende, Food Processor, or Mini Food Processor
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This creama could be eaten on almost anything. It’s simple to make and delicious. I left out the honey, didn’t see a reason to sweeten the avocado. I was lucky and found 3 perfectly ripe avocados. It was especially good on the tacos I made with roasted sweet potatoes and refried black beans and like dressed cabbage slaw.