Avocado crema is a creamy Mexican sauce made of fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic and ripe avocados. Make it in 5 minutes to top tacos, dip with chips or mix with salads. It features a hint of honey and it's naturally vegan.
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Mexican-inspired recipes are 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 recipe tastes delicious, but avocados are packed with healthy fats and fiber, so this will make every recipe even healthier. WIN-WIN.
What is avocado crema made of?
Classic avocado crema is a mixture of ripe avocados, cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, and garlic. We like to keep things dairy-free around here so I opted to leave out the sour cream, but you can easily add a few tablespoons or even use a coconut cream or greek yogurt. It's a lot like guacamole, but blended until smooth and creamy.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Avocados: a large, ripe avocado is ideal here for the most flavorful and vibrant recipe.
- Cilantro: don't skip out on fresh herbs! A giant bunch of cilantro is so affordable. Don't grab the tiny plastic container at the grocery store, make sure to get a bunch in the produce near the carrots. Store any leftover cilantro in a jar of water in the fridge.
- Honey: this adds just a touch of subtle sweetness that will leave people wondering what's in it!
- Lime juice: just like the cilantro, don't skip out on using fresh lime juice, you can really tell a difference!
- Garlic: I used whole fresh garlic cloves. We blend this up so don't waste any time chopping or mincing first. You can also use garlic powder if you don't have garlic cloves on hand.
- Salt: this seems simple, but do not leave this ingredient out. It REALLY brings out the flavor of the avocado and lime and is a game changer. Kosher salt is more coarse and a better option if you have it on hand.
How to Make Avocado Crema (step by step photos)
- 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.
Expert Tips
- Make sure your avocado is ripe. It shouldn't be brown, but it should be soft to touch so it easily blends.
- Not vegan? Add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the mixture to add a creamy, tangy flavor.
- If the recipe is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time, and if it's too thin, add 1/4 an avocado until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Make sure you read the storage instructions below so it doesn't get brown!
Substitutions and Variations
- Make it spicy: add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a slice of jalapeno to the mixture before you blend.
- Make it extra creamy by mixing in a few tablespoons of coconut cream, sour cream or plain greek yogurt.
- Top it: add a sprinkle of cilantro, avocado and queso fresco to make it look pretty if you're serving it as a dip.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover avocado crema in a bowl and push plastic wrap down so that it's touching the surface of the sauce. This prevents air getting to the avocado and oxidizing it (turning it brown). Cover with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can make this in advance and follow the same steps until you're ready to serve!
FAQs
An avocado is ripe when it yields to gentle pressure. It should not be hard and some give, but not be too squishy.
Place the avocado in a brown paper bag with another piece of fruit, like a banana or apple, and fold to seal it in. They produce a plant hormone that aids in the ripening process.
Avocado cream won't turn brown as quickly as an avocado alone because of the acid from the lime juice in it, but the oxidation process will begin if it's store in the fridge for too long. Cover it with plastic wrap and push the plastic directly onto the avocado crema to keep air from reaching the avocado as much as possible.
Serving Suggestions
This avocado crema recipe is such a versatile condiment and goes with so many Mexican-Inspired dishes. But it can also be used as a dip or salad dressing.
- Top: sweet potato nachos, burritos, breakfast quesadillas, taquitos, salsa chicken, or healthy chicken enchiladas.
- Drizzle: BBQ chicken salads, burrito bowls, or roasted vegetables.
More Avocado Recipes
Recipe
Avocado Crema
Ingredients
- 2 large avocados
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- Juice from 1 lime
- 2 small cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Recommended Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor
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.
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