Make a creamy cilantro citronnade with fresh cilantro, lemon, garlic, and jalapeño for tacos, salads, grilled meats, vegetables, and dipping.
Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly versatile, this Creamy Cilantro Citronnade Recipe With Lemon and Garlic is an easy way to add bright flavor to everyday meals. Fresh cilantro, tangy lemon juice, pungent garlic, mayonnaise, and sour cream blend into a smooth, creamy sauce that tastes refreshing and satisfying. An optional jalapeño provides gentle heat without overpowering the citrus and herbs.
Citronnade traditionally refers to a refreshing citrus-based drink, but this savory interpretation transforms its lively lemon flavor into a creamy herb sauce. Lemon juice balances the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream, while cilantro adds its unmistakably fresh, aromatic character. Garlic gives the sauce depth, and the optional jalapeño introduces a subtle spicy finish.
One of the best things about this homemade cilantro citronnade is how quickly it comes together. The ingredients are added to a blender or food processor and blended until smooth, making the sauce convenient for busy weeknight meals, casual gatherings, or advance meal preparation. Chilling it briefly before serving gives the individual flavors time to blend and become more pronounced.
Drizzle this creamy cilantro sauce over tacos, grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, fish, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. It can also be used as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, burger topping, or dipping sauce for fresh vegetables, roasted potatoes, and tortilla chips. For a different texture and flavor, prepare the optional cashew Parmesan variation using cashews, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Total Time: 25 to 40 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups
Ingredients
For the Creamy Cilantro Citronnade
1 large bunch fresh cilantro
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 small jalapeño, seeded, optional
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
For the Optional Cashew Parmesan Variation
1/3 cup cashews
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Rinse the cilantro thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Peel the garlic cloves. If using the jalapeño, remove the stem and seeds.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and optional jalapeño to a blender or food processor.
Step 3: Blend Until Creamy
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stop as needed to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor so all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Blend for a few more seconds, or until the seasonings are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Chill the Citronnade
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or airtight container. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 6: Prepare the Optional Cashew Parmesan Variation
To prepare the cashew Parmesan variation, use the cashews, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in place of the mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Add the cashews, cilantro, Parmesan cheese, garlic, optional jalapeño, and lemon juice to a blender or food processor. Blend until finely chopped.
With the appliance running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Drizzle the Creamy Cilantro Citronnade over grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, steak, roasted vegetables, tacos, or grain bowls. Use it as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, burger topping, or dipping sauce for fresh vegetables, roasted potatoes, and tortilla chips.
Notes
For a thinner consistency, add water 1 tablespoon at a time while blending until the sauce reaches the desired texture.
Fresh lime juice may be substituted for the lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Omit the jalapeño for a mild sauce. For additional heat, leave some of the jalapeño seeds intact.
The cashew Parmesan variation is dairy-light, but it is not dairy-free because it contains Parmesan cheese.
Store leftover citronnade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The flavor becomes more vibrant after chilling, making this sauce a convenient option for advance meal preparation.
For gluten-free serving, check the labels on the mayonnaise, sour cream, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and other packaged ingredients. Prevent cross-contact when preparing the sauce for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
