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A spoon scoops creamy green sauce from a glass jar, surrounded by fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeño, lime, and a bowl of pepper.
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Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

The cool, bright blender sauce that belongs next to anything spiced. Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime, jalapeño, and garlic — done in five minutes and better the next day.
Prep Time5 minutes
chilling15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Indian, Mediterranean
Servings: 4 servings (about 1/4 cup each; 1 cup total)
Calories: 36kcal
Author: Abi Gunasekaran

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves packed (leaves and tender upper stems only)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 medium jalapeño seeded
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Pulse the Greens

  • Add cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice to a blender or food processor. Pulse several times to break down the herbs before adding yogurt.
    A food processor bowl containing cilantro, sliced jalapeño, garlic, Greek yogurt, spices, salt, and pepper, with fresh cilantro and halved limes nearby.

Blend

  • Add Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and cumin. Blend 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides as needed.
    A food processor that's just pureed cilantro sauce sits on a countertop with cilantro, a halved lime, a jalapeño, and a green cloth nearby.

Adjust and Chill

  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Thin with a splash of water if needed. Refrigerate 15-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use cilantro leaves and tender upper stems only, the lower stems add bitterness and muddy the color.
  • Flavor improves significantly after overnight refrigeration.
  • Keeps up to 3 days refrigerated; does not freeze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 299IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 0.3mg