Easy Cilantro Lime Crema with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Make my easy Cilantro Lime Crema with Cottage Cheese Recipe for a healthier twist on traditional Mexican crema. With simple ingredients like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, cilantro, and lime juice, this flavorful sauce is perfect for shrimp tacos, chicken enchiladas, or as a creamy dip with tortilla chips.

Bowl of Easy Cilantro Lime Crema.

My Cilantro Lime Crema with Cottage Cheese Recipe is an easy and fresh take on a traditional Mexican crema that elevates any dish. With a handful of simple ingredients like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and light olive oil, you can whip up this creamy and flavorful sauce in no time.

It’s perfect for drizzling over shrimp tacos, chicken enchiladas, or burrito bowls, and even works beautifully as a dip for tortilla chips. This recipe is a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this healthier crema adds just the right tangy, zesty kick to any meal.

Bring Your Own Spice Mild Recipe logo

BYOS: Flavor Without the Fire!

Love bold flavors but not the heat? Spice things up on your own terms with this BYOS recipe bursting with deliciousness. All the ingredients are prepped for easy digestion and a heartburn-free experience. Adjust the spice level to your preference—no more burnt tongues or tears here! Now, everyone can enjoy this recipe regardless of their spice tolerance!

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Why You’ll Love This Lime Crema with Cilantro Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Whip it up in minutes with a few simple ingredients for an effortless sauce or dip.
  • Versatile Flavor: Pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, or as a dip for chips.
  • High in Protein: Made with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, giving you a boost of protein in every serving.
  • Fresh and Tangy: The combination of cilantro, lime, and garlic adds a bright, zesty flavor to any dish.
Bowl of Easy Cilantro Lime Crema.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting cilantro lime crema with cottage cheese:

Cottage Cheese: You can substitute with an equal amount of ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. Silken tofu can be used as a dairy-free alternative. Use the same amount and blend until smooth. You can also blend in some cotija cheese.

Greek Yogurt: This can be replaced with cream cheese, more cottage cheese or plain sour cream for a different tangy flavor. Coconut or almond milk yogurt can be used as a dairy-free option.

Fresh Cilantro: You can omit or replace with fresh parsley or chives for a different herb flavor.

If you prefer a milder taste, use basil or a combination of herbs like dill and parsley.

Light Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil can be used as alternatives for a slightly different taste. To reduce calories, consider using vegetable or chicken broth.

Fresh Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be substituted for lime juice for a different citrus flavor. You can also use store-bought lime juice.

Garlic: Use garlic powder as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves if you prefer a milder flavor.

Onion Powder: Finely minced fresh onions or shallots can be used instead of onion powder for a more pronounced onion flavor. Garlic powder or paprika can also be used.

Bowl of Easy Cilantro Lime Crema.

How to Make My Cottage Cheese Lime Crema Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Peel and roughly chop the garlic clove and cilantro.

Chopping cilantro on a cutting board.

Step 2: Blend the Crema

In a blender, food processor, or chopper cup of an immersion blender, combine the cottage cheese, greek yogurt, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic clove, onion powder, and salt. Squeeze the juice from one lime (approximately 2 tablespoons) into the blender.

Blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary.

Taste the crema and adjust the seasoning if needed. Adjust the consistency if desired by adding more light olive oil to use as a pourable salad dressing.

Enjoy your homemade, creamy cilantro lime sauce! Experiment with different dishes and savor the rich and tangy flavor.

Adding onion powder to chopper cup.
Mixing Cilantro Lime Crema.
Bowl of Easy Cilantro Lime Crema.

Lighter Cottage Cheese Lime Crema Recipe Notes

Cottage Cheese Texture: Blending the cottage cheese in a high-powered blender will eliminate the curdled texture of the cottage cheese and make a smooth crema.

Consistency Adjustment: This recipe makes a thicker crema, which is perfect as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips or to squirt over tacos or rice bowls. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water if you want to use it as a zesty salad dressing.

Garlic Intensity: Fresh garlic can be fairly strong. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. You can replace it with garlic powder for a milder flavor.

Chilling Time: While it’s optional, allowing the crema to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and gives the ingredients time to meld.

Refrigeration: Store the cilantro lime crema in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent the absorption of odors from the fridge.

Shelf Life: Consume the crema within a week for optimal flavor and quality. While it may still be safe to eat beyond this timeframe, the taste and texture may begin to change.

Avoid Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze cilantro lime crema, as dairy-based products like cottage cheese and yogurt can undergo texture changes when frozen and thawed.

Separation is Normal: Due to the nature of the ingredients, some separation may occur over time. Simply stir or shake the crema before using to reincorporate the ingredients.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt, or can I use regular yogurt?
Greek yogurt provides a thicker consistency and higher protein content. However, you can use regular yogurt, keeping in mind that the crema may be slightly thinner.

Can I make this crema ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, allowing the flavors to meld by refrigerating for at least 30 minutes can enhance the taste. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze the cilantro lime crema?
Freezing is not recommended, as dairy-based products may experience texture changes. It’s best to consume the crema within a week of preparation.

Can this tangy cilantro lime crema be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this crema dairy-free by substituting cottage cheese and Greek yogurt with silken tofu and plant-based yogurt.

What other dishes can I use this crema for?
The crema is versatile and pairs well with tacos, salads, nachos, grilled meats, and more. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables.

How can I prevent the crema from separating in the refrigerator?
Separation is normal due to the ingredients. Simply stir or shake the crema before using to recombine the ingredients.

Do you love lighter Mexican-inspired food? Check out more of my easy and delicious recipes:

Bowl of Easy Cilantro Lime Crema.

Cilantro Lime Crema with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
Make my easy Cilantro Lime Crema with Cottage Cheese Recipe for a healthier twist on traditional Mexican crema. With simple ingredients like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, cilantro, and lime juice, this flavorful sauce is perfect for shrimp tacos, chicken enchiladas, or as a creamy dip with tortilla chips.
5 from 2 votes
Servings 12
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup light olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (1 lime)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions
 

  • Peel and roughly chop the garlic clove and cilantro. 
  • In a blender, food processor, or chopper cup of an immersion blender, combine the cottage cheese, greek yogurt, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic clove, onion powder, and salt. Squeeze the juice from one lime (approximately 2 tablespoons) into the blender.
    Blend all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary.
    Taste the crema and adjust the seasoning if needed. Adjust the consistency if desired by adding more light olive oil to use as a pourable salad dressing.
    Enjoy your homemade, creamy cilantro lime sauce! Experiment with different dishes and savor the rich and tangy flavor.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Cottage Cheese Texture: Blending the cottage cheese in a high-powered blender will eliminate the curdled texture of the cottage cheese and make a smooth crema.
Consistency Adjustment: This recipe makes a thicker crema, which is perfect as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips or to squirt over tacos or rice bowls. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water if you want to use it as a zesty salad dressing.
Garlic Intensity: Fresh garlic can be fairly strong. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. You can replace it with garlic powder for a milder flavor.
Chilling Time: While it’s optional, allowing the crema to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and gives the ingredients time to meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.02gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 37IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword cilantro lime salad dressing, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, lime crema
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

2 Comments

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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