Greek Yogurt Lime Crema (No mayo)
This Greek yogurt lime crema uses plain Greek yogurt, avocado oil, fresh lime juice, and honey for a healthy lime crema that’s perfect as crema for tacos, creamy lime sauce for salads, or Greek yogurt taco sauce for bowls.
This Greek yogurt lime crema is about to become your new favorite sauce. I’m talking creamy, tangy, and absolutely loaded with flavor—all without a drop of mayo. When I was trying to lighten up our taco nights, I realized I could get that same rich, restaurant-style crema using Greek yogurt as the base. Game changer! This healthy lime crema has become our go-to for everything from Tuesday tacos to weekend grain bowls. My kids don’t even know it’s packed with protein, and honestly, I think it tastes even better than the heavy stuff.
What I love most is how this lime crema recipe no mayo comes together in literally five minutes, but the flavor is so balanced and fresh that people always ask for the recipe. The combination of zesty lime, a touch of honey, and those warm spices creates this creamy lime sauce that makes everything taste like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Yogurt Lime Crema Recipe
- Ready in minutes: This easy Greek yogurt dressing comes together in under 5 minutes with simple whisking.
- Protein-packed upgrade: Greek yogurt adds 12 grams of protein per serving compared to traditional mayo-based cremas.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The combination of tangy lime, sweet honey, and smoky spices creates an irresistible creamy Greek yogurt sauce.
- Versatile for everything: Use as crema for tacos, salad dressing, veggie dip, or sauce for grain bowls and burritos.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make Greek yogurt lime crema:
Plain Greek Yogurt: This is your creamy base and honestly, the thicker the better. I always go for full-fat because it gives you that luxurious texture, but 2% works great too. If you need dairy-free, try a thick coconut yogurt – just make sure it’s not too sweet.
Avocado Oil: I love this because it doesn’t compete with the lime flavor like olive oil sometimes can. Plus, those healthy fats make everything taste richer. No avocado oil? A light olive oil or even melted coconut oil works in a pinch.
Fresh Lime Juice: Please don’t use the bottled stuff here – fresh lime makes all the difference! You’ll need about one large lime or two small ones. If you’re out of limes, fresh lemon juice works, but you’ll get a different (still delicious) flavor.
Honey: Just a touch to balance out that tart yogurt and lime. I’ve tried maple syrup here too, and it’s fantastic if you want to keep it vegan. Start with less and add more to taste – some limes are more sour than others.
Garlic Powder: I prefer this over fresh garlic because it blends so smoothly and won’t overpower the lime. Fresh garlic can work too – just use about half a small clove, minced super fine.
Ground Cumin: This is what gives it that authentic Mexican flavor. If you don’t have cumin, try a pinch of chili powder or even a tiny bit of taco seasoning.
Smoked Paprika: Love this for the subtle smokiness and that gorgeous color it adds. Regular paprika works fine, or try a tiny pinch of chipotle powder if you want some heat.
Salt: Just enhances everything else. I use fine sea salt, but whatever you have on hand works perfectly.
Easily Adapt This Recipe for Any Diet
This recipe is naturally easy to tweak! Follow these simple swaps to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan while keeping the same great texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written – just double-check your spice blends for any hidden gluten.
Dairy-Free: Replace Greek yogurt with thick coconut yogurt, cashew yogurt, or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Vegan: Use coconut yogurt or blended cashews with the same seasonings, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
💡 Pro Tip: If you try a substitution, let us know how it worked in the comments!
How to Make My Greek Yogurt Lime Crema Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions that are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Make the Greek Yogurt Crema
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy.
My Expert Recipe Tips
Fresh lime juice is key: Bottled lime juice just won’t give you that bright, vibrant flavor that makes this crema shine.
Whisk thoroughly: Make sure to whisk for at least 30 seconds to ensure the oil fully incorporates and creates that silky texture.
Let it rest: Allow the crema to sit for 10 minutes after mixing so all the flavors can meld together beautifully.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Taco Tuesday upgrade: I drizzle this over fish tacos, chicken tacos, or veggie tacos. You’ll love how it adds creamy richness without being heavy.
- Salad dressing transformation: Add it to my Mexican Chicken Salad or Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
- Veggie dip perfection: I serve this alongside fresh cut vegetables or tortilla chips. The protein boost makes it more satisfying than regular dips.
- Bowl topper: Drizzle over burrito bowls, quinoa bowls, or roasted vegetable bowls for instant flavor and creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you love Mexican food? Check out more of my easy and healthy Mexican-inspired recipes:
- Mexican Street Corn Casserole with Cottage Cheese
- Heartburn-Free Gluten-Free Shrimp Tacos w/ Cottage Cheese Lime Crema
- Easy Copycat Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Healthy Cheesecake Factory White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Easy Gluten-Free Breaded Fish Tacos Recipe
- Best Gluten-Free Panera Beef Tortilla Soup Recipe
If you love sauces with Greek yogurt you may also love my Alfredo Sauce with Greek Yogurt and Parmesan Recipe.
Greek Yogurt Lime Crema (No mayo)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
Yumm!! Love that this is made with greek yogurt. Tastes great!!
Thank you for the review, Sydnee!
I’m excited for you to try this easy recipe! Let me know what you think in the comments below 🙂