Avocado Crema
Silky, bright, and impossibly creamy, this avocado crema comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. It's the perfect cool counterpoint to spicy tacos, grilled meats, or crispy fish, and doubles as a vibrant dip for chips and vegetables.
For 4 servings
- prep
Scoop the avocado flesh.
Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into the bowl of a food processor.
- mix
Blend the crema base.
1.Add sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt to the processor.2.Blend until completely smooth and no green flecks of cilantro skin remain, about 30 to 45 seconds.3.Scrape down the sides with a spatula.TIPFor the silkiest texture, blend a few seconds longer than you think you need to. - mix
Adjust the consistency.
1.Check the thickness of the crema.2.With the motor running, drizzle in cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until the crema is thick but pourable.TIPThe crema will thicken slightly in the fridge, so aim for a slightly looser consistency than your final goal. - prep
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Taste the crema and add an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze more lime juice if needed to make the flavors pop.
- rest · ~15 min
Chill before serving.
Transfer to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
TIPA lime seed or two buried in the crema helps slow oxidation and keeps the color vibrant.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a ripe avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure for the creamiest texture.
- 2Blend until the mixture is completely smooth—cilantro skins should be invisible.
- 3Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before chilling to prevent browning.
- 4For a looser consistency, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time while blending.
- 5Taste after blending and adjust with extra lime juice or salt to brighten the flavor.
- 6This crema thickens in the fridge, so make it slightly looser than your final goal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Replace sour cream with an equal amount of unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a vegan, dairy-free crema that's still luscious.
spicySpicy
Add half a jalapeño (seeds removed) or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with tacos or grilled meats.
herb swapHerb swap
Substitute cilantro with fresh basil or mint for a different herbal profile that goes well with Mediterranean or summer dishes.
extra tangyExtra tangy
Use buttermilk in place of water when adjusting consistency, or increase lime juice by another tablespoon for a brighter, tangier finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado provides heart-friendly monounsaturated fats that support nutrient absorption and satiety.
Source of Vitamin C
Lime juice and cilantro contribute a modest amount of immune-supporting vitamin C.
Low in Added Sugar
This crema contains no added sugars, making it a smart choice for balanced, savory meals.
Frequently asked questions
Stored with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface, it stays bright green and fresh for up to 2 days.
