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Vegan Cilantro-Lime Crema

Name: Vegan Cilantro-Lime Crema
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: mexican_american
Ingredients: 0.5 cup cashews (raw, soaked in hot water for 2 hours then drained); 3 tbsp water (cold, for blending); 0.5 cup cilantro (fresh leaves and tender stems, loosely packed); 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed, about 1 lime); 1 pcs garlic (small clove, peeled); 1 pinch salt; 1 tsp olive oil

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Silky, bright, and bursting with fresh flavor, this dairy-free crema comes together in five minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Soaked cashews blended with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of garlic create a luxuriously creamy sauce that rivals any traditional crema. Perfect drizzled over tacos, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.

PREP

10m

COOK

SERVES

2 TBSP

118 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 4 servings

½ cupcashews · raw, soaked in hot water for 2 hours then drained3 tbspwater · cold, for blending½ cupcilantro · fresh leaves and tender stems, loosely packed2 tbsplime juice · freshly squeezed, about 1 lime1 pcsgarlic · small clove, peeled1 pinchsalt1 tspolive oil

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

118

CALORIES · 2 TBSP

Protein4g · 14%

Carbs7g · 24%

Fat9g · 69%

Fiber1g

Sugar1g

Saturated fat2g

Cholesterol0mg

Sodium40mg

Potassium145mg

Phosphorus116mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 4 STEPS

prep
Soak the cashews.
Place the raw cashews in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours to soften thoroughly. Drain well before blending.
TIPIf you're short on time, soak the cashews in boiling water for 20-30 minutes instead.
mix · ~3 min
Blend the crema until silky smooth.
1.Add drained cashews, cold water, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil to a blender.
2.Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
3.Stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula, then blend again for 30 seconds.
4.Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if desired.
TIPThe crema should be thick but pourable. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time if it's too thick.
rest · ~15 min
Chill before serving.
Transfer the crema to a small jar or bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up slightly.
TIPMake ahead for deeper flavor — it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
serve
Drizzle generously and serve.
Give the crema a quick stir before using. Drizzle over tacos, burrito bowls, grilled vegetables, or use as a dip. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Soak cashews in boiling water for 20-30 minutes if you're short on time instead of the full 2 hours.
2
Use only the leaves and tender stems of cilantro; thick stems add bitterness.
3
Fresh lime juice is essential — bottled juice yields a flat, less vibrant flavor.
4
Blend until completely smooth, then scrape sides and blend again to avoid graininess.
5
Chill at least 15 minutes before serving; it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
6
Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days; stir before each use.
7
If the crema is too thick, add water 1 teaspoon at a time while blending.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Smoky Chipotle Crema

Add 1-2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (with seeds removed for less heat) for a smoky, spicy twist that pairs perfectly with carne asada or grilled vegetables.

Vegan (already dairy free)

Vegan (already dairy-free)

This recipe is already vegan and dairy-free; simply ensure your olive oil is certified vegan if you're strict, and it's ready for any plant-based meal.

Mango Lime Crema

Mango-Lime Crema

Replace 2 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of fresh mango purée for a sweet, fruity variation that brightens fish tacos or summer salads.

Herb Garden Crema

Substitute half the cilantro with fresh basil or mint for a different herbal profile that works beautifully on Mediterranean bowls or grilled lamb.

Lower Fat Crema

Lower-Fat Crema

Use only 1/4 cup cashews and increase water to 4 tablespoons, blending longer for a lighter texture while keeping the creamy, tangy flavor.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Healthy Fats

Cashews provide heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support brain function and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other foods.

✓

Good Source of Plant Protein

Cashews contribute a moderate amount of plant-based protein, making this crema a satisfying addition to vegetarian and vegan meals.

✓

Packed with Vitamin C

Fresh lime juice is a concentrated source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and enhances iron absorption from dishes like tacos or grain bowls.

✓