Garlic Cilantro Sauce

This easy Garlic Cilantro Sauce is inspired by Pollo Tropical. It’s made in under 5 minutes in blender with garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, mayo, and either sour cream or greek yogurt.

What is Cilantro Garlic Sauce

Whip up this divinely creamy Garlic Cilantro Sauce that draws its zestful charm straight from the aisles of Pollo Tropical.

Each spoonful bursts with the pungent notes of garlic, the fresh green vibrancy of cilantro, and a tangy kiss of lime.

And a moment of appreciation for the creamy lusciousness of mayo harmoniously twirling with either sour cream or Greek yogurt, ensuring every dip or drizzle is like a mini vacation to the tropics.

Drench your favorite sandwiches or drizzle on your grilled veggies; this sauce is the zippy condiment you never knew you needed.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Mayo - I always use Duke's mayo but any brand will work. I just wouldn't use miracle whip because it's too sweet.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt - You can switch the sour cream for greek yogurt - whatever you prefer!
• Lime - Fresh squeezed lime juice is best but you could sub for lemon if you were in a pinch.
• Garlic Cloves - Fresh garlic is the only acceptable form for this recipe!
• Cilantro - No sub for cilantro in this recipe.

How to make it

Making this copycat Pollo Tropical sauce is super easy!

Just add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. 

If you're using an immersion blender, I recommend using a restaurant style quart container or a large mouth mason jar to avoid the sauce spraying everywhere.

Season with more salt and lime juice to taste.

**The garlic will get more pungent after time. So if it's not garlicky enough when you first make it, just let it rest in the fridge for a while before adding more**

What goes with Garlic Cilantro Sauce

I absolutely love this sauce on my turkey pastelon, smothered on grilled chicken burritos, or even on my cottage cheese taco lettuce wraps.

If you want more yummy sauces, try my easy tzatziki, this hot honey sauce, or even my 3 ingredient honey mustard.

For dessert, you've got to try my nutella fudge or this easy shortcut strawberry tres leches.

Frequently asked question

How long can garlic sauce last in the fridge?

You can store garlic cilantro sauce in the fridge and it should stay fresh and zesty for up to a week. But remember, always trust your nose, gut and eyes before diving in if it's any longer than that.

Can I kick up the heat in this sauce?

Absolutely! Toss in some red pepper flakes, serrano peppers, jalapenos, or a dash of hot sauce to light that flavor fire.

Whoa, is there a dairy-free version for my plant-based pals?

You know it! Simply swap out the mayo for vegan mayo. And instead of regular yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt, and you're in vegan paradise.

Save this recipe for later

If you don't want to forget about this recipe, there are a few things you can do!

1. You can tap that little heart icon over to the right...
2. Or you can pin any image on this page... or use the pretty ones I made below specifically for your saucy pinterest boards.

And if you don't already, feel free to follow me on pinterest! I'm also on instagram, youtube, facebook, and tiktok for tasty inspiration shared daily!

And if pinterest isn't really your thing, you can always scroll down to the bottom of this post and print the printable recipe card. 

Recipe