A spicy and creamy avocado cilantro sauce is the perfect way to upgrade any savory dish. It can also be used as a dip with your favorite baked veggies, toasted baguette, or tofu!
As a result of my love for cilantro and jalapeños, this sauce was created. Not only do bold and punchy flavors have my heart, but they easily elevate any savory dish.
This sauce adds those vibrant and crave-worthy flavors, while also adding the perfect combination of creaminess thanks to avocado and tahini.
Curious what to use it on? Be sure to check out the "how to use jalapeño cilantro sauce" section below!
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The best part of the avocado cilantro sauce (aside from the drool-worthy flavor) is that it's ready in less than 5 minutes. All of the ingredients are thrown into the food processor (or blender) and pulsed until smooth. No fancy methods or multi-step directions!
Ready to make it? Let's do it!
Ingredients
9 ingredients is all you'll need to make this creamy avocado dressing;
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado
- Jalapeño juice + sliced pickled jalapeños (I use this brand)
- Tahini
- Lime
- Onion granules
- Salt
- Water
How to make avocado cilantro dressing
First, add all ingredients to a food processor.
Then, pulse until smooth (about a minute). Add 2-4 tablespoons of water to thin if needed.
How to use jalapeño cilantro sauce
Adding this spicy and flavorful sauce/dressing is a great way to enhance any savory dish. Use as a sauce, a spread, or a dip! Here are a few of my favorite things to pair it with;
- Tacos
- Quesadillas
- Grilled Cheese
- Sandwiches
- Grain bowls
- Wraps
- Roasted vegetables
- Salads
- Tofu or tempeh
- Crispy baked potatoes
- Sweet potato fries
- Use it as a dip with your favorite chip, tortilla chip, or cracker
A general rule of thumb when using this recipe; anything you would add hummus to, this sauce/dressing works on too!
Substitutions
Garlic cloves: substitute with a teaspoon or more of garlic granules (or powder).
Tahini: swap with an unsweetened, unflavored plant-based yogurt, vegan mayonnaise or avocado oil.
Avocado: the avocado adds a creamy texture however an unflavored plant-based yogurt or a plain hummus should also work (use about ¼ cup and just as needed). If substituting with hummus, I recommend adding a tablespoon or more of oil (or additional water) to help thin the sauce.
Sliced jalapeños/pickled jalapeños: pickled jalapeños are sold in most grocery stores, located with the pickles and other canned/jarred goods. Swap for homemade pickles if desired!
I haven't tried this recipe with fresh jalapeños, since the jalapeno juice is also used in this recipe, however it may work. Deseed the jalapeno first and sub jalapeno juice with additional lime juice. It will result in a milder spice, so include a few seeds if desired. Be sure to let me know how it goes in the comments below!
Storage
Leftovers stores well in the fridge for up to a week in airtight container. However, it's typically devoured within 2-3 days in our house as we add it to everything!
Due to the jalapeno and lime juice, the sauce does not turn brown as guacamole or plain avocados tend to do when stored. It's an ideal way to use avocados before they go bad and get extra life out of them!
📋 Recipe
Creamy Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce (Vegan)
Equipment
- food processor (or high-speed blender)
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro (mostly leaves, but some stems are ok)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small ripe avocado (½ a large avocado)
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeño slices
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño juice (from the jar of pickled jalapeño slices)
- 1 tablespoon tahini (I used Soom organic)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon onion granules (or powder)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons water to thin + more if needed
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, adding additional water (a tablespoon at a time) to thin if needed. Use this sauce on grain bowls, tacos, sandwiches, wraps, salads, or use it as a dipping sauce with roasted veggies & crispy tofu!
Lastly, if you made this recipe I'd love to know your thoughts on it! Leave a star rating and a comment below and/or tag me (@notablyvegan) in your creations.
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