This Cilantro Jalapeño Dip is creamy, fresh, and packed with bold flavor. With a smooth texture and the perfect balance of tangy, herby, and mildly spicy notes, it’s a versatile dip that pairs beautifully with chips, tacos, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a sandwich spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dip comes together in just minutes with simple, fresh ingredients. The sour cream and mayonnaise create a rich and creamy base, while fresh cilantro adds brightness and jalapeño delivers just the right kick of heat. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it perfect for both mild and spicy food lovers. It’s also incredibly versatile and works as a dip, sauce, or dressing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded for mild heat or with seeds for extra spice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Wash and dry the cilantro leaves thoroughly. Remove thick stems if desired.
Slice the jalapeño in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membrane for a milder dip, or leave some seeds for more heat.
In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to enhance the smooth texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or jalapeño according to preference.
Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Add avocado for a richer and creamier texture.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
Add a tablespoon of honey for a subtle sweet contrast.
Mix in a tablespoon of chopped green onions for extra freshness.
Add a pinch of cumin for a warm, earthy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as slight separation may occur. This dip is best served cold or at room temperature. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this dip less spicy?
Yes. Remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or use only half of the pepper for a milder flavor.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is strongly recommended. Dried cilantro will not provide the same vibrant flavor or color.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
What can I serve this dip with?
It pairs well with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, tacos, wraps, and even as a burger spread.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes. A food processor works perfectly and may even give you better control over the texture.
How do I thicken the dip?
If the dip is too thin, add a little more sour cream or refrigerate it longer to firm up.
Can I substitute lemon juice for lime juice?
Yes. Lemon juice can be used, though lime provides a more traditional flavor.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes. All the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check product labels to be sure.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free sour cream and dairy-free mayonnaise alternatives to make it dairy-free.
Why is my dip bitter?
Bitterness can come from over-blending cilantro stems or using too much jalapeño membrane. Use mostly leaves and adjust the pepper carefully.
Conclusion
Cilantro Jalapeño Dip is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal or gathering. Its creamy texture, fresh herbs, and customizable spice level make it a reliable favorite for parties, family dinners, or casual snacking. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dip that everyone will keep coming back for.
This Cilantro Jalapeño Dip is creamy, fresh, and full of bold flavor. Made with sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño, it delivers the perfect balance of tangy, herby, and mildly spicy notes. It’s a versatile dip that works beautifully with chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a flavorful spread.
Ingredients
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1 medium jalapeño pepper (seeded for mild heat or with seeds for extra spice)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the cilantro leaves, removing thick stems if desired.
Slice the jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes for milder heat, if preferred.
In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lime juice, or jalapeño as needed.
Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Notes
Remove all jalapeño seeds and membranes for a milder dip.
Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor and vibrant color.
Refrigerating enhances flavor and thickens the texture.
Stir before serving if slight separation occurs.
Freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture.
