Fans of Mexican foods are in for a real treat with this Avocado Lime Crema. It's creamy with a tangy flavor, and it's so easy to whip up in just a few minutes with a few simple ingredients! This irresistible condiment is made with the most delicious, rich avocado and bright lime juice, and it's sure to take your taco night to the next level with its fresh flavors. Trust me, you're gonna wanna dollop it on everything!
The best avocado crema recipe!
I love making homemade sauces, especially taco sauces like taquera salsa or salsa verde, and especially when the weather is finally warm and the produce is back in the farmers' markets so all those ingredients are in season.
But this tangy avocado cream sauce? It's perfect for tacos , no, scratch that -- it's the perfect topping for just about anything. But let me tell you: grilled fish or birria tacos with a little of this? Oh you haven't lived, honey.

Avocado lime crema is a creamy sauce perfect for just about any dish, from tacos to burgers to salads.
Not only is it made with only a handful of ingredients and takes like 3 minutes to make, but y'all this stuff has got us obsessed it's so delish.
Now honey, let me tell you something 'bout this recipe I'm sharing with y'all: it's so good, my husband couldn't resist putting some on his brisket tacos last night while I was setting up in my studio. Half the batch was gone before photos.
We ended up using it as a dip for tortilla chips and watching "That's My Jam," and he ate the other half of that batch like it was his job. It's really that good.
Make this any time you are setting down for Taco Tuesday or whenever you want a bright, creamy, avocado sauce with your dinner!
This post may contain Affiliate Links. Please see my Full Disclosure Policy for more details.
Jump to:
What is avocado crema?
To get to know the avocado part, we have to first know the crema. Mexican crema is a super close latino cousin to creme fraiche...which is just a looser, French sister to sour cream. Made with at least 30% butterfat (to sour cream's 20%) it's creamier, richer, and isn't likely to curdle when mixed into hot dishes like sopa or enchiladas.
Avocado crema is a creamy condiment made with sour cream, ripe avocado, lime juice, and other herbs and spices. It is usually used as a topping for all types of tacos and nachos, burritos, chips... pretty much anything.

There are many different recipes, but the basic ingredients used are ripe avocado, fresh lime juice, and sour cream or Mexican crema. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as cilantro or garlic, to give it more flavor.
Make avocado crema as a topping for tacos, nachos, and other Mexican dishes. It can also be used as a salad dressing or a dip for chips and it pairs well with fish tacos or any dishes with seafood.
Equipment
- High-Powered Blender, a Mini Food Processor, or Immersion Blender - While any blender will do, the real powerhouse models like Vitamix will whip this up into a velvety smooth texture that you’re gonna want to put on everything.
- Mason Jar - Optional, but great for easy storage, especially if you use a wide-mouth mason jar and immersion blender. Bonus points if you use a flip-top lid for easy pouring!
Ingredients
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

- Ripe Avocados - Hass avocados are preferred because they have a creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor that really stands out in recipes like this creamy avocado sauce. Look for a dark brown, almost black skin, and pop off the stem at the grocery store. It should come off with no resistance and have a green color on the flesh under it. If the flesh is brown and the avocado feels mushy, it's overripe!
- Sour Cream - I always opt for full-fat dairy, especially for things like sour cream. The light and nonfat versions are usually loaded with stabilizers and artificial ingredients, and they just don’t taste as good! Feel free to use crème frâiche, Mexican crema, or even plain Greek yogurt as substitutes.
- Fresh Lime Juice - I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — fresh is always best, especially when it comes to lemon and lime juice!
- Fresh Cilantro - My family and I LOVE this stuff. If you’re one of the unfortunate souls who taste nothing but soap, consider swapping in lemony parsley instead.
- Sea Salt - Because seasoning = life. Even a pinch of salt will bring vibrancy to your creamy avocado sauce.
- Garlic Powder - Garlic powder has allium complexity, but with a milder, sweeter flavor than a fresh garlic clove. If you prefer a bit of a kick, add about ½ - 1 grated clove of fresh garlic instead.
- Ground Cumin - For a touch of warmth. If you only have whole cumin seeds on hand, give them a quick toast in a dry pan until fragrant, about 45 seconds, then pulverize them in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
- Chili Powder - Believe it or not, this is actually a spice blend made from various chile peppers and spices like cumin. If you don’t have any on hand, feel free to swap in a mild ground chili variety like sweet paprika.
Make this Avocado Lime Crema Sauce
Step 1: Blend. Place all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Adjust as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a little splash of extra lime juice or water and pulse till it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice until it's perfect.

Variations and Substitutions
While I think this avocado cilantro crema is condiment perfection, you’re welcome to make it your own with any of the following variations:
- Lighter Version - Swap in plain Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream for a lighter, probiotic-packed dressing that’s perfect for dipping tacos.
- Make a Vegan Avocado Crema - Feel free to use your favorite plant-based sour cream alternative instead of dairy cream to make this a vegan avocado crema that everyone will enjoy.
- Spicy - Add half (or all) of a seeded jalapeño for a little kick (or a lot of kick!). You can also swap in a spicier chili powder like cayenne or hot paprika if you prefer.
- Fancy Fraiche - Use creme fraiche instead of sour cream. And instead of buying it at the store, make your own with heavy cream and buttermilk!
Storage Instructions
If the avocado crema is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for 3-5 days.
However, it's important to note that due to the avocado’s tendency to oxidize, it may start to brown after a day or two. While this can affect its appearance, it doesn't necessarily mean it has gone bad.
To prevent browning, add a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly on top of the surface of the crema before sealing the lid to minimize air exposure.
FAQs
Yes, you can make it ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may need to add more lime juice or water to the sauce before serving, as it can become thicker as it sits.
It is not recommended to freeze your crema, as the consistency of the sauce may change once it is thawed. It is best to make it fresh and consume it within a couple of days.
Avocado crema and guacamole both contain avocado, but they are different in their consistency and ingredients.
Guacamole is chunky and often full of other ingredients like tomatoes, jalapeños, and diced onion, while the crema is smooth from its time in a food processor or blender.
If you are a fan of guacamole, or just love avocado in general, you'll really enjoy this creamy avocado lime crema.
More delish Mexican-Inspired Recipes
Click here to subscribe SWEET TEA & THYME’S NEWSLETTER for free and fresh recipes right into your inbox!
To pin this recipe and save it for later you can use the Pin button on the recipe card, the sharing buttons above or below this post, or on any of the photos above.
Tag me @sweet_tea_thyme on Instagram to share your remakes with me, I love looking through your photos!
Leave a 5 star rating and comment on the recipe card to let me know if you enjoyed this recipe.
📖 Recipe

Avocado Lime Crema
If you're a fan of guacamole, then you're in for a real treat with this Avocado Lime Crema. It's creamy with a tangy flavor, and it's so easy to whip up in just a few minutes with a few simple ingredients! This irresistible condiment is made with the most delicious, rich avocado and bright lime juice, and it's sure to take your Taco Tuesday to the next level with its fresh flavors. Trust me, you're gonna wanna dollop it on everything!
Ingredients
- 2 Hass avocados, pitted and peeled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Place all the avocado crema ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- If the mixture is too thick, add in a little splash of water.
- Keep in a airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Storage
If the avocado crema is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for 3-5 days.
However, it's important to note that due to the avocado’s tendency to oxidize, it may start to brown after a day or two. While this can affect its appearance, it doesn't necessarily mean it has gone bad.
To prevent browning, add a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly on top of the surface of the crema before sealing the airtight lid to minimize air exposure.
Variations and Substitutions
While I think this avocado cilantro crema is condiment perfection, you’re welcome to make it your own with any of the following variations:
- Lighter Version - Swap in plain Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream for a lighter, probiotic-packed dressing that’s perfect for dipping your veggies.
- Vegan - Feel free to use your favorite plant-based sour cream alternative to make this a vegan avocado crema recipe that everyone will enjoy.
- Spicy - Add a piece (or all) of a seeded jalapeño for a little kick (or a lot of kick!). You can also swap in a spicier chili powder like cayenne or hot paprika if you prefer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 59mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
All nutrition facts are estimations. Please see a physician for any health-related inquiries.

Eden Westbrook is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Sweet Tea and Thyme. A classically trained chef, Eden has inspired home cooks into the kitchen with cultural comfort foods, easy family-friendly eats and sweets, and glorious spreads for date night and entertaining since 2015.
Leave a Reply