Avocado Crema Recipe (5 Minutes)

Name: Avocado Crema
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 large ripe avocado; 1/2 cup unsweetened plain yogurt ((vegan yogurt*)); 1 large clove garlic; 1 medium jalapeño (seeded, roughly chopped (optional)); 1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro ((optional)); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (plus more to taste); Olive oil (or water for blending ); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Garlic, jalapeño, yogurt, cilantro avocado, and lime on a gray backdrop.

Avocados are an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. The majority of the fat is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat associated with various health benefits. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for good gut health and may contribute to weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. In addition, they are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as minerals including potassium and folate.

Jalapeños (optional) add a unique and delicious spicy flavor to the Avocado Crema. They contain capsaicin, a natural compound responsible for their spicy heat. Capsaicin is known to have various health benefits, including reducing pain and inflammation, improving metabolism, and aiding digestion.

Use vegan yogurt to make this recipe plant-based. I used the Forager Project brand cashew yogurt. Otherwise, use unsweetened plain Greek yogurt for more protein, or any unsweetened plain yogurt.

Olive oil or water is added for blending. For the most velvety smooth avocado cream sauce, I recommend using olive oil.

See recipe card for quantities.

🥑 Substitutions

Yogurt - substitute with mayonnaise or sour cream for a richer avocado crema or avocado cream sauce (use vegan for plant-based)

Jalapeño - omit for non-spicy, or substitute for cayenne for a kick

Garlic - use garlic powder instead as needed

Cilantro - Omit as desired. Use fresh parsley, ground spices such as cumin, or dried herbs instead.

Serve Avocado Crema with my 4-Ingredient Lentil Gluten-Free Rolls for a power snack! Visit my Vegan Condiment Recipes for more healthy dressing and sauce ideas.

📖 Instructions

Avocados, cilantro, chopped jalapeño, garlic and vegan yogurt in a glass canister of a food processor.

Step 1. Transfer the avocado, yogurt, garlic, jalapeño, and lime juice to the canister of a food processor.

Green cream sauce in blended inside the canister of a food processor.

Step 2. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil or water as needed until the desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and more lime juice to taste.

Walnut meat in tacos on a white plate with lime wedges and green sauce.

Serve with Vegan Tacos with Walnut Meat for a healthy and delicious meal.

💡 Expert Tips

For a richer Avocado Crema or avocado cream sauce: Substitute the yogurt for half the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream (one-quarter cup).

Storage: Refrigerate any remaining Avocado Crema in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to keep the avocado from browning (optional).

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

What is avocado crema made of?

Avocado crema is typically made with avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, ground cumin, and garlic powder.

How do you prevent avocados from browning too quickly?

Storing avocados properly can help prevent them from browning too quickly. If you have a portion of an avocado left after cutting into it, keep the pit in the unused portion, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, or store it in an airtight container to limit its exposure to air. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little lemon or lime juice on the exposed flesh to slow down the browning process.

Is it safe to eat brown avocado?

Once you cut open an avocado, it begins to react with the air and oxidize, quickly turning it from a fresh, bright green to an unappetizing brown. Although it's safe to eat an avocado that has started to turn brown, it may not taste as good. However, once it has developed mold or an unpleasant odor, it is no longer safe to eat.

📖 Recipe