This Creamy Jalapeno Cilantro Dip is the bold, zesty, and ultra-smooth green sauce your taste buds have been craving.
Made with fresh cilantro, jalapeno peppers, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt, it’s a dip that delivers creamy richness with just the right amount of heat.
Whether you serve it with tortilla chips, drizzle it over tacos, or use it as a salad dressing, this easy green dip will steal the spotlight at any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dip
Quick & easy – Ready in just 5 minutes with a blender or food processor
Customizable heat – Easily adjust spice level to your liking
Fresh flavor – Thanks to jalapeños, garlic, and herbs
Smooth and creamy – Cream cheese and yogurt make it irresistibly rich
Versatile – Works as a dip, dressing, spread, or drizzle
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Cilantro – Fresh and fragrant, it adds bright, herbal flavor and vibrant green color.
Jalapeno peppers – Bring a customizable level of heat and a fresh chili kick.
Cream cheese – Softened for easy blending, this adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture.
Greek yogurt or sour cream – Adds tanginess and helps balance the spice with cool creaminess.
Garlic – A small amount goes a long way in adding deep savory flavor.
White vinegar – Lends a subtle acidic bite to round out the creaminess.
Salt – Essential to bring all the flavors together.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Soften your cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for easier blending.
Adjust heat level: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for a milder version. Add some seeds back in for extra heat.
Use a high-powered blender or food processor: This ensures a perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality dip.
Add a splash of milk or water: If you want to thin the dip for use as a salad dressing or drizzle.
How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Cilantro Dip
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Wash and dry the cilantro, remove stems.
Trim and de-stem the jalapenos, removing seeds if you want a milder dip.
Mince the garlic.
Step 2: Blend it up
Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender:
1 bunch cilantro
4 jalapeños
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1–2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp white vinegar
¼ tsp salt
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Scrape down the sides as needed for an even consistency.
Step 3: Adjust to taste
Taste the dip and adjust salt, acidity, or heat by adding back in some jalapeno seeds.
Blend again briefly.
Step 4: Serve or chill
Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
How to Serve This Creamy Jalapeño Cilantro Dip
As a dip: Pair with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or pita
On tacos and burritos: Drizzle over grilled meats or roasted veggies
In sandwiches or wraps: Use as a flavorful spread
As a salad dressing: Thin with a splash of water or milk
With grilled meats: Spoon over chicken, steak, or shrimp for a spicy kick
Variations / Substitutions
Make it dairy-free: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt
Add avocado: For extra creaminess and green color
Swap jalapeños: Use serrano peppers for more heat or poblano peppers for a smoky twist
Add lime juice: For a fresh citrus flavor
Add cumin or smoked paprika: For a spiced version
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezing not recommended: The creamy texture may break when thawed
Make ahead: Prepare a day in advance for better flavor
Shake or stir before serving: Some separation may occur in the fridge
FAQs
Is this dip very spicy?
It can be! Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for a mild version.
Add some seeds back for more heat.
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, both options work well.
Sour cream adds a richer tang, while Greek yogurt keeps it lighter and protein-rich.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Can I freeze the dip?
No, it’s not freezer-friendly.
The texture may separate after thawing due to the dairy content.
What can I serve this dip with?
Try it with chips, tacos, salads, wraps, grilled meats, or as a sandwich spread.
Can I blend this with avocado?
Definitely! Add ½ ripe avocado to the mix for a smooth, vibrant twist.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Jalapeño Cilantro Dip is one of those magical condiments that transforms everything it touches.
It’s rich, tangy, herby, and can be as spicy (or not) as you like.
From tacos to veggie trays, sandwiches to salads, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this bold green dip. It’s fast, fresh, and 100% crave-worthy.
