This easy vegan cashew lime crema is rich and tangy, adding a just-right burst of flavor to your favorite Mexican dishes. Ready in 5 minutes!
Be sure to check out Cashew Sour Cream, or try this in my Vegan Enchilada Soup or Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup!
I’ve always had a soft spot for Mexican cuisine — you know, the creamy, spicy, perfectly balanced kind. But as someone who strives to eat more plant-based foods, I’m always experimenting, trying to recreate those comforting flavors in a dairy-free, plant-based way.
The great thing is that most Mexican favorite dishes can be reimagined , like this vegan taquitos recipe, smothered vegan burritos, and even vegan enchilada soup! And one thing that ties them all together is this homemade crema. It’s the secret to the luxurious creaminess, making every bite of this tangy sauce irresistible.
What is lime crema?
Traditional Mexican crema is prized for its rich, creamy texture and mild tangy flavor. Think of it like the Mexican cousin to American sour cream or crème fraîche but slightly thinner and less sharp.
It’s often used as a creamy condiment drizzled over tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, and soups to balance bold, spicy flavors with cool creaminess.
This delicious lime crema is a dairy-free retake of the classic. Made with simple ingredients like cashews and lime juice, it’s just as creamy and versatile.
Why this recipe works
- Creamy without dairy: Soaked cashews create a smooth, velvety texture that rivals traditional crema, while lime juice adds a bright flavor and refreshing balance
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: Just cashews, lime, garlic, and a few staples come together to deliver bold, vibrant flavor.
- Customizable consistency: Adjust water while blending to suit your needs — thick for tacos or thin for drizzling.
- Versatile and beginner vegan meal-prep friendly: Perfect for taco night, bowls, and more. Stores well for up to 5 days, making it a great recipe for meal prep.
Jump to:
How to make Vegan Cashew Lime Crema
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
Place all ingredients in a blender.
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Working with cashews in lime crema
- No soaking needed: High-speed blenders can handle raw cashews without soaking.
- Quick boil: If you don’t have a high-speed blender, boil cashews for 10 minutes, then drain for smooth blending.
How to use lime crema
- Tacos: The perfect topping for plant-based stuffed tacos, vegan refried black beans, or refried pinto beans (Instant Pot).
- Nacho supreme bowls: Add a dollop for a creamy finish.
- Dips: Drizzle over seven-layer taco dip, taco salad, or even tortilla chips.
Substitutions and add-ins
- Herby flavor: Add a handful of fresh cilantro for cilantro lime crema.
- Spice it up: Blend in a pinch of cayenne or a slice of jalapeño for a subtle kick.
- Fresh garlic: Use ¼ teaspoon garlic powder to replace garlic.
In the kitchen tips
- Use a small blender for this recipe (e.g., a Nutribullet or similar), or double the batch if using a large blender like a Vitamix for smoother blending.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time to adjust consistency if desired.
- Add a pinch of lime zest for extra brightness.
- Always use fresh lime juice for optimal flavor.
- Store in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling on tacos, bowls, or salads.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or squeeze bottle for up to 5 days. Stir before use if it thickens.
- Adjust consistency: Add 1 tablespoon of water or plant-based milk if the crema thickens too much.
- Freezing: Not recommended — freezing results in a grainy texture.
FAQ
Yes! Cashew lime crema tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Yes, but this version of Mexican crema may not be as smooth. A blender works best for a creamy texture.
Until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes depending on your blender.)
Yes, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
I can’t wait for you to try this vegan cashew lime crema recipe! If you make it, tag @becomingyouwithjulie on Instagram — I’d love to see yours! And if you have a sec, a quick comment or rating helps more than you know. Thanks so much for being here! 💛
📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Cashew Lime Crema Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons cashews, unroasted and unsalted
- 1 large clove garlic
- ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Blend cashews, garlic, plant-based milk, water, lime juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- If needed, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to adjust the texture of the crema.
- Taste the lime crema sauce and adjust the lime juice or add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Serve in a small bowl.
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC) with advanced training in hormone health, trained yoga instructor, former restaurant owner, and mom of nine who’s been plant-based for over 20 years. She’s cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and reinvented comfort food more times than she can count. She’s completed multiple half marathons and a Tough Mudder because she can’t resist a new adventure — and apparently, she can’t vacation without cooking either, since her juicer (beets and greens, too) and pasta pot always come along. Julie’s work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, Mamamia, MSN, Redfin, Better Humans, and The Good Men Project. Through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter, she helps others simplify wellness, build lasting habits, and feel good again — one grounded, delicious choice at a time.
Julie Gaeta says
This adds such a fresh, creamy kick to everything—tacos, bowls, anything Mexican. It’s bright, tangy, and so easy to make!