Creamy Cilantro-Jalapeno Sauce to Drizzle on Everything this Spring!

WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE ROME | FEATURED ON:

Think of cilantro as your go-to springtime detox superherb! Loaded with vitamins A, C and K, folate, calcium, magnesium and potassium, cilantro brings a lot of bang for its buck. It’s one of the most powerful herbs you can add to your diet to keep your body cleansed through its toxin-reducing plant power. Cilantro is particularly good at binding heavy metals (like mercury, lead and aluminum) and facilitating their elimination from the body. Toxic metals that accumulate in our tissues can lead to impaired organ function, hormone imbalances, neurological issues, oxidative stress and more. Due to the fact that there are over 80,000 chemicals used in the United States, we can all benefit from ramping up our detox pathways through including foods like cilantro in our diets more often. If you’re interested in doing a gentle, yet effective, cleanse this spring, check out my 3-day Cooling Cleanse!

Cilantro is also a wonderful digestive aid as it supports the production of enzymes which we need to break down our food and absorb the nutrients. It’s a wonderful remedy for gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion and stomach cramps.

It is a “cooling” herb by nature so it pairs well with hot and spicy dishes, such as curries, green chili, enchiladas and Asian noodle dishes. It has a bright, citrusy flavor that most people are fond of however, to a small amount of people, it tastes like soap. Why? Because these individuals have a variation in a group of genes that allows them to strongly perceive the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.

How to use cilantro

Here are some easy ways to reap the detox and digestive benefits of cilantro

• Swap a handful of spinach for a small handful of cilantro in your smoothies

• Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on tacos, stir fries, salads or soups

• Add a big serving to homemade guacamole and salsa

• Sub out some of the basil with cilantro in your next pesto

• Make the creamy cilantro-jalapeno sauce below - Drizzle over fish tacos, roasted chicken, crab cakes or dip sweet potato fries in it! 

Image by Ana-Maria Stanciu for Hello Glow

Creamy Cilantro-Jalapeno Sauce

Makes ¾ cup

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed fresh cilantro

• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

• 5 Tbsp avocado-oil mayonnaise

• 2 Tbsp lime juice

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 Tbsp tahini

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 clove garlic, chopped

• ¼ tsp salt

Method

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.