Authentic Mexican White Sauce

This authentic Mexican white sauce is a creamy, tangy delight that adds depth and richness to any dish. Made with a blend of fresh, traditional ingredients, it’s perfect for drizzling over tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. Simple yet flavorful, this sauce brings a touch of Mexican tradition to your table with every spoonful.

What is the origin of Mexican White Sauce?

Mexican white sauce, often associated with Mexican-American cuisine, is thought to have originated in Mexican restaurants in the United States, particularly in the southeastern region.

It became popular in the 1970s, especially in Virginia, where a version of this creamy, tangy sauce was offered as a dip alongside salsa in many Mexican restaurants.

While it’s not a traditional Mexican recipe, it reflects the fusion of Mexican flavors with American tastes, typically made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices, and is primarily used as a topping or dip.

Which ingredients go into this Mexican White Sauce recipe?

For an egg-free and dairy-free Mexican white sauce, each of the following ingredients plays a vital role in adding flavor and achieving the right texture:

Egg-Free Mayo provides the creamy base for the sauce while keeping it vegan-friendly. It adds richness and a smooth texture without the use of eggs.

Dairy-Free Sour Cream adds tang and creaminess to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the mayo. It helps to achieve the characteristic flavor of the traditional white sauce while keeping it free of dairy.

Fresh garlic or garlic powder provides a bold, savory undertone, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. It brings an authentic touch to the sauce.

Lime Juice brightens the sauce with a refreshing citrusy tang and balances the creaminess. It also enhances the other flavors and gives the sauce a zesty kick.

A staple in Mexican cuisine, cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the savory elements of the sauce, giving it an authentic, smoky hint.

Oregano adds a slightly floral, peppery note that complements the cumin. Mexican oregano, if available, would bring a more authentic flavor compared to Mediterranean oregano.

Cayenne Pepper brings heat and spice to the sauce. You can adjust the amount depending on your preferred level of spiciness.

Oat or Almond Milk: These plant-based milks are used to thin the sauce to the desired consistency without adding dairy. They also keep the sauce light and smooth.

A final touch of spice, the crushed Red Pepper flakes add both heat and a slight crunch, offering texture and a more complex flavor with every bite.

Together, these ingredients create a creamy, tangy, and flavorful white sauce with a perfect blend of heat and freshness, while remaining vegan and allergy-friendly.

How to make Mexican White Sauce?

To make Mexican White Sauce, all you need is a mixing bowl. This is a no cooking sauce recipe!

In that mixing bowl, combine the egg-free mayo, dairy-free sour cream, pressed garlic, the juice of one lime, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and oat milk.

Whisk everything together well and season with a pinch of salt to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Here are four delicious ways to serve Mexican white sauce:

1. Drizzle Over Tacos: Use the sauce as a creamy topping for soft or crunchy tacos filled with grilled vegetables, beans, or meats. It adds richness and a tangy contrast to the savory fillings.
2. Dip for Tortilla Chips: Serve it as a dip alongside salsa and guacamole. The smooth, tangy sauce pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips, adding a cool balance to spicy salsa.
3. Topping for Enchiladas: Spoon the sauce over baked enchiladas before serving to give them a creamy finish. It complements both red and green enchilada sauces, adding extra depth to the dish.
4. Dressing for Salads or Bowls: Thin the Mexican White Sauce slightly with oat or almond milk and use it as a dressing for taco salads, burrito bowls, or grain bowls. Its creamy, tangy flavor enhances the fresh ingredients.

Ideas for variations

Here are three creative variations for Mexican white sauce:

Avocado White Sauce: Blend in ripe avocado for a thicker, creamier texture and a vibrant green color. This adds a mild, buttery flavor that complements the tangy base while boosting healthy fats.

Chipotle White Sauce: Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick. This variation infuses the sauce with a deep, smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Herb-Infused White Sauce: Add fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright, herbaceous twist. The fresh herbs give the sauce a more vibrant flavor, perfect for lightening up tacos or salads.

More sauce recipes to try

• Easy Thai Brown Sauce Recipe
• Carolina BBQ Sauce
• Best Nashville Hot Sauce Recipe [vegan, super easy]
• Restaurant Style Salsa
• Peri Peri Sauce

I hope you love this creamy, flavorful Mexican white sauce as much as I do!

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below and don’t forget to give it a star rating.

Be sure to share your creations on Instagram or Facebook and tag me so I can see and share your delicious dishes!