Creamy Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing
This delightful Creamy Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing is a refreshing and zesty addition to your salads, tacos, and grilled vegetables. Combining the rich creaminess of mayonnaise with the tangy brightness of lime and a hint of jalapeño spice, it's reminiscent of the popular Cafe Rio style. This dressing elevates any meal with its bold flavors, and if you find yourself without tomatillos, simply substitute with green chile salsa for a slightly different kick. Perfect for meal prep, this dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick and easy flavor boost whenever you need it.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hidden Valley Ranch Traditional Salad Dressing Mix
1 packet (Not buttermilk variety)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (None)
Buttermilk
1 cup (None)
Tomatillos
2 (Husk removed and diced)
Fresh Cilantro
1/2 bunch (None)
Garlic Clove
1 (Mashed)
Lime
1 (Juice only)
Jalapeño
1 (Minced)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix, mayonnaise, and buttermilk. Blend until smooth.
2
Add the diced tomatillos, fresh cilantro, garlic clove, lime juice, and minced jalapeño to the blender.
3
Blend the mixture again until all ingredients are well incorporated and the dressing is creamy.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more lime juice for tang or more jalapeño for spice.
5
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
1
Carbs
0.8
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing?
It is a refreshing and zesty dressing that combines mayonnaise, buttermilk, lime, and cilantro, similar to the popular Cafe Rio style ranch.
What are the primary flavors in this dressing?
The dressing features a rich creaminess from mayonnaise and buttermilk, tangy brightness from lime juice, and a mild spice from jalape o.
Is this a Cafe Rio copycat recipe?
Yes, this dressing is reminiscent of the famous Cafe Rio style cilantro lime ranch.
What type of ranch mix should I use?
You should use one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Traditional Salad Dressing Mix. Do not use the buttermilk variety mix.
Can I substitute tomatillos?
Yes, if you do not have tomatillos, you can substitute them with green chile salsa for a slightly different flavor profile.
How many tomatillos are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tomatillos, with the husks removed and diced.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of mayonnaise.
What kind of buttermilk is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of standard buttermilk to provide its signature tang and creamy texture.
How much cilantro do I need?
You will need 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro.
How is the garlic prepared for this recipe?
One garlic clove should be mashed before being added to the blender.
Is the dressing spicy?
It has a mild kick from one minced jalape o, but you can adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Do I need a blender to make this?
Yes, a blender is necessary to ensure the ingredients like tomatillos and cilantro are fully incorporated and the texture is creamy.
What is the first step in the instructions?
In a blender, combine the ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, and buttermilk and blend until smooth.
When do I add the lime juice and jalape o?
Add the lime juice, minced jalape o, tomatillos, cilantro, and garlic after the initial base of mayo and buttermilk is blended.
How long should I refrigerate the dressing before serving?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to properly meld.
How should I store the leftover dressing?
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Can I make this dressing in advance?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for a quick flavor boost later.
How many calories are in this dressing?
There are 120 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
This dressing contains 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There is only 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving, making it a low-carb option.
How much protein does it contain?
The dressing contains 0.8 grams of protein per serving.
What dishes go well with this dressing?
It is an excellent addition to salads, tacos, and grilled vegetables.
Can I adjust the tanginess?
Yes, you can taste the mixture after blending and add more lime juice if you prefer a tangier dressing.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients in this recipe.
Does the recipe use fresh lime?
Yes, it uses the juice of one fresh lime.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is creamy and smooth once all ingredients are blended together.
Is there any fiber in this dressing?
The provided nutritional data indicates the fiber content is negligible or null.
Can I use this as a dip?
Yes, its creamy consistency makes it a great dip for vegetables or chips in addition to being a salad dressing.
Is this dressing considered healthy?
It is tagged as a healthy dressing, though it is high in fat due to the mayonnaise base.
How do I prep the jalape o?
The jalape o should be minced before being added to the blender.