Creamy Cilantro Tomatillo Sauce
Elevate your meals with this delightful Creamy Cilantro Tomatillo Sauce, inspired by the popular Cafe Rio dressing. This zesty and creamy sauce combines the freshness of tomatillos and cilantro with the rich creaminess of buttermilk ranch dressing, creating the perfect complement for tacos, salads, burritos, or as a dip for your favorite chips. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this dressing will be a hit at any gathering or simply as a delicious addition to your everyday meals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Buttermilk ranch salad dressing mix
1 (1 (4 ounce) packet)
Tomatillos
2 (Rinsed and chopped)
Cilantro
1/2 bunch (Fresh, rinsed and roughly chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (Peeled)
Lime
1 (Juice of)
Jalapeno
1 (Seeds removed and chopped (adjust to taste))
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, prepare the buttermilk ranch dressing according to the package instructions.
2
While the dressing is being prepared, rinse and roughly chop the tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeno, and garlic clove.
3
In a blender or food processor, combine the prepared ranch dressing, chopped tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and jalapeno.
4
Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; you may want to add more lime juice or jalapeno for extra zest.
6
Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled, and enjoy as a dressing, dip, or sauce!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cilantro Tomatillo Sauce?
It is a zesty and creamy sauce inspired by the popular Cafe Rio dressing that combines tomatillos, cilantro, and buttermilk ranch.
What makes this sauce special?
This sauce elevates meals with a fresh blend of tomatillos and cilantro balanced by the richness of buttermilk ranch dressing.
What are the primary flavors in this dressing?
The dressing features tangy tomatillos, fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a creamy ranch base with a hint of garlic and jalapeno.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: buttermilk ranch mix, tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, lime, and jalapeno.
How should I prepare the tomatillos?
The tomatillos should be rinsed and roughly chopped before being added to the blender or food processor.
How do I prepare the ranch dressing component?
Prepare the buttermilk ranch dressing in a mixing bowl according to the instructions provided on the 4-ounce packet.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeno to the mixture based on your personal preference.
Should I remove the seeds from the jalapeno?
Yes, the recipe suggests removing the seeds and chopping the jalapeno before blending to manage the heat.
What equipment is needed to make this sauce?
You will need a mixing bowl for the ranch and a blender or food processor to combine all the ingredients.
How do I achieve the best texture?
Blend the mixture on high speed until it is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary.
Does the sauce need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, it should be refrigerated in an airtight container for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the best serving suggestions for this sauce?
It is perfect for tacos, salads, and burritos, or as a dip for your favorite chips.
Is this sauce good for large gatherings?
Yes, it is easy to make and its flavor profile makes it a popular hit at parties and events.
Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of a mix?
While the recipe calls for a packet mix, you can use pre-made buttermilk ranch as a convenient substitute.
How much cilantro is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, rinsed and roughly chopped.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for one peeled garlic clove to be blended into the sauce.
How many tomatillos do I need?
You will need two tomatillos for a standard batch of this dressing.
Do I use the whole lime or just the juice?
You should use the juice of one lime to provide the necessary zest and acidity.
Is this a spicy sauce?
It has a mild to moderate kick depending on the jalapeno used, which is why it is tagged as spicy.
Can I add extra lime juice?
Yes, after blending, you can taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice for extra zest.
What is the preparation time like?
The hands-on preparation is very quick, involving only basic chopping and blending.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftover sauce should be kept in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor works perfectly fine to blend the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
Should the sauce be served warm or cold?
The sauce is intended to be served chilled for the best flavor experience.
What food categories does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a sauce, dressing, and dip.
Is the texture of the sauce very thick?
The texture is creamy and smooth, similar to a traditional ranch dressing but with added body from the vegetables.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least 30 minutes in advance is recommended to ensure the flavors are fully developed.
What are the search tags for this recipe?
Common tags include sauce, dressing, tomatillo, cilantro, ranch, spicy, creamy, dip, tacos, and salad dressing.
Is this similar to Cafe Rio's dressing?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be a copycat or inspired version of that popular dressing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for bigger groups.