0 from 6 votes
Creamy Cafe Rio-Style Tomatillo Cilantro Dressing
This vibrant tomatillo dressing combines the creaminess of ranch with the bright flavors of cilantro, lime, and tomatillos. With just the right hint of jalapeño heat, it's perfect for salads, tacos, burrito bowls, or as a dipping sauce for just about anything!
Prep Time
5 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 20
Calories: 90 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1 package Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
- 2 small tomatillos husks removed and cut in half
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 small lime juiced
- 1 Jalapeño seeds removed if you like it mild, or keep the seeds for spicy
Instructions
- Add the buttermilk, mayonnaise, Ranch seasoning packet, tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno to a food processor or blender.
- Blend for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing into a mason jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Mayo Matters: Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best balance of creaminess and helps moderate the heat from the jalapeño. Light mayonnaise will work but yields a slightly thinner dressing.
- Cilantro Stems: Don't discard the cilantro stems! They're packed with flavor and will blend perfectly into the dressing.
- Heat Control: The heat level can vary significantly between jalapeños. Start with half a pepper if you're sensitive to spice, then add more to taste.
- Lime Selection: Choose heavy limes with thin, smooth skin for the most juice. Roll them firmly on the counter before juicing to release maximum liquid.
- Resting Time: While it's tempting to use the dressing immediately, the one-hour rest in the refrigerator is crucial for allowing flavors to meld and develop.
- Storage Container: Store in a glass container rather than plastic to prevent the garlic and jalapeño flavors from permeating the container.
Nutrition Information
Serving
2tablespoons
Calories
90kcal
(5%)
Carbohydrates
2g
(1%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
5g
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
Trans Fat
0.02g
Cholesterol
6mg
(2%)
Sodium
189mg
(8%)
Potassium
34mg
(1%)
Fiber
0.1g
(0%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
66IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
16mg
(2%)
Iron
0.1mg
(1%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 20Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 90
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 90kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 189mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 34mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 66IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.