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This Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing is exactly the same as Cafe Rio’s. If I had them side by side, I wouldn’t be able to tell a difference.
The site that I got the recipe from had been working to perfect it for a year. This was absolutely amazing over my Cafe Rio Pulled Pork Salad! If you want a spicier version, try my Jalapeno Ranch next.
Ingredients Needed
This Cafe Rio cilantro ranch dressing doesn’t take much for the expplosion of flavor it offers!
- Packet dry ranch packet
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Tomatillos
- Fresh cilantro
- Clove garlic
- Lime juice
- Jalapeno
How to Make Cilantro Ranch Dressing
The best part about this dressing is how easy it is to make! Well, I lied, the best part is how it tastes, but an added bonus is how easy it is!
- Blend: Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth and creamy.
- Store: Pour the dressing into a sealable container and store it in the fridge or use it right away.
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Cafe Rio {Copycat} Cilantro Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 packet dry ranch packet
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tomatillos, remove husk, diced
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 lime juice
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing into a sealable container and store it in the fridge or use it right away.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I am a huge cilantro lover so I leave the stems. This is where the flavor is and I never throw the stems away. Once you start using the stems, you will never throw them out again.
Soo good! Tastes just like Cafe Rio’s! I have been adding extra mayo to make it a little thicker but otherwise I’m so happy I found this recipe!!
Yay! So glad you like it!
The recipe says “1 packet dry ranch packet.” Please let us know what size “packet” of ranch dressing (or some other measurement). Also, the recipe says “1 lime juice.” By this, do you mean the juice of 1 lime?
Thank you.
Hi Sue, thank you for your question. Sorry the recipe was unclear to you. I have only ever seen one size of the ranch seasoning packets, and those are 1oz packets. You will use the juice of 1 lime. I hope this answers your questions! This is one of my favorite dressings!
so glad i seen this recipe, making it tonight
SPOT ON!!!!! Many servings too!
This was outstanding. I made half of the recipe and it perfect.
It has a tang that was perfect on the baja tacos.
How long does this last?
It will last about 1-2 weeks when kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can you use regular milk and not buttermilk?
You need buttermilk for this recipe. You can easily make it at home with just a couple of ingredients! Here is my buttermilk recipe: How to Make Buttermilk
How much dressing does this recipe make?
Thank you!
Hi Mandy!
This recipe makes about 3 cups of dressing! Please let me know what you think. I would love to hear back from you! Thanks for following along!!
I used to make this a lot but moved to a different country and no longer have access to the powder (only hidden valley ranch bottles).
Any ideas on what I can do to make this recipe happen?
In a small bowl, stir together the parsley, pepper, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme. Use as a substitute for Ranch Dressing Mix, that should help you. Enjoy this meal! It is delicious!