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Copycat Cafe Rio tomatillo dressing in a mason jar.
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5 from 2 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!
Course Sauces
Cuisine American
Keyword Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Chilling 1 hour
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 20
Calories 90kcal
Author Stephanie Manley

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 jalapeno 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.

Recipe Tips

Pro Tips for Tomatillo Dressing Success

  • 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

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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