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Cafe Rio Tomatillo Ranch Dressing Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

This Cafe Rio Tomatillo Ranch Dressing recipe combines the tangy zest of tomatillos with the creamy richness of classic ranch dressing, enhanced by fresh cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic for a vibrant, flavorful sauce perfect for salads, tacos, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1 packet Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix (dry)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup mayo (reduced fat recommended)
  • 2 medium-sized tomatillos, husked and chopped
  • ½ cup packed cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1 ½ teaspoons lime juice
  • ½ cup water, added as needed

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: Add the ranch dressing mix, buttermilk, mayo, tomatillos, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, and lime juice into your blender.
  2. Blend until smooth: Pulse the blender for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  3. Adjust consistency: Slowly add water a little at a time while blending to reach your desired consistency for the dressing.
  4. Chill: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour so the flavors meld and the dressing thickens slightly.

Notes

  • Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or leave some in for extra spice.
  • Use reduced-fat mayo and low-fat buttermilk to keep the dressing lighter.
  • This dressing pairs well with Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, salads, or grilled vegetables.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.