Creamy Tomatillo Ranch {cafe rio copycat} – Creamy ranch dressing seasoned with fresh cilantro, zesty lime and tomatillos!
It’s no secret that I adore Mexican food. Both the truly authentic, and the American-ized. Cafe Rio is a regular even at our house. We l.o.v.e. Cafe Rio and we are o.b.s.e.s.s.e.d with their Creamy Tomatillo Ranch dressing. I could put that stuff on everything! And I do. Sometimes I just drink it straight.
Okay I don’t drink it straight. But I do lick the spoon.
This Cafe Rio copycat recipe is so simple and quick to make, just throw all of the ingredients in the blender, give it a few good pulses, let it chill and you’ve got the most amazing dressing. I especially love to pour this Creamy Tomatillo Ranch on tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and our favorite copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork!! (Scroll down to check out that recipe as well!)
- 1 package Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix (dry)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mayo (I used reduced fat)
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 medium-sized tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
- Add all ingredients to your blender and pulse 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add extra water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Chill at least one hour before use and store in fridge in airtight container. **Makes about 2 cups**
These are tasty too!
This is my go to special sauce recipe for any Mexican dinner I make. My family loves and expects it every time. I did adapt the recipe to my family’s taste- I leave out the water and replace the buttermilk with sour cream. I also add more tomatillos and jalapeño depending on how I’m feeling. Also I always try to make it a day ahead to give it time for the flavors to meld together .
Hey Tiffany! I’ve been making this recipe along with you taquitos for years. We absolutely love them both. However, every time we make this Creamy Tomatillo Ranch it is more watery than creamy. We have even omitted the water but it’s still not creamy. Any suggestions?
for thicker dressing, reduce buttermilk + add sour cream