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 .