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We have a favorite recipe for Homemade Ranch Dressing, but when it comes to Mexican dishes, Café Rio dressing is the ONLY way to go!
We’ve been on a QUEST to find the perfect Café Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing and are happy the quest is over! We tested a dozen recipes comparing it to the real deal and the recipe we are sharing today is the one everyone voted the best.
This Cafe Rio dressing is DELICIOUS!! You’ll want this stuff with everything! We have it on our tacos, chips, quesadillas, salad—you name it!!
SO glad we finally found the recipe that is most like the restaurants – plus, it comes together quick making it a monthly must-make.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Delicious! This dressing is practically drinkable, and is very flavorful.
- Simple. It takes minutes to make and is the perfect addition to any meal.
- The perfect topping. It’s great for so many dishes like salads, tacos, bowls, chips and more.
Cafe Rio Ingredients and Substitutions
- 1 packet ranch dip dressing (or 3 tbsp)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream – plain greek yogurt can be used as well
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic – or 2 garlic cloves – they are even better and add more flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2-3 tablespoons diced jalapenos, deseeded – keep the seeds if you want to add more heat.
- 1/2 buttermilk (plus more if needed) – if you don’t have buttermilk, whole milk can be used or our Substitute Buttermilk recipe.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice – fresh or from the bottle works
- 3-4 tomatillos – fresh or canned both work.
How to Make Cafe Rio Dressing
- Blend all ingredients in the blender. Add milk until it’s the consistency you want (I did about ⅓ cup).
It’s that easy to make this cilantro ranch dressing!! But be warned: just try not to drink it all!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- So many things to add it to! We love to use this Cafe Rio dressing on any salad, but also love it on these recipes: Chicken Tacos, Southwest Salad, Chicken Quesadillas, Loaded Nachos, and Homemade Tortillas.
- Add more heat. For more spice, add more jalapeno or leave the seeds in.
- Fresh is key. If possible, use fresh garlic, fresh lime juice and fresh tomatillos. They always make the dressing even more flavorful.
Cafe Rio Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix, or 3 tablespoons
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2-3 tablespoons diced jalapenos, deseeded
- 1/3 cup buttermilk, plus more if needed
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3-4 tomatillos
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in the blender. Add milk until it’s the consistency you want (I did about ⅓ cup).
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
We like to make this dressing a day or two ahead of when we want to use it, because then it has time to sit in the fridge and let the flavors all combine.
Put it in an airtight container, a glass jar with a lid, or even reuse an empty dressing bottle. If stored properly, it should last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
More Recipes Like This:
Serve this With
More Cafe Rio recipes
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe
6 hrs 5 mins
Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken
3 hrs 5 mins
Flour Tortilla Recipe
45 mins
Nachos Recipe
15 mins
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This recipe was first shared April 2011 and has been updated to be even better.
Delicious! Another great hit, Kristyn! We’ll use this on many, many things! And will help me to eat more salads 😄 We had on tacos last night and it was perfect! Oh just so you know, your link here to making buttermilk substitute goes to your recipe for buttermilk syrup 😊 There’s a link in there for your buttermilk making method so I did get there, I just thought you might want to know. Thanks again for another great recipe!
Definitely does not taste like cafe rio. Tried this recipe 3 different time
How do you store this dressing? and how long can you store it for?
Yeah, you can put it in an airtight container, a glass jar with a lid, or even reuse an empty dressing bottle. If stored properly, it should last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
How long can the Cilantro Dressing keep in the fridge?
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try!
I’m a little confused. Do you use the ranch dressing mix or ranch dip mix? Those are 2 different products.
You could honestly probably use either, but we use the seasoning/dressing mix.
I think the nutrition facts is off… per serving it’s 2052??? Not a chance.
Not per serving. That would be for the whole batch/recipe. 🙂