If you’ve ever been to Costa Vida or Cafe Rio you know that their Tomatillo Ranch Dressing might be the best thing they have. It’s a creamy, tangy, fresh, and packed with flavor dressing that is a perfect topping for salads, burritos, tacos, nachos or even just for dipping chips. The best part is, you can make this magic at home in just a few minutes and this creamy dressing tastes just like the real thing!
I love the Cilantro Tomatillo Dressings that both Cafe Rio and Costa Vida offer. Costa Vida’s is a little less spicy than Cafe Rio’s so I actually prefer it, and this dressing is a copy of that. I’ll give you tips below for how to give it a little more kick though, if that’s what you like!
This easy recipe is made by tossing a few ingredients into a blender and blending until its creamy and combined. It’s so easy, I might be making it every week or two because we love keeping it on hand in our fridge for eating with ALL the things!
Don’t forget to make a killer Sweet Pork Salad with this dressing, and our homemade Cafe Rio Sweet Pork! I like to add a big pile of lettuce, black beans, tortilla strips, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, queso fresco, and of course this dressing!
Why make this Recipe
- So easy to make: You’ll throw the ingredients into a blender and blend. I like to stick it in the fridge to chill for a bit, but that’s all you have to do!
- Tastes just like you’ll get at a Restaurant: That creamy, tangy, zesty, fresh flavor is so spot on!
- Versatile: You’ll love this dressing on salads (of course), but also burritos, tacos, dipping veggies in it, on grilled chicken, with chips, you name it!
Ingredients Needed
This is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this Tomatillo Ranch Dressing Recipe. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise – Gives the dressing its creamy base
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix – An easy shortcut to that classic ranch flavor
- Buttermilk – Adds a slight tang, and thins out the dressing. Add a little more or less for a thicker or thinner dressing
- Tomatillos – These can be found near the peppers in your grocery store, they look like green tomatoes. I’ve found them with and without their husks.
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds a bright, fresh flavor
- Minced Garlic – Just a little goes a long way. You can also use 1 garlic clove.
- Fresh Limes – Enhances the fresh and tangy flavor
- Jalapeno – I cut out the seeds for less spice, but if you want the dressing spicier leave them in.
How to make Tomatillo Ranch Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Add to a Blender. Add all the ingredients to a blender (Mayonnaise, Ranch Mix, Buttermilk, Tomatillos, Cilantro, Garlic, Lime Juice, and Jalapeno). Blend until totally smooth.
Step 2: Chill. Pour into a bowl, or bottle and place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour, to really let the flavors blend.
Tips and Tricks:
- Adjust the spice level – For a milder dressing, remove the jalapeño seeds; for more heat, leave them in. You could also use only half a jalapeno, or two jalapenos depending on your preferences.
- Chill before Serving – Let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, this will really help all the flavors combine and come together so nicely.
Storage Instructions
Store the dressing in a covered container for up to 1 week. Do not freeze the dressing as the dairy can separate, and it is best prepared fresh.
This Copycat Tomatillo Ranch Dressing is loaded with flavor. It’s so easy to make, and tastes just like your favorite restaurant version – maybe even better! I promise you’ll be making it on repeat in your house!
More Dressing Recipes
Cilantro Tomatillo Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1 oz Hidden Valley Buttermilk Restaurant Style Dressing Mix
- 2 Tomatillos (husked, and quartered)
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1 jalapeno (stem removed, and deseeded)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. 1 cup Mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Buttermilk, 1 oz Hidden Valley Buttermilk Restaurant Style Dressing Mix , 2 Tomatillos, 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, 1 tsp minced garlic , 1 tsp fresh lime juice, 1 jalapeno
- Add a couple extra TBS of mayo if it is too thin, add more buttermilk if it is too thick.
- Place into an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve with your salads, burritos, nachos, etc.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level – For a milder dressing, remove the jalapeño seeds; for more heat, leave them in. You could also use only half a jalapeno, or two jalapenos depending on your preferences.
- Chill before Serving – Let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, this will really help all the flavors combine and come together so nicely.
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