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January 18, 2021 Leave a Comment

Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing

A partial picture of a jar of Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing being held over a blue plate with Cafe Rio Sweet Pork on it. In the background is a rolled up flour tortilla.One of my favorite restaurants is Cafe Rio. I love it sooooo much and there isn’t anything like it here in Germany. As delicious as all of their food is, the thing that brings it all together, for me, is their Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing. 

Dipping their homemade tortillas in that Cilantro Ranch is one of the finer things in life if you ask me. So.good. Thank goodness I have good copycat recipes for both of them. 

This ranch is typically made with tomatillos but those can be hard to find over here. After lots of experimenting, I’ve figured out that half a cup of Herdez Salsa Verde is an excellent substitute, and in my opinion gives it an even better flavor! You are going to LOVE this salad dressing.

The Best Recipes to Serve this Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing on:

  • Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos
  • Salsa Chicken Enchiladas
  • Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
  • Navajo Tacos
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
  • Easy Tex-Mex Shredded Pork

How to make Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing

Three-photo collage of steps on how to make Cafe Rio dressing.A jar of cilantro ranch dressing next to a grey napkin with a folded flour tortilla sitting on top of the napkin.Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing

What gives Cafe Rio Cilantro Dressing its unique flavor?

The unique flavor is a combination of things. The cilantro, garlic, and tomatillos that are in the salsa verde match perfectly with the buttermilk ranch. You will love this unique dressing. 

Is it okay to use the stems of the cilantro or should I just use the leaves?

I try to mostly use leaves, but it is tedious to pull them off. I usually rip off the top part of the cilantro bunch and then pull out any stems that look extra long and thick. 

Will it still taste the same if I don’t add the Jalapeno?

With the Herdez Salsa Verde, the Jalapeno isn’t completely necessary, but I still add it because it gives a nice pepper flavor to the dressing that only a raw pepper could add. I’ve made it with and without, and both are delicious. 

A picture of Cafe Rio Sweet Pork topped with cilantro ranch dressing sitting on a blue plate. There's the top of a fork and a folded flour tortilla in the background sitting on top of a grey napkin.Will this recipe still work if I don’t use buttermilk?

Yes, but the buttermilk adds an extra zip!

How much dressing does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 2 1/2-3 cups of dressing. 

can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, absolutely. This dressing can stay good in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container. Pinterest photo collage of dressing with text of the title in the middle of the collage.

My Favorite Spanish Rice Recipes

Instant Pot spanish rice in a white bowl with a light colored hand towel in the background.Instant Pot Spanish Ricebaked spanish riceOven Baked Spanish RiceOven Baked Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe, Throw it in the oven and forget about it!Oven Baked Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing
 
Print
Prep time
5 mins
Total time
5 mins
 
Full of flavor and the perfect complement to your favorite Mexican dishes; this Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing is just like the real thing. You will love this dressing.
Serves: 2½ cups
Ingredients
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 Buttermilk Hidden Valley Ranch packet
  • ½ cup Herdez Salsa Verde
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded (unless you like things spicy, then leave the seeds)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • ¼-1/2 cup fresh cilantro, I usually just throw in a handful.
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in your blender.
  2. Blend until completely smooth. If possible, refrigerate for an hour or two before serving.
  3. Serve with your favorite Mexican dishes. (Our family also likes it on baked potatoes.)
  4. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.
  5. Enjoy!
3.4.3177

 

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  • Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing Pinterest picture with title of text at the top.

Mexican, Salads/Dressings, Seasoning Mixes/Condiments
Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing, Cafe Rio Copy Cat Recipe, Cilantro Ranch, Cilantro Ranch Dressing, copy cat recipe
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Welcome friends!

Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


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