You know that creamy, zesty, addictive jalapeno ranch dressing from Cafe Rio? Yeah, I’m about to reveal a copycat recipe that’s going to change your life. This creamy jalapeno ranch with cilantro? It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth. And just when you think it’s perfect—BAM, there’s a secret ingredient that takes it from “oh, this is good” to “I want to bathe in this.”
I've had many homemade versions of this dressing, but until I discovered the SECRET INGREDIENT nothing came close enough. I've finally nailed it down...so grab your blender, because you’re going to want to make this stuff in bulk—trust me, you’ll be drizzling it on everything. Let’s go!
It's not just for salad anymore. My family loves to eat this dressing on everything Tex-Mex flavored: burritos, tacos, rice, and fajitas to name a few.
If you don't have a Cafe Rio chef in your kitchen 24/7 (that would be a little weird), this creamy jalapeno ranch dressing will satisfy your craving any time of the day or night.
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Ingredients
All of the ingredients for this recipe are available at a standard grocery store (even the SUPER SECRET flavor bomb ingredient!!!)
- mayonnaise
- Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet
- buttermilk
- jalapeno
- garlic
- lime
- tomatillo
- cilantro
- pickled jalapeno & brine
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Creamy Tomatillo Ranch Dressing
It doesn't get much easier than this. Chop. Blend. Enjoy.
- Remove the papery outer covering of the tomatillos and chop in half.
- Slice the jalapeno in half and remove the stem. Leave the seeds in for a spicier dressing, or remove the seeds for less spice.
- Roughly chop the cilantro.
- Mince the garlic.
5. Place all ingredients in a blender.
6. Blend until combined and a smooth consistency. Serve or store covered in the refrigerator.
The Super Secret Flavor Bomb Ingredient is...
PICKLED JALAPENOS. You're welcome. I've had many versions of this recipe that were just all right, but they lacked some vital mystery ingredient. Something I couldn't name, and apparently no one outside of a Cafe Rio kitchen knew either. But when I tasted pickled jalapenos, right away I knew we were on to something big. This is the way.
Equipment
You'll need a cutting board, sharp knife, measuring cups, and blender. Probably also a jar with a lid to store your dressing in the fridge, unless you're eating it all on sight.
How to Store Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
To store homemade creamy salad dressing, follow these tips to keep it fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerate Immediately: Once you’ve made your dressing, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic bottle, and store it in the fridge. This will help preserve its freshness and keep the ingredients from separating. Make sure your lid is tight fitting, and store away from other ingredients with strong odors such as onions.
- Shelf Life: Most homemade creamy dressings can last in the fridge for about 5–7 days. Always check the dressing for any changes in texture, color, or smell before using it.
- Separation: It's normal for creamy dressings to separate over time. Just give it a good shake or stir before using to bring it back to its smooth, creamy consistency.
- Freezing (Optional): If you want to store your dressing for a longer period, you can freeze it. However, the texture might change slightly once thawed as creamy dressings can sometimes separate. To freeze, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge and stir well before using.
What the Heck are Pickled Jalapenos?
Pickled jalapeños are a tangy, flavorful condiment made by soaking fresh jalapeño peppers in a brine solution. Even if you've never heard of them before, you've probably tasted them! Here's a photo of the pickled jalapenos I buy at my grocery store:
Here's what you'll find inside the jar:
The solids inside the jar are the pickled jalapenos, and the liquid is the pickled jalapeno brine. You'll use both in this recipe.
FAQ
Tomatillos are small, round fruits that belong to the nightshade family, closely related to tomatoes. They are often mistaken for green tomatoes due to their similar appearance, but they have a distinct taste and texture. Tomatillos are encased in a papery husk, which is typically removed before use. When peeled, the fruit reveals a smooth, green skin that can range from light green to purple, depending on the variety.
The flavor of a tomatillo is tart, tangy, and slightly citrusy, which adds a bright, refreshing kick to dishes. They are commonly used in Mexican cuisine, especially in salsas, sauces, and soups. Tomatillos are a key ingredient in salsa verde, giving it its signature tartness. You can eat them raw or cook them, and when roasted or boiled they develop a slightly smokier, richer flavor.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with jalapeno ranch dressing:
Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Dressing with Cilantro (Cafe Rio Copycat)
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef's knife 8 to 10 inches
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- 1 blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 1-ounce package Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tomatillos halved
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 bunch cilantro roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 jalapeno
- ¼ cup pickled jalapenos
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeno brine (liquid from can of pickled jalapenos)
Instructions
- Remove the papery covering from the tomatillos and chop in half.
- Halve the jalapeno and remove the stem. Keep seeds for a spicier dressing, or remove seeds for less spice.
- Mince the garlic or put through a garlic press.
- Roughly chop the cilantro.
- Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and homogeneous consistency.
- Serve immediately or store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
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