This Cafe Rio Style Cilantro Ranch Dressing is tangy, super creamy, and has just the right kick of jalapeño. You’ll want to put it on everything!
I’ve had this Cafe Rio dressing recipe saved for months after my mom made it at a family gathering. She kindly emailed the recipe, and I finally decided the start of a new year — with spring on the horizon — was the perfect time to share it. It’s versatile, fresh, and simple to make.
Full disclosure: I prefer Costa Vida to Cafe Rio, but the dressing from either place is essentially the same. What matters here is the flavor — bright cilantro, tangy buttermilk, and a hit of jalapeño for heat. The original restaurant version sometimes includes tomatillos, but they aren’t necessary. Skipping them keeps the ingredient list shorter without sacrificing the taste.
This homemade version is fairly thick, so if you prefer the thinner, pourable consistency you get in restaurants, simply add extra buttermilk, milk, or even a little water until it reaches the texture you want. It stores well in the fridge and makes a great topping for salads, tacos, bowls, and more.
Be warned: it’s irresistible. You might find yourself licking the bottle clean. If you want a lighter version without losing flavor, there are easy swaps in the notes below. Enjoy this grown-up ranch — bright, creamy, and with a perfect jalapeño kick.
Cafe Rio Style Cilantro Ranch Dressing
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Ingredients
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix, (I prefer Hidden Valley Original/Buttermilk Dry Ranch Dressing Mix)
- 1 cup mayonnaise, (I use light)
- 1 cup buttermilk + more to desired consistency
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, (1 full bunch)
- 3 to 5 slices jalapeño, to taste (with seeds = spicier / without seeds = less spicy)
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a blender and run on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
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If the dressing is too thick, add extra buttermilk, regular milk, or water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
**For a lighter dressing, substitute ½ cup light mayonnaise and ½ cup plain Greek yogurt in place of 1 cup mayonnaise.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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