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This super easy, Southwestern Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing is one of those insanely delicious salad dressings that will make you want to skip the main course!
A while back our daughter, Cait, made dinner for us. She served a wonderful grilled steak and the BEST salad. When I asked her about the dressing (it was so... good), she said, "It's your Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing recipe". It was like a delicious revelation to me, as, I'm not sure how, but I'd totally forgotten about this bright, vibrant dressing.
I've made it several times since, tweaking the recipe just a bit and I've served it on salads, as a sandwich spread and a veggie dip. It's also fabulous drizzled over salmon, chicken, pork and shrimp. Scott and I can easily go through a whole jar (the recipe makes a lot!) of this Southwestern Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing in a week. It takes simple meals to a fresh, vibrant, gourmet level!
In addition to being crazy delicious, I love that this dressing is relatively light in comparison to some dressings. It's wonderful being able to add SO much flavor without adding a lot of calories (less than 100 for 3 tablespoons, yay!).
This Southwestern Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing recipe actually came about several years ago. My daughter-in-law, Lindsay was coming for lunch and I decided to prepare a salad I had found online with fresh greens, tomatoes, black beans, corn, rotisserie chicken and tortilla chips. I was especially excited about the dressing, as it was one that I had read about over and over, a copycat recipe from a Southwestern-inspired restaurant chain called Café Rio. It had a zillion rave reviews and I'd been dying to try it.
It was easy to put together; just throw the ingredients into a blender and whir it all together. It was done in just a few minutes, and we sat down for a south-of-the-border lunch.
Did the famous dressing live up to the hype? I can't speak for the original Cafe Rio dressing, but this particular copycat dressing was a bit disappointing. Not bad, but Lindsay and I both agreed, not out-of-this-world-delicious either.
I couldn't let get the recipe out of my mind though, so I decided to play around with some of the same ingredients and create my own rendition. I tinkered around for the next few days and, in the end, came up with a recipe we love. As in L-O-V-E!
This is not a Cafe Rio copycat recipe, since I've never had the original and it's quite different from the copycat recipes I've seen; but it is insanely delicious, for sure!
So easy to throw together
This Southwestern Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing comes together quickly in the blender, just like the copycat recipe. Just combine all the ingredients (Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, fresh ginger and garlic) and give them a good whirl. That's it!
My daughter-in-law, Lindsay created a quick video to demonstrate the easy technique:
See what I mean? So easy... for so much deliciousness!
Super versatile!
The dressing is wonderful drizzled on grilled salmon and it's a perfect pairing with this fabulous Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon Salad. This salad will be sure to wow your guests for a casual, easy, dinner party entree with a beautiful presentation.
If you're not a cilantro fan...
I'm calling my dressing Southwestern Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing. But just a little "heads up"; although the recipe does call for a generous amount of cilantro, you might be surprised if you're not a cilantro fan. When you combine all the ingredients together, it's not the cilantro taste that comes through, just lots of fresh, vibrant flavor. That being said, this dressing would also be delicious with fresh basil in an equal amount.
Either way, I promise you'll want this delicious dressing recipe in your life... asap!
P.S. I mentioned that this dressing is nice drizzled over salmon. It pairs PERFECTLY with this Mexican Sugar Seared Salmon!
Café Tips for this Southwestern Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
- Jalapeño peppers can vary in heat levels, so be careful. It's better to start with just part of a jalapeño, add everything else and blend the dressing together, then taste it. You can always add more, but you won't be able to remove the heat. We like things spicy, but not super hot, so generally I add one medium jalapeño with some of the seeds - however, I have had to add more if I had milder jalapeños.
- Ginger? Yes! Although ginger is generally used more in Asian cuisine, it gives a delightful pizzazz to this dressing, in combination with the other ingredients. Don't skip it!
- This Southwestern Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing calls for a package of buttermilk dressing mix. I came up with my own Homemade Buttermilk Dressing Mix awhile back. It's delicious (and has no preservatives or weird chemicals) but it's also fine to use a package of store-bought buttermilk ranch dressing. You can also buy buttermilk dry dressing mix in bulk, which is nice to have on hand.
- The way this dressing looks will depend on the type of blender you have. A regular blender will yield a dressing that's pale green with tiny specks of green cilantro. A heavy-duty, high-speed blender will result in a dressing that's deeper in color with no specks of cilantro. Both are delicious!
- I mentioned above that you could use basil to sub for the cilantro. You can also use a half and half mix (of fresh basil and cilantro) with fabulous results.
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Southwestern Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise, (I like Hellman's)
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt, I use Fage
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 cup finely chopped cilantro, packed tight (1 medium-size bunch)
- 1 small or medium jalapeño - Leave the seeds in if you like it spicier, but see note in Café Tips above.
- 2 medium cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons Buttermilk (Ranch) Dressing Mix, 1 packet
- milk, to thin, if needed
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender container. Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. The dressing will also thicken a bit as it sits. If it's too thick, thin with milk as desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Looks like a great recipe! Is there ANY chance you'll share/have shared the salad recipe that you served Lindsay, with the original iteration of the salad dressing? The description intrigues me.. 🤗 Many thanks!
Haha, I wish I could remember but I don't! Too many other recipes have come down the pike since then.
This is a fantastic dressing! I make a batch of it each week and use it mostly on my large lunchtime salad. This dressing has made a huge salad-lover out of me. I leave out the garlic because I don't like it raw, and I use the ranch dressing packet. I had a salad bar for my book club, and 5 of our members requested the recipe! Many thanks for this recipe. Having a large salad daily has been part of a weight loss program for me, and I've lost 52 pounds! I don't think I could have done it without this dressing.
That's amazing, Jill!! Way to go! And thank you for your kind review 🙂
How long will this keep in a glass jar, refrigerated?
Hi Ginger, this should last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Enjoy!
Hi Cafe Sucre Farine, I love all your recipes. So glad I found your website. I was wondering if this recipe would work with chicken as well?
Yes! Enjoy, Debbie.
Hi, I used 3 tablespoons of the buttermilk ranch dressing mix as stated in your recipe and it’s beyond ridiculously salty. I didn’t use any other salt. You sure it’s not 3 teaspoons? Followed recipe exactly.
Hi Elzy, So sorry you had problems with this recipe but it is supposed to be 3 tablespoons. It's the same amount (1 packet) that you would use to make a regular batch of dressing. Not sure why yours is so salty??? I've made this dressing dozens of times and it's not ever been too salty.
Okay, thank you! Maybe I had a brain bloop and didn’t measure the other ingredients correctly. I’ll try it again! 🙂
Being a new vegan and learning to adapt to its challenges, I wonder if I could use vegannaise and soy yogurt in this. Anyone tried that with this recipe?
Let us know if you try it, Patti!
Thanks for the comment about replacing the cilantro with basil. My wife and I both have the gene that results in cilantro tasting like soap.
I hope you enjoy it, Bob!
I keep a container of the powdered buttermilk in the fridge ALWAYS,, I use it in blue cheese. I'm excited to try this and your buttermilk ranch dressing since I see you too do not like the commercial stuff. Will update after I make it next weekend !!
Let us know, T!
Hi can regular buttermilk in its liquid form work ?
Hi Sharon, it's the spices and seasonings in the dry mix that give the wonderful flavor to this dressing so, to answer your question, you could use buttermilk but you would need to add all the other ingredients in the seasoning. I haven't tested the recipe that way so I can't tell you exact amounts of ingredients.
Hi Chris! My husband doesn’t think he likes cilantro, or greek yogurt. But I made this while he was away at work, and he loved it! He had no clue what was in it and didn’t ask (nor did I offer to tell him). Another great recipe, thank you!
😂 I'm so glad! Thanks, Cassie.
Where's the buttermilk in this "buttermilk" dressing?
Hi Bort, the buttermilk is in the dressing mix. It's powdered buttermilk. Enjoy!
This was so delicious! And made the salad especially beautiful. I'll be making this again. As a bonus it's low carb and WW friendly. One tablespoon goes a long way on a salad. 1g net carbs and 0 Smart Points on the current Blue plan. And I like to snack on baby carrots and dip in the afternoon, so this will be great for that. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
That is so awesome, Jeanne, and I know it will be helpful to other readers to have this information. Thanks so much! 💕
What is buttermilk dressing..I dont think we get it here in S.A.can I substitute it
Hi Abeda, buttermilk dressing mix is also called ranch dressing mix and makes a creamy buttermilk dressing that is very popular here in the States. There is a link for a recipe for buttermilk dressing mix if you can get powdered or dry buttermilk.
If you don't have dry buttermilk, you could just make a mix of the spices and use 3 tablespoons of that. Here is the link for the homemade buttermilk dressing mix: https://thecafesucrefarine.com/homemade-buttermilk-ranch-dressing-mix/
Can you substitute buttermilk in the dressing.
This is a great recipe to use the cilantro that I would typically throw away after using just a few sprigs for garnish.
Definitely a recipe you' want to bring back. Like what you've done to this version of it -- I'll bet the flavor is wonderful. L-O-V-E? I'm sold!
You make the best dressings, Chris, and these photos are mouth-watering gorgeous!
These flavours are divine and I know I'll be making this over and over again this summer because I'm a huge cilantro fan. Just beautiful! Sharing 🙂
oh darn..researched
I agree you have a BEAUTIFUL site w/ well reasearched..inventive recipes..on top of that gorgeous photos:)Thanks for everything you both share:)
Thanks so much Monique. You are a wonderful encourager!
Chris did I miss the recipe for the homemade buttermilk ranch dressing mix?
Hi Dixie! Hope you're doing well 🙂 If you click of the words Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix, it's a link to that recipe. But you could also use the purchased ranch dressing packet.
I'm going to buy a ton of fresh veggies for a salad when I get home. I will smother them in this amazing dressing all over them! Sounds like heaven to me!!
Enjoy Liz!!
Thank you so very much for including the nutritional info! I have been a huge fan of your site but for my husband's health, we now have very little salt intake, so now I can tweek a bit.
You're welcome Snow! I'm so happy we can provide the information for you 🙂
Still loving this beautiful dressing! I also love sprucing up old posts - and enjoying the recipes again. Pinned and sharing!
They are really fun flavors, aren't they Susan?
Ive always made homemade buttermilk ranch..no preservatives and chives out of the garden...your recipe sounds like the PERFECT
compliment for the salmon...sounds like dinner tomorrow!! Thank you for sharing!
I hope you enjoy it IsaBella!
Another wonderful way to use that buttermilk dressing mix! We love those Southwest flavors too.
I happen to love cilantro and can't wait to lick my lips with this! And now I'm just chomping at the bit to see this salmon!
I think you'll love it Abbe!
Chris, once again you have made a delicious dressing that I want to savour into Fall and beyond. Great photos! xoxo
Thanks for the very kind comments Beverley! Scott says, "Ditto!"
Hello! I just came upon your website while looking for some kind of fabulous new recipe to try. I really don't cook that much anymore but I'd like to do a little more. I want to congratulate you on such a beautiful site. The recipes sound outstanding, but I want to tell you that I absolutely love your writing ... it's so enjoyable to read! It shows such vibrancy for life, curiosity, love of good food and nature's art.. On tope of that it shows a love of people and sharing joy. The photographs are also Just divine. I appreciate your time and hard work. When I first opened your site I saw the fabulous photo of the red onion and your comments about the beauty of it. I realized right then that I needed to continue reading as I too find Amazing beauty in nature's art. (We're very,very fortunate - a lot of people walk by without noticing so many things - if they would just take the time to look -- really loook.)
I could go on and on --- but my main objective here is to express my gratitude and appreciation for what you are doing. I'm sure many people ennjoy you site. Thank you! Jean
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment Jean! Scott and I love what we do and have been blessed to work together on the blog now for the past four years. We both retired from our long time jobs and now tend the farm (the blog!). It has taken us many places in the past couple of years, and is a constant source of creation for both of us. I guess you could say we are created to create by the Creator! Stop by any time!
we are going to add this excellent dressing to our "must try" list!
Thanks Sarah and Arkadi! We've got it on our "keep making this!" list.
Those photos are so good I can almost taste that gorgeous dressing. I bet I can have this made in time for dinner!
Thanks Maureen! At first we were concerned that it would be a hard thing to capture in a photo, but when Scott and I looked at the initial pictures, we were surprised!
Quite delicious!!! Just the right amount of heat! I can't decide how I feel about cilantro so I was pleased that despite the amount called for, it was not at all overpowering. Thanks for another winner!!
You're welcome Marcy! And thanks for the thoughtful comment. The cilantro is low key in this dressing.
It's like you made this with me in mind, just hand me a spoon, that's all I'll need!
Ha Ha! Thanks Sue!
Chris, I am no fan of cilantro, but I am trying to find my way around it since it is in everything here in CA. The base of this recipe sounds like it would work perfectly with dill or parsley, or chives. Your presentation is so beautiful and appealing.
Madonna, you probably could use other herbs with it. Let me know how it turns out - you may have invented something new!
Ginger! That is different and what a deightful it adds to this dressing. I love the way you never give up on a recipe!
Sandra, my husband says I'm a "curious cat", because I am always inventing and tweaking!
Beautiful and quite delish... Great for salads and also grilled meats.
Thanks Denise!
I'm making fajitas for dinner tomorrow and have ample cilantro and jalapenos in the house! This dressing may just have inspired our side salad---it sounds terrific!!! You're such a master in the kitchen 🙂
Thanks Liz, I think you are; your posts are always inspiring me to try new creations!
I love a multi-purpose sauce! And I love all the ingredients in this amazing dressing. Thanks Chris! Sharing 🙂
Thanks Tricia! That's a good word for it - multi=purpose!
Another fabulous dressing, Chris and so versatile!
It is Jennifer! It's kind of a chameleon, because it seems to adapt to whatever you serve it on or with.
A fantastic dressing, perfect for almost all kinds of salads...that salmon looks amazing too.
It is amazing Angie! We've had it a couple of times, this past week and it's so flavorful. Just the perfect amount of "heat".