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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!
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.
This Light and Spicy Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing is the most insanely delicious dressing you'll ever meet. Use it on salads, pizza, sandwiches, as a dip for chips or veggies, on nachos, quesadillas, salmon...
- 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
-
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.
Nutritional information does include 1 packet of Buttermilk Dressing Mix. 3 tablespoons of the homemade recipe has approximately the same number of calories.
John/Kitchen Riffs says
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!
Robyn Gleason says
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 🙂
Monique says
oh darn..researched
Monique says
I agree you have a BEAUTIFUL site w/ well reasearched..inventive recipes..on top of that gorgeous photos:)Thanks for everything you both share:)
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Monique. You are a wonderful encourager!
Dixie Harris says
Chris did I miss the recipe for the homemade buttermilk ranch dressing mix?
Chris Scheuer says
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.
Liz says
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!!
Chris Scheuer says
Enjoy Liz!!
Snow Brenner says
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.
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome Snow! I'm so happy we can provide the information for you 🙂
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
Still loving this beautiful dressing! I also love sprucing up old posts - and enjoying the recipes again. Pinned and sharing!
Chris Scheuer says
They are really fun flavors, aren't they Susan?
IsaBella Davis says
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!
Chris Scheuer says
I hope you enjoy it IsaBella!
Susan says
Another wonderful way to use that buttermilk dressing mix! We love those Southwest flavors too.
Abbe @ This is How I Cook says
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!
Chris Scheuer says
I think you'll love it Abbe!
Beverley says
Chris, once again you have made a delicious dressing that I want to savour into Fall and beyond. Great photos! xoxo
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for the very kind comments Beverley! Scott says, "Ditto!"
Jean Cary says
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
Chris Scheuer says
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!
Sarah and Arkadi says
we are going to add this excellent dressing to our "must try" list!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sarah and Arkadi! We've got it on our "keep making this!" list.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Those photos are so good I can almost taste that gorgeous dressing. I bet I can have this made in time for dinner!
Chris Scheuer says
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!
Marcy says
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!!
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome Marcy! And thanks for the thoughtful comment. The cilantro is low key in this dressing.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
It's like you made this with me in mind, just hand me a spoon, that's all I'll need!
Chris Scheuer says
Ha Ha! Thanks Sue!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
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.
Chris Scheuer says
Madonna, you probably could use other herbs with it. Let me know how it turns out - you may have invented something new!
Sandra says
Ginger! That is different and what a deightful it adds to this dressing. I love the way you never give up on a recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Sandra, my husband says I'm a "curious cat", because I am always inventing and tweaking!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Beautiful and quite delish... Great for salads and also grilled meats.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Denise!
Liz says
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 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Liz, I think you are; your posts are always inspiring me to try new creations!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I love a multi-purpose sauce! And I love all the ingredients in this amazing dressing. Thanks Chris! Sharing 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Tricia! That's a good word for it - multi=purpose!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Another fabulous dressing, Chris and so versatile!
Chris Scheuer says
It is Jennifer! It's kind of a chameleon, because it seems to adapt to whatever you serve it on or with.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
A fantastic dressing, perfect for almost all kinds of salads...that salmon looks amazing too.
Chris Scheuer says
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".