A creamy zesty variation on the classic buttermilk ranch. Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing is addicting and a perfect addition to any salad or wrap, plus you won't be able to stop dipping your french fries in it!
Looking for a salad to add Cilantro Lime Ranch to? Try it with our BBQ Chicken Salad or drizzle it on Shrimp Tacos with Mango Lime Salsa.
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Why We Made This Dressing
I used to work at a restaurant called Zim Zari in New York. It was like a modern California Taco restaurant. And they served a cilantro ranch there. It was delicious. Although the restaurant is now closed I had to try to recreate the dressing.
The biggest problem is that I haven't had the dressing in about 10 years, so I'm basing this on a memory from my early 20s, which are not the most reliable memories. Marisa and I both agreed that it is pretty spot on and regardless, it's absolutely delicious. It is a great ranch for a sandwich like our Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich or for dipping something like Fried Green Tomatoes.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Buttermilk. Full-fat buttermilk is so rich and distinctive but low-fat buttermilk is a great alternative. Just skip the water in the ingredients.
Sour Cream. Sour cream is an important flavor of this ranch. But if you're out of it, I would use a full-fat Greek yogurt. It has to be Greek, regular yogurt will ruin it.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Add buttermilk, sour cream, and mayo to the bowl and combine.
Step 2: Mix in cilantro, salt, pepper, lime juice, and water, and stir until completely mixed together. Serve over your favorite salad or Dutch Oven Barbacoa Tacos.
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Pro-Tips
- Mince cilantro until very fine or use a food processor to make sure the cilantro is fine. The texture will be noticeable in the dressing if it is leafy.
- Expect the dressing to be more loose than a typical ranch.
FAQs
No. Just combine it at the end as directed and it will mix in just fine.
Store ranch in a storage container or mason jar with an airtight cover in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Buttermilk is the key to creamy dressing. Leaving out the buttermilk, you will lose that "restaurant quality" in the ranch.
Please leave a comment and star rating below in the recipe card! I love to hear what you think of our recipes. Feel free to tag us on Instagram @vindelgiudice.
More Delicious Sauce and Dressing
Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing
Equipment
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 mason jar or storage container
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonaisse
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup cilantro, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add buttermilk, sour cream, and mayo to the bowl and combine.
- Mix in cilantro, salt, pepper, lime juice, and water and stir until completely mixed together.
- Serve with salad or wraps!
Notes
- Mince cilantro until very fine or use a food processor to make sure the cilantro is fine. The texture will be noticeable in the dressing if it is leafy.
- You can use low-fat buttermilk in the recipe and have similar results.
- Expect the dressing to be more loose than a typical ranch.
Vinny says
This is the king of all dressings. Perfect for dipping french fries, dressing salads, or slathering on sandwiches!