Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing (Cafe Rio Copycat)

This cilantro lime ranch dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh flavor. It’s a spot-on Cafe Rio copycat that comes together in minutes and works as a dressing, dip, or drizzle for tacos, salads, and bowls.

Course Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Chill Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 163kcal

Author Jesseca

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup milk
1 jalapeno seeded
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
zest and juice of 1 lime
1 (1oz) ranch dressing packet

Instructions

Combine the mayonnaise, ½ cup milk, ranch seasoning, jalapeño, cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice in a blender.
Blend until smooth
Blend until completely smooth and no large pieces of cilantro remain. Scrape down the sides if needed.
Adjust consistency
Add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired thickness.
Taste and adjust
Add more lime juice for extra tang or a pinch of salt if needed.
Chill before serving
Transfer to a jar or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Video

Notes

For less heat: Remove all jalapeño seeds or use only half.
For more flavor: Let it chill longer. It gets better after a few hours.
For a thicker dip: Use less milk.
For a thinner dressing: Add milk slowly until pourable.
Optional add-in: Blend in 1–2 roasted tomatillos for a tangier, restaurant-style twist.

Nutrition