Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

Creamy, zesty, and packed with fresh flavor, this Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing is a vibrant twist on the classic ranch. With the bright tang of lime and the herby punch of fresh cilantro, it’s a perfect addition to salads, tacos, or even as a dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing is not your average ranch. It’s rich, refreshing, and comes together in minutes with simple ingredients. Whether you’re dressing a salad, drizzling it over grilled chicken, or using it as a dip for veggies, this dressing adds a bold, delicious flair. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your liking—make it spicy, thicker, or dairy-free with simple tweaks.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Buttermilk
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh lime juice
• Garlic
• Ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper

directions

1. Add mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk to a blender or food processor.
2. Toss in the cilantro leaves, lime juice, garlic, and ranch seasoning.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to fully incorporate all ingredients.
4. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
5. Transfer to a jar or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 1½ cups of dressing, which serves about 6 to 8 people depending on use.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo and a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative.
• Thicker Dip Style: Reduce or omit the buttermilk for a thicker consistency perfect for dipping.
• Avocado Ranch: Add half an avocado for added creaminess and richness.
• Greek Yogurt: Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

storage/reheating

Store the Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or stir well before each use, as separation may occur. This dressing is not suitable for freezing, as it can affect the texture.

FAQs

How long does Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing last in the fridge?

It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make this dressing without a blender?

Yes, finely chop the cilantro and garlic and whisk all the ingredients together by hand.

Can I freeze this dressing?

Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and cause separation when thawed.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix, this dressing is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld and develop more depth.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can use milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.

How can I make it more lime-forward?

Add lime zest along with the juice to intensify the citrus flavor.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dressing is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?

Fresh cilantro gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use dried—start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.

What dishes pair well with this dressing?

It’s fantastic on salads, tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, or as a dip for veggies and chips.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing is a bold, creamy, and tangy dressing that instantly elevates any dish. With minimal prep time and customizable options, it’s a go-to for anyone looking to add a fresh twist to classic ranch. Keep a jar in your fridge for the week—you’ll find endless ways to use it!

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