ThisCreamy Cilantro Ranch Dressingrecipe makes the perfect addition to nachos, tacos, salads and more! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this flavorful dressing in minutes.

A bowl of creamy cilantro ranch dressing set next to a pan full of street tacos.

Who doesn’t like a good condiment?? Sauces are such an easy way to take your dish to the next level, and this creamy cilantro ranch dressing is no exception! The simple dressing adds layers of flavor to anything you put it on. We like to add this dressing to tacos, salad,chips, and loaded fries.

I love how quick and easy this sauce is to make. All you have to do is throw the ingredients a blender, let it run, and add it to your dish. No matter how you use this delicious dressing, it is sure to be a big hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The dressing can be used as a topping on a variety of recipes.
You can throw this sauce together in minutes with a blender and a handful of ingredients.
It is sure to be a hit among even the pickiest of eaters.

Recipe Ingredients

Mayonnaise—Serves as the base of your dressing.
Buttermilk—Helps give the dressing a smooth, creamy texture.
Tomatillos—With the husks removed
Garlic—Adds a sharp flavor to the dressing.
Cilantro
Lime Juice—Bottled or freshly squeezed.
Jalapeno—With the seeds removed.
Spices—A combination of dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Creamy Cilantro Ranch Dressing

Add all of your ingredients to a blender.
Blend the ingredients together until smooth and homogenous.
Taste your dressing and adjust the spices as needed.

Popular Substitutions

Mayonnaise—If you don’t have any mayo or are looking for a good substitution then I recommend using Greek yogurt. This will give the dressing a similar flavor and texture.
Buttermilk—If you don’t have any buttermilk then you can make your own by whisking together one cup of milk and one tablespoon of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit on the counter for a few minutes and then add it to the blender.

Recipe FAQs

How long does Creamy Cilantro Ranch Dressing last?

This dressing lasts for up to 10 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to make it ahead of time when I can because the flavors will continue to blend and develop as it sits. As a result, this dressing is often best after a day or two in the fridge.

Can you use a ranch packet to make Creamy Cilantro Ranch Dressing?

I recommend making the dressing from scratch. It takes almost no time, since you just throw all the ingredients into a blender. Ranch packets also use different seasonings than this Mexican-food-inspired version, so I’d skip the packet this time around.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen garlic?

It is totally up to you! Since we are going to blend all of the ingredients together, you can use fresh or frozen garlic. The flavor will be about the same either way, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand!

Expert Tips

I like to make this first andlet it sit in the fridgewhile I get the rest of dinner ready. It gives the flavors a little time to mix and mingle.
This dressing isnaturally on the thin side. If you want to thicken your dressing then you canleave out the buttermilk.
Greek yogurt makes the best substitution for mayo.
Feel free to usebottled or freshlime juice.
For someextra lime flavor, add thezest of one limeto your dressing.

Creamy cilantro ranch dressing drizzled over a pan of street tacos.

How to Serve Your Dressing

One of my favorite things about this quick and easy dressing is how versatile it is. This flavorful dressing can take just about any dish to the next level. One of my favorite ways to use this dressing is to drizzle it over some freshbarbacoa.

For a full meal, we like to drizzle this dressing over tacos and serve it alongside somebeansandcilantro lime rice.