Are you tired of boring, bland dressings that leave your taste buds begging for more? Get ready to transform your meals with this mind-blowing Copycat Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing that's so close to the original, you'll think you've been transported straight to the restaurant! This creamy, zesty, and utterly addictive sauce is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, promising to elevate everything from salads to tacos with just one magical drizzle.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup tomatillos, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are fresh and at room temperature.
- Remove husks from tomatillos and rinse them thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Finely chop the tomatillos using a sharp knife, ensuring pieces are uniform in size for even blending.
- Wash and pat dry the fresh cilantro, then chop the leaves and tender stems into fine pieces.
- Peel and mince the garlic clove using a sharp knife or microplane grater to create fine, uniform pieces.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing as the base liquid ingredient.
- Add the chopped tomatillos to the ranch dressing, stirring to incorporate evenly.
- Incorporate the chopped cilantro into the mixture, ensuring it is distributed throughout the dressing.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice directly into the bowl, being careful to avoid seeds.
- Add the minced garlic and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed.
- Whisk the entire mixture until smooth and well-blended.
- Transfer the dressing to a sealed container or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and dressing to chill.
- Stir again before serving and use within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The key to an outstanding tomatillo dressing is using ripe, vibrant tomatillos and fresh cilantro.
- Room temperature matters: Allow ingredients to sit at room temperature before mixing to help flavors blend more seamlessly.
- Adjust to taste: Start with less salt and garlic, then gradually add more to achieve your perfect balance.
- Chill for maximum flavor: Letting the dressing rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the ingredients to marry and intensify.
- Smooth blending tip: Use a whisk or immersion blender for a perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality consistency.
- Storage hack: Store in an airtight container and consume within 5-7 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
