Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

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.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

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 because it's perfect for topping Volcano Shrimp Tacos.

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, Dutch Oven Barbacoa Tacos, or use for dipping Spicy Chipotle Chicken Skewers.

Pro-Tips

1. 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. 
2. Expect the dressing to be more loose than a typical ranch. 

FAQs

Will lime juice curdle the ranch?

No. Just combine it at the end as directed and it will mix in just fine.

How do you store Cilantro Lime Ranch?

Store ranch in a storage container or mason jar with an airtight cover in the fridge for up to 7 days.

What is a creamy cilantro dressing made of?

Buttermilk is the key to creamy dressing. Leaving out the buttermilk, you will lose that "restaurant quality" in the ranch.

What to Top with Cilantro Lime Ranch

• Chimichurri Steak Tacos
• BBQ Chipotle Chicken Salad
• Bacon Blue Cheese Burger
• Air Fryer Garlic Parm Wings