This creamy cilantro lime dressing comes together in just 5 minutes with mayo, buttermilk, fresh cilantro and lime. It’s bright, tangy and delicious on everything from taco salads to grilled chicken!

Cilantro lime dressing with mayo in a glass jar.

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Cilantro Lime Mayo Dressing

This creamy cilantro lime dressing is so easy to whip up and adds incredible flavor to just about any meal. My family loves drizzling it on taco salads, beef tacos and burrito bowls. It’s also amazing on my favorite BBQ chicken salad, honestly it tastes good on any Tex-Mex dish!

Whenever I’m at Café Rio, I always order their cilantro lime dressing on the side, so I set out to make my own version at home. It’s creamy with a touch of mayo, similar to my ranch dressing but with fresh cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and tomatillo. The buttermilk thins it out just enough for easy pouring, kind of like my cilantro lime crema but a little lighter.

XO - Jamielyn

Ingredients

Find the full printable recipe with directions below.

  • Buttermilk: This adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: I like using mayo in my dressing, but feel free to sub with sour cream or Greek yogurt if preferred.
  • Ranch seasoning mix: Adding ranch seasoning really enhances the flavor of this dressing!
  • Cilantro: I like to leave some cilantro bits in mine when blending, but you’re welcome to blend until the consistency is smooth too.
  • Jalapeno: If you like your dressings on the milder side, make sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeno. If you’re a fan of heat, keep the seeds in.
  • Garlic: I typically add in about 1 teaspoon of fresh garlic for added flavor.
  • Lime juice: The fresh lime juice helps to add acidity and gives the dressing that perfect zing.
  • Tomatillo: A Mexican husk tomato with a bright fresh flavor and green color.
Blending together a creamy cilantro lime dressing in the blender.

Recipe Tips

  • Let chill. Make sure to chill the dressing at least 30 minutes before serving. It helps meld all the flavors together and thickens it up a bit.
  • Spice. If you like heat, you can leave the seeds on the jalapeno or even use an additional Tablespoon (it will be hot!).
  • Buttermilk. If you don’t have any on hand, make homemade buttermilk by mixing together whole milk and distilled vinegar.
  • Garlic. If you really like garlic, you can add an additional teaspoon for an extra oomph of garlic flavor.
  • Tomatillos. If you don’t have fresh tomatillos, you can use 1/4 cup store bought salsa verde in it’s place.
  • Consistency. If the dressing is too thick, add in a little more buttermilk until it’s reached the desired consistency.

Favorite Ways to Use It

There are so many ways to use this cilantro ranch dressing! Below are a few of our favorites:

Spoonful of creamy cilantro lime dressing.

Homemade dressing recipes are SO much better than store-bought! Other favorites include cilantro lime crema, Italian dressing and balsamic vinaigrette.

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cilantro lime dressing

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

5 from 13 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12
This creamy cilantro lime dressing is made with mayo, buttermilk, fresh cilantro, lime juice and a touch of jalapeno. Ready in just 5 minutes and delicious on tacos, salads and burrito bowls!
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Ingredients 

  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup mayo , can sub with sour cream or greek yogurt
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • ¾ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 Tablespoon finely diced jalapeno
  • 1 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ tomatillo

Instructions

  • Add the buttermilk, mayo, ranch, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice and tomatillo in a blender. Blend until well combined or you reach desired thickness.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. It will stay good for 5-7 days. Serve over salads. 

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

  • If you don’t have fresh tomatillos, you can use 1/4 cup store bought salsa verde in it’s place.
  • Remove the seeds from the jalapeno if you don’t want any spice. Add more jalapeno, if you like the heat. 
  • You can thin out with milk, as needed. 
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. The flavors in the dressing will continue to meld as it chills in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 210mg, Potassium: 22mg, Vitamin A: 90IU, Vitamin C: 1.2mg, Calcium: 12mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.