Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat is recommended for the best texture)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tomatillos (husks removed and cut in half)
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeds removed for mild heat, roughly chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about ½ of a lime)
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before blending, make sure all ingredients are prepped:
- Remove the husks from the tomatillos, rinse them, and cut them in half.
- Roughly chop the cilantro, removing any thick stems.
- Cut the jalapeño in half, remove the seeds and membrane for a milder heat, and chop it into smaller pieces.
- Peel the garlic cloves.
- Juice half of a lime to get about one tablespoon of fresh juice.
2. Blend Until Smooth
In a blender, add the ingredients in the order listed: mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic. Blending in this order helps create a smoother consistency.
Blend on high for at least one minute or until the mixture is completely smooth. If needed, stop halfway through to scrape down the sides of the blender and ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Refrigerate for Best Flavor
Transfer the blended dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more balanced and delicious dressing.
For the best results, refrigerate overnight. The dressing thickens slightly as it chills, and the flavors deepen over time.
4. Adjust Consistency if Needed
If the dressing is too thick, add a little more buttermilk (no more than 1 cup total) to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it sit in the refrigerator longer, as it will naturally thicken.
Notes
Common Troubleshooting Issues
- Dressing is Too Thick: Gradually add more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Dressing is Too Thin: Let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. If needed, blend in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to thicken it.
- Overpowering Cilantro Taste: If the cilantro flavor is too strong, balance it by adding a little extra mayonnaise and lime juice.
- Too Spicy: If the dressing is too hot for your liking, blend in a bit more mayonnaise or buttermilk to mellow out the heat.
Kitchen Tips for Efficiency
- Use a High-Powered Blender: This ensures a smooth and creamy dressing without chunks of tomatillo or jalapeño.
- Chop Ingredients First: Pre-chopping the jalapeño, tomatillos, and cilantro makes blending easier and prevents uneven texture.
- Store in a Glass Jar: A glass container helps keep the dressing fresh longer and prevents any lingering flavors from plastic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes