Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing Recipe: Creamy, Zesty, and Delicious!

Name: Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing Recipe: Creamy, Zesty, and Delicious!
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup ranch dressing; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoons 1-2 water

Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

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If you’re looking for the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh, this Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing will be your go-to. It’s versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor. This dressing is ideal for drizzling over salads, serving with tacos, or using as a dip for veggies or chips. Best of all, this simple recipe can be followed by anyone

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley for a milder taste.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for that bold tang, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch.
Ranch Dressing: Use store-bought or homemade ranch. It’s the creamy base that makes this dressing rich and smooth.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder give the dressing a well-rounded, savory flavor. Adjust these to taste!

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Cilantro: Wash and dry your cilantro, removing the stems. Chop the cilantro roughly, and place it in a blender or food processor. This step ensures the cilantro gets blended thoroughly into the dressing.
Add the Ranch Base: Pour 1 cup of ranch dressing into the blender with the cilantro. This creamy base balances the fresh and zesty flavors perfectly.
Squeeze the Lime Juice: Cut a lime in half and squeeze out 2 tablespoons of juice. Add it to the blender. Lime juice adds a citrusy tang that complements the cilantro.
Season It: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the blender. These seasonings bring out the flavors in the dressing, making it savory and delicious.
Blend Until Smooth: Blend everything on medium speed until the cilantro is finely chopped and the dressing is smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water and blend again to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more lime juice if you prefer it zestier, or a pinch more salt if needed. Blend again for a final mix.

Pro Tips

Make it Spicy: If you love a kick of heat, add some finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the blender.
Consistency Control: If the dressing feels too thick, slowly add water or extra lime juice, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right pourable texture.
Storage: Store your Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to a week.
Multipurpose Use: This dressing also works as a dipping sauce for fries, grilled veggies, or chicken wings!

Looking for more delicious recipes? Try our Italian wedding soup recipe for a bold and tangy twist on your favorite dishes.

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