Creamy Cilantro Tomatillo Dressing Recipe

Creamy Cilantro Tomatillo Dressing

This light, addictive dressing delivers bright, tangy Mexican-inspired flavor while keeping calories in check. It’s a creamy ranch-style base made lighter with low-fat buttermilk, fat-free Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise, then brightened with tomatillo, cilantro, lime and a touch of jalapeño. Use it as a salad dressing, a flavorful dip for veggies or chips, or as a sauce for grilled shrimp, chicken or slow-cooked pork to build a homemade burrito bowl or Cafe Rio–style salad.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed (leave seeds in if you prefer more heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (or substitute fresh parsley if you don’t like cilantro)
• 1 tomatillo, husk removed and chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 scallion, trimmed and roughly chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 1/8 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime for brightness, more jalapeño for heat, or a pinch more salt if needed.
3. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if possible to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a dressing, dip or sauce.

Nutrition (per 1/4 cup)

Calories: 43.5 kcal · Carbohydrates: 3.5 g · Fat: 2.5 g · Fiber: 0.5 g

Serving Suggestions

This creamy cilantro tomatillo dressing is wonderfully versatile. Drizzle it over a green salad or a chopped taco salad, toss it with cilantro lime rice and black beans for a quick bowl, or spoon it over shredded pork, grilled chicken or shrimp. It also makes a lively dip for raw vegetables, tortilla chips or roasted vegetables.

Variations & Substitutions

• No cilantro? Use fresh parsley for a milder, herb-forward dressing.
• Make it dairy-free by swapping plain unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and a milk alternative in place of the yogurt and buttermilk; texture will vary slightly.
• Adjust heat by keeping or removing jalapeño seeds, or substitute a milder green pepper if you prefer less spice.
• For a thinner dressing, add a splash more buttermilk or lime juice until you reach the desired consistency.

Storage

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir well before serving; the dressing may thicken after chilling—thin with a little water or buttermilk if needed.

Tips for Best Flavor

• Use fresh tomatillo for a bright tartness; if tomatillos are unavailable, a small amount of green tomato plus extra lime can offer a similar tart note.
• Blending thoroughly ensures a silky texture—pulse first to chop ingredients, then blend at higher speed to emulsify the dressing.
• Allowing the dressing to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors marry and improves overall balance.

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Makes about 1 3/4 cups.