Cilantro Ranch Dressing (Cafe Rio Copycat)

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill's pork salad is served with a cilantro ranch dressing. I've created a similar dressing that is super delicious and health-promoting! Greek yogurt, tomatillos, and fresh cilantro make up the base of this dressing, while chia seeds thicken it. Three tablespoons of this dressing provide 14 grams of protein, along with valuable nutrients like calcium, fiber, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Lime and red pepper flakes (or fresh chili peppers) make it especially flavorful. Perfect for the Healthy Cafe Rio Style Pork Salad, as well as other Latin-style salads and grain bowls, this dressing is flavorful and creamy, similar to ranch dressing but with a lime cilantro flavor. Enjoy!

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Cilantro Ranch Dressing (Cafe Rio Copycat)

Yield: 8 3-tablespoon servings

Author: Judes Draughon

Prep time: 10 MinInactive time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 10 M

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill's pork salad is served with a cilantro ranch dressing. I've created a similar dressing that is super delicious and health-promoting! Greek yogurt, tomatillos, and fresh cilantro make up the base of this dressing, while chia seeds thicken it. Three tablespoons of this dressing provide 14 grams of protein, along with valuable nutrients like calcium, fiber, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Lime and red pepper flakes (or fresh chili peppers) make it especially flavorful. Perfect for the Healthy Cafe Rio Style Pork Salad, as well as other Latin-style salads and grain bowls, this dressing is flavorful and creamy, similar to ranch dressing but with a lime cilantro flavor. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 3 tomatillos
• 3 garlic gloves, crushed, or 1 teaspoon bottled garlic
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, including stems (about 1 cup)
• fresh hot peppers or red chili pepper flakes (to taste)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup or raw honey
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

1. In a high-powered blender combine Greek yogurt, tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, hot peppers or red pepper flakes, lime juice, salt, and maple syrup or honey.
2. Add chia seeds and blend in blender one more time. It takes about 10 minutes for chia seed to thicken dressing.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours prior to serving.

blood sugar control, gluten-free, gut health, heart healthy, weight loss