Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Full-Fat Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Full-Fat Buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream
  • 1 large bunch, packed Fresh Cilantro (leaves and tender stems only, roughly chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 small Jalapeño Pepper, seeded and roughly chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Dill Weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1–3 tablespoons Water (optional, for thinning)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Fresh Ingredients: Wash the cilantro thoroughly and pat it bone-dry (excess water dilutes the dressing). Seed and roughly chop the jalapeño. Juice the fresh limes.
  2. Combine the Solids and Cream Base: Into the blender or food processor, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and all the dry seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper).
  3. Initial Blend: Secure the lid and blend the mixture on medium-high until the cilantro is completely incorporated and the mixture is vibrant green and thick. Stop the blender halfway through and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure no chunks remain.
  4. Achieve Target Consistency: Pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the cold buttermilk. Blend for 10 seconds. Check the consistency. If you prefer a thinner, more pourable dressing (like the restaurant version), slowly add the remaining buttermilk and, if necessary, the tablespoons of water, blending briefly after each addition until the desired texture is reached.
  5. Final Seasoning Check: Taste the dressing. Adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice as needed. If the heat is lacking, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a second small jalapeño.
  6. Crucial Chilling Phase: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours. This chilling period allows the flavours to fully marry and slightly thickens the dressing.
  7. Serve: Give the dressing a vigorous shake or stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.