El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe

Intro

The magic that ensues when creamy perfection, cilantro, and lime get in on the action is what makes this El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe so addicting. 

And if you have ever experienced their herby, tangy, and a little spicy dressing that flows over your fire-grilled chicken salad at the El Pollo Loco, then you already have the taste that I am describing, the type of dressing that perks up each mouthful.

The last time I tried it, I recall that I was thinking in my mind, What is in this green sauce of dreams? It is tasty, tangy, and kind of fresh and rich. And of course, I became obsessed. 

Then, after several (or rather numerous) attempts in my kitchen, I have finally coped with this homemade version of the El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe, and by the way, it could even be flavored even more freshly out of the blender!

This dressing can be used on salads, burrito bowls, tacos, grilled chicken, or even on chips and veggies as a dip. It is the type of recipe that you would wish to have more greens so that you could drizzle more dressing on them.

What is El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing?

El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe: This is an exclusive combination of Mexican-inspired cuisine, i.e., chill, creamy ranch with a citrusy and herbal zing. It is that favorite green sauce that you have with grilled chicken or fresh salad at El Pollo Loco.

It is normally mixed with mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk to that creamy deliciousness, and then mixed with fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, and a shot of vinegar. The result? A dressing of a lowly nature, with an up-front, aggressive zest.

It is the type of dressing that can make a simple grilled chicken breast something you will be longing to eat at midnight. It would suit you well, in case you are fond of fresh, strong, and a bit tangy tastes.

The History of my finding this Dressing.

So this is a kind of confession of mine, I happen to be among those people who visit El Pollo Loco simply to get the sauce. Yep, the very good chicken, but that creamy cilantro dressing? That’s the real star.

I still clearly recall the day when it began. I had ordered a Chicken Avocado Burrito Bowl, and they added this pale green sauce as a side to my order. I did not think a lot about it until I made that first bite – and I mean, I nearly choked in the middle of it. It was white, creamy, tangy, and not too spicy that it made my taste buds dance.

I questioned the cashier as to what it was, and she replied that it was our Creamy Cilantro Dressing! From that moment, I was hooked.

I later went on to taste all the bottled experimental versions of cilantro ranch that I could get in shops, but none of them matched. It was then that my inner cook was working in. I began to test things in my kitchen, one hand on the blender, and the other hand on a spoon to do one taste after another (a rather dangerous combination).

And, last but not least, I discovered the one after combining fresh cilantro with a combination of creamy and tangy contents. My friends call it “green gold.”

Equipment List

This El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe requires no more than your kitchen items and a good blender.

• Blender or food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Airtight jar or bottle (to store in)
• Knife and cutting board

Tips: A fast blender is used to make the dressing look more restaurant-like; however, a normal blender can also be used.

Ingredients

The following is all you will require to make the famous El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe at home:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (real mayonnaise is the most suitable)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a squeeze of lemon juice)
• 1 cup of tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves.
• 2 Tablespoons lime juice (it is better if freshly squeezed)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 small jalap pepper, deseeded (or add seeds for additional heat)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tea sugar or honey (to create balance)

Instructions For El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe

And let us go about and have a magic:

Step 1: Prep your ingredients:

Pat and wipe the cilantro leaves. Julice the jalap and cut off any seeds that you do not feel like being whipped.

Step 2: Combine the aromatic and herbs:

In a blender, put the cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and jalapeno. Let it mix for a few seconds till it begins to disintegrate.

Step 3: Add the creamy base:

Blend in mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whip once more until the dressing becomes smooth, creamy, and so beautiful in the shade of green.

Step 4: Taste and adjust:

Step 5: Taste it–if you wish it to be tangier, add a little more lime juice. To add a delicacy, add a bit of honey.

Step 5: Chill before serving:

To it, add dressing, pour into a carton, cover, and chill 30 minutes or more. This assists the flavors to blend in an ideal manner.

The Uses of El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing.

Having prepared this El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe once, you will begin to pour it on everything. Trust me. The following are some of my favorite applications of it:

Salads: Add dressing to a prepared grilled chicken salad to make a restaurant-style food.

Tacos and Burritos: It is amazing, as yummy sauce in tacos or burritos on fish.

Veggie Dip: Serve along with carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber.

Grilled Meats: Coat it on top of grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp immediately before serving.

Buddha Bowls: It makes grains and veggies much livelier with a same-lingering flavor.

Flavor Profile

This dressing strikes no wrong chord:

• Smooth and creamy due to the sour cream and the mayo.
• sweet and fresh with lime juice.
• Cilantro is green, and crackers have a lovely smell.
• A little bit hot with jalapeno.
• Salty and sour(due to vinegar and garlic).

As you swallow that first spoonful, you will experience layers, creaminess first, then citrusy pop, and last but certainly not least, that smooth cilantro-lime finish that makes it an addictive experience altogether.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Fresh cilantro: Do not use wilted leaves; they will render your dressing tasteless and colorless.
• To your preference, add spice: Add more jalapeno.
• Chill: It takes 30 minutes in the fridge to get the dressing tighter, as well as more flavorful.
• Doubling the batch: It lasts up to five days, so make more – you will regret not doing it.
• Please do not leave out the vinegar: It is just the right tone to add to the richness.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keep your El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing in an airtight squeezer in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. Before use, it is simply to shake or stir; natural separation is entirely natural.

It can not be frozen; however, the creamy stuff will be parted as soon as it thaws.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe is:

•  Fast and simple – 5 minutes in a blender.
•  Naturally gluten-free
•  Stuffed with fresh and clean ingredients.
•  Multi-purpose -salad dressing, dip, or sauce.
•  Way better than store-bought

On top of that, homemade dressings are just good. You have the choice of the tastes, the freshness, and the consistency. Once you prepare one on your own, you will never use a bottled one again.

Variations You Can Try

Alternative Greek Version: Substitute Sour cream with Greek yogurt to make it a lighter and tangier dish.

Avocado Cilantro Dressing: 1/2 ripe avocado will be added to add a creamy and healthy touch.

Spicy Chipotle Cilantro: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo to add a smoky chipotle bite.

Vegan Alternative: Knowing first, make vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt instead of dairy.

Pairing Ideas

Such dressing goes well with Mexican-style foods such as:

• Chicken Bowls in El Pollo Loco style.
• Southwest Salads
• Fish or Shrimp Tacos
• Grilled Corn on the Cob

Nacho Platters

Chef’s Secret

This is my little secret: you should mix the first with the lime and jalapeno so that the oil and the natural color come out, and then proceed with the creamy ones. That is what makes the dressing so vibrant and beautiful green that it looks right out of a restaurant kitchen.

Conclusion

The El Pollo Loco Creamy Cilantro Dressing Recipe is one such gem that demonstrates the strength of flavor. Few basic ingredients are transformed into a creamy, zesty sauce that immediately gives any meal a shot of energy.

And the best part? It can be made in less than 10 minutes. It is creamy, tangy, spicy in a little way, and addictive as all good dressings ought to be. You like drizzling it, dipping it, or spooning it out of the jar (no judgments, here), you will repeat this recipe over and over again.

And take your blender and your bunch of cilantro — and we’re going to turn some magic on, graven spoonfuls of it.

Some More Delicious Recipes:

• Perry’s Steakhouse Pork Chop Recipe
• Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe
• Tubby Custard Recipe