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A spoonful of creamy, light orange-hued Southwest Ranch dressing with specks of spice and chopped cilantro is being lifted from a glass jar. A lime wedge is visible in the background.

Southwest ranch dressing how to make it creamy and bold

By Nancy
Tired of plain ranch? Southwest ranch dressing adds spice, creaminess, and tang. Perfect for dipping or drizzling. Try it now.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dressing, Dip, Sauce
Cuisine American, Southwest
Servings 6
Calories 10 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 –3 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 or 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 fresh lime juiced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

Blend the Base

  • Combine mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk in your blender. Smooth and creamy is the goal.

Add Flavor Builders

  • Toss in chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. From my point of view, less is more taste as you go.

Herb Boost

  • Add cilantro for freshness. Pulse briefly so you don’t over-blend.

Adjust Consistency

  • Too thick? Add more buttermilk. Too thin? A spoon of mayo does the trick.

Chill Before Serving

  • Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Believe it or not, the flavors deepen once cold.

Notes

Nutritional Information

(per 2 tbsp, approx.)
  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 11g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Vitamin C
Keyword southwest ranch dressing, spicy ranch, homemade dressing, chipotle ranch, easy dip, summer sauce, taco night, salad dressing