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jar filled with creamy, orange-colored Southwest ranch dressing, with a silver spoon dipped in the dressing

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 120 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
 

1. Blend the Base

  • Add mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk to your blender. Pulse until smooth. If you prefer a lighter version, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt it works.
    A food processor containing mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk, ready to be mixed on a marble countertop.

2. Add the Kick

  • Toss in chipotle peppers and a spoonful of adobo sauce. Start with one pepper, taste, then decide if you want more.
    Top view of a food processor filled with a base of white ranch dressing, topped with a whole chipotle pepper and a spoonful of spicy adobo sauce.

3. Brighten It Up

  • Squeeze in fresh lime juice. Don’t skip this step. Without it, the dressing can feel heavy. With lime, it’s alive.
    A mixture containing a “Ranch” mayonnaise base, crème fraîche, fromage blanc, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and lemon juice, ready to be mixed on a marble countertop.

4. Season and Herb It

  • Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add cilantro if you’re using it. Pulse briefly so it doesn’t turn the dressing into a green paste.
    A mixture made with a “Ranch” mayonnaise base, crème fraîche, fromage blanc, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and spices, ready to be mixed on a marble countertop.

5. Chill & Serve

  • Pour into a jar and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Believe it or not, that short chill transforms the flavors, making them deeper and more cohesive.
    A “Ranch” mayonnaise mixture made with mayonnaise, crème fraîche, fromage blanc, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and spices—all blended together to create a creamy, orange-colored “Southwest Ranch” sauce.

Notes

Nutritional Information

(per 2 tbsp, approx.)
  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 11g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Vitamin C
Note: The nutritional values provided are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients, quantities, and brands used.
Keyword Southwest ranch dressing