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    Home » Sauces & Condiments » Southwest Ranch Dressing

    Southwest Ranch Dressing

    Published: September 7, 2018 · Jill Baird · 3 Comments

    salsa ranch dressing, southwest ranch dressing

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    Jump to Recipe
    salsa ranch dressing in a mason jar
    Southwest Ranch Dressing in a jar

    This creamy Southwest Ranch Dressing is made with a homemade ranch that’s been kicked up a notch with salsa, green chilis, and fresh cilantro.  It’s full of flavor with a hint of spice and perfect for serving as a salad dressing or dip.

    Jump to:
    • Homemade Southwest Ranch Dressing
    • Ingredients in Southwest Ranch Dressing
    • Southwest Ranch Dressing Ingredients
    • How to Make Southwest Salsa Ranch Dressing
    • Southwest Ranch Serving Suggestions
    • Storing
    • Southwest Ranch Dressing Recipe
    • More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes to Try

    Homemade Southwest Ranch Dressing

    There is almost always a jar of homemade Southwest Ranch Dressing in our fridge.  It takes less than 10 minutes to prep; this homemade dressing tastes so much better than the stuff from the grocery store.  And since you are making it yourself, you know exactly what’s going into it - simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to adapt.

    Sometimes referred to as “salsa ranch” in our house, this recipe starts with a great ranch seasoning mix.  You can use the Hidden Valley mix if you’d like, but trust me when I say that this homemade ranch version just tastes better.

    Serve on your favorite Tex-Mex salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, or even as a dip for raw veggies or roasted potatoes.  And, if you are looking for more homemade salad dressing, we've got you covered.

    Salsa Ranch dressing recipe, prefect for a Southwest salad dressing

    Ingredients in Southwest Ranch Dressing

    Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

    You can use the Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix, but this homemade version is a cinch to throw together.  It’s great to have on hand for all sorts of recipes.  We like to sprinkle it on roasted potatoes after they cook, stir it into sour cream for an easy veggie dip and of course, use in this easy ranch salsa dressing recipe:

    • Dried Dill
    • Dried Chives
    • Garlic Salt
    • Onion Powder
    • Ground Black Pepper
    A glass jar with a tag that says "Ranch Dressing Mix."

    Southwest Ranch Dressing Ingredients

    • Mayonnaise - any kind of mayo will do.  If you are looking to reduce the fat and calories, you do half mayo and half Greek yogurt.  Or, if you prefer an even tangier flavor, you could substitute sour cream.
    • Buttermilk- thins the salad dressing down slightly and gives it that nice tangy and creant flavor.
    • Salsa - use your favorite brand of salsa.
    • Green Chilis - green chilis add great heat to this dressing.  If you and your family aren't into spicy foods, you can eliminate these and just add a tad more salsa.
    • Cilantro - fresh chopped cilantro really rounds out the southwest flavors in this dressing.  If you are anti-cilantro, you can of course, eliminate this ingredient.

    How to Make Southwest Salsa Ranch Dressing

    1. Make your ranch dressing mix.  In a small bowl, combine the dried dill, dried chives, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper.  Mix well, then store in a jar or any other airtight container.
    2. Prepare ranch dressing.  In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk and ranch dressing mix.  Whisk until combined.
    3. Blend with the rest of the ingredients.  Transfer the prepared ranch dressing to a blender and add the salsa, green chilis and cilantro.  Blend until smooth. 
    4. Serve or store.  Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container and use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.  Enjoy!
    A glass jar overflowing with ranch dressing and surrounded by fresh vegetables.

    Southwest Ranch Serving Suggestions

    The uses for this Southwest Ranch Dressing certainly don’t stop at salads.  Here are a few of our suggestions:

    • As a sauce for chicken burrito bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and Southwest Chicken.
    • As a dipping sauce for roasted potatoes and roasted veggies. 
    • Drizzled over sweet pork quesadillas, tacos or burritos.
    • As a dip for raw veggies and crackers.
    • And of course, as a dressing for this BBQ Chicken Salad, or any of your other favorite green salads.

    Storing

    • Refrigerator: store in a glass jar or any other airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
    • Freezer: you can store your homemade dressing in the freezer for up to 3 months.  The most convenient way to freeze it is to pour into ice cube trays then pop out into freezer bags once frozen.  When you are ready to use, pull out the number of cubes you think you may need and thaw them in the fridge overnight.
    This Salsa Ranch Dressing Recipe is perfect for salads, quesadillas, or as a dip for chicken fingers.  Included is also an easy ranch dressing recipe.  This will soon become your go-to, how to make home-made ranch dressing, recipe. 
    Print

    Southwest Ranch Dressing Recipe

    This creamy Southwest Ranch Dressing is made with homemade ranch that’s been kicked up a notch with salsa, green chilis and fresh cilantro. It’s full of flavor with a hint of spice and perfect for serving as a salad dressing or dip.
    Course Condiments, Salad
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 212kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    Ingredients

    Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

    • 2 teaspoons Dried Dill
    • 1 teaspoon Dried Chives
    • 2 Tablespoons Garlic Salt
    • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

    Southwest Ranch Dressing

    • ½ cup Mayonnaise
    • ½ cup Buttermilk
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons Ranch Dressing Mix
    • 1 cup Salsa Green Salsa, or your favorite salsa
    • 1 4-oz can Green Chilis
    • ½ bunch Cilantro Leaves minced

    Instructions

    Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

    • In a small bowl, combine the dried dill, dried chives, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well, then store in a jar or any other airtight container.

    Southwest Ranch Dressing

    • In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk and ranch dressing mix. Whisk until combined.
    • Transfer the prepared ranch dressing to a blender and add the salsa, green chilis and cilantro. Blend until smooth. 
    • Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container and use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 1926mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

    More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes to Try

    • Homemade Ranch Dressing
    • Pesto Ranch Dressing
    • Homemade Pesto
    • Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
    • More Sauces and Condiments
    • More Salad Recipes

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    Pinterest pin for Southwest Ranch Dressing.

    This Southwest Ranch Dressing Recipe is quick, easy and super versatile.   It will soon become your favorite tex-mex salad dressing and dip for tacos, quesadillas, roasted veggies and more.

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