Southwest Ranch Dressing Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (2024)

By Jill Baird · Published July 16, 2023 · Updated September 16, 2023 · 3 Comments

This creamy Southwest Ranch Dressing recipe 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.

Southwest Ranch Dressing Recipe

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 dressing” in our house, this recipe starts with a great ranch seasoning mix. You can use the Hidden Valleymix 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, be sure to try our homemade ranch, Honey Mustard Dressing, and our Italian Dressing Recipe.

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

Southwestern 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 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!

Recipe Variations for Southwest Ranch Dressing

Create your own unique versions by using these as a starting point. Feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences.

• Spicy Southwest Ranch Dressing: Add a kick to your dressing by incorporating some heat. Mix in chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, include a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Smoky Southwest Ranch Dressing: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the classic ranch recipe.
• Avocado Southwest Ranch Dressing: For a creamy and luscious variation, blend ripe avocados into your southwest ranch dressing. Simply mash or puree the avocado and mix it with the other ingredients. The result is a smooth and velvety dressing with an added touch of richness.
• Cilantro Lime Southwest Ranch Dressing: Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright and refreshing variation.
• Roasted Garlic Southwest Ranch Dressing: Give your dressing a deliciously savory twist by incorporating roasted garlic. Roasting garlic creates a mellow and slightly sweet flavor, adding depth to your dressing. Mash the roasted garlic cloves and mix them into the dressing for a burst of umami goodness.
• Greek Yogurt Southwest Ranch Dressing: For a healthier option, replace the traditional mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt. This substitution reduces the fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
• Honey Lime Southwest Ranch Dressing: Balance out the tanginess of the dressing by incorporating some sweetness. Add a drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lime juice.

Southwest Ranch Recipe Serving Suggestions

The uses for this Ranch Salsa 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 and Freezing

• 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.

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 lovePinterest, feel free to leave a comment and photo there too. Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen onInstagramand tag me @thecarefreekitchenso I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook atThe Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

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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