This thick and creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing adds a smoky and slightly spicy twist to classic ranch dressing. Blend it up in just 10 minutes for a sensational dip or topping to salads, tacos, and so much more!
Easy 10-Minute Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Adding ranch dressing to your meals is an easy way to instantly elevate any dish or snack, but have you tried blending it with a little chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?! The blended peppers add a smoky and subtly spicy flavor which will have you coming back for more.
Apart from the mouth-watering flavor of this homemade chipotle ranch dressing, you’ll also love that it can be made in just 10 minutes with only a handful of simple ingredients.
Dip your veggies into it as a snack or drizzle it over green salads, pasta salads, grilled vegetables, tacos, or wraps.
What is Chipotle Ranch Dressing?
Chipotle ranch dressing is a delicious variation of classic ranch dressing that comes with a kick of smoky heat from the addition of blended chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The level of heat can easily be adjusted by simply increasing or decreasing the number of peppers blended into the creamy dressing mixture.
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – This is what provides that irresistible smoky, spicy chipotle flavor in this dressing. You can find canned and jarred chipotle peppers in adobo sauce alongside the other Mexican ingredients in local grocery stores or online.
- Lime juice – This adds a little extra zing and freshness to the dressing and also helps to balance the flavors. Lemon juice or white vinegar can be used instead.
- Mayonnaise – Use store-bought or homemade mayonnaise.
- Sour cream – Greek yogurt can also be used.
- Ranch Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill are common ingredients in classic ranch seasoning. Dried parsley is another common ingredient that you could experiment with.
- Salt – Add more to taste, but only once the dressing has been made.
How to Make Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Blend the peppers: Blend the peppers and lime juice together in a medium jar using an immersion blender until the peppers are broken down into tiny pieces.
Add the remaining ingredients: Add the rest of the ingredients to the jar and blend until well combined.
Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing. If needed, blend another pepper or two in a separate jar and then mix it into the dressing.
Serve or store: Serve your Chipotle ranch dressing immediately or store it for use later.
Recipe Tips
- Easily double or triple this recipe if you need a big batch.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can also make this chipotle ranch dressing in a food processor or small blender.
- This chipotle ranch dressing can be enjoyed as a dip or as a dressing. To make it thinner, add water or buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as it will dilute the flavor.
- This recipe calls for 1-2 peppers plus 1-2 teaspoons of the adobo sauce for a thinner consistency (without diluting the dressing’s flavor). Add additional chipotle peppers for a spicier dressing.
- The dressing will thicken when stored in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a good stir, and, if needed, add a teaspoon or two of water or buttermilk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chipotle peppers are dried smoked jalapeno peppers with a medium level of heat and smoky-sweet flavor. For a spicier kick to this chipotle ranch dressing, add some chipotle chili pepper powder to the mix!
Adobo sauce is the liquid that the canned or jarred chipotle peppers are stored in. The sauce is known for its tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet taste. It also usually includes a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and spices.
No. Instead of buttermilk, this chipotle ranch dressing combines mayonnaise and sour cream to make an extra creamy dressing. The fresh lime juice balances the flavors and provides the necessary liquid for the ideal consistency.
This recipe is gluten-free as written. However, always check that the ingredients, such as onion and garlic powder, are certified gluten-free.
How to Serve Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Chipotle ranch is perfect for dunking fresh vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, and broccoli. It’s a clever way to get the kids to eat their veggies!
Enjoy it with some classic finger food, such as Buffalo Turkey Meatballs, air-fryer chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, tater tots, air-fryer chicken wings, and French fries.
Drizzle this creamy dressing over crispy lettuce wraps or a fresh salad. It’s also delicious mixed into a pasta salad or used as a condiment for sandwiches and burgers.
Storage
Store leftover homemade Chipotle ranch dressing in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to one week. Due to its creamy ingredients, freezing is not recommended.
RECIPE CARD
Chipotle Ranch Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt - plus more to taste
Instructions
- Use an immersion blender to blend the peppers and lime juice together in a medium jar until the peppers are broken down into tiny pieces (a small blender or food processor will also work).
- Add the remaining ingredients to the jar and blend again until combined.
- Taste, and if needed, blend another pepper or two in a separate jar or container then mix it into the dressing.
- Serve or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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