Chipotle Ranch Dressing: Creamy, Smoky, and Spicy Perfection
If you love bold flavors with a creamy kick, this Chipotle Ranch Dressing is about to become your new go-to condiment. It’s smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy—perfect for drizzling over salads, using as a dip, or even as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.
I love pairing it with Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, Rice, Corn, and Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken Bites, with all the fixings for a Burrito Bowl! It is just so good. You will want to drizzle it on everything.
Why You’ll Love This Dressing
- Smoky Heat – Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give this dressing a deep, smoky spice that makes every bite irresistible. But the sour cream, mayo, and milk help it chill some, so it is smoky heat, but not burn your tongue off hot.
- Creamy and Tangy – A blend of mayo, sour cream, and milk creates the perfect creamy consistency, while fresh lime juice and vinegar add a bright tang. It is just everything you want about homemade ranch with the amped up flavor of chipotle.
- Versatile – Use it as a salad dressing, dip for veggies or chips, or a zesty topping for tacos and grilled meats. Make a bowl, a salad, a burrito. The choice is yours.
What You Need for Chipotle Ranch
This dressing is simple:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, blended up so it is smooth.
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon vinegar
- Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Dressing
This dressing is really simple, you just combine all the ingredients and whisk until it is smooth.
Then, and this is very important, taste it. And adjust to your preference.
Want it more tangy? Add more lime juice or vinegar?
Want it to be thicker? Add more sour cream and mayo?
Thinner? More milk or buttermilk
Spicier? More Chipotle.
I personally think it is balanced and perfect as-is, but we all have different taste buds, so have fun with it!
Note: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to give the flavors a chance to meld, and the dressing a chance to thicken up a little.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chipotle Ranch Dressing
- Adjust the Heat Level – If you prefer a milder dressing, start with half a chipotle pepper and add more as needed. For extra spice, add an additional pepper or a dash of cayenne.
- Blend for Smoothness – Using a blender or food processor ensures a smooth and creamy dressing that’s evenly mixed. But you can just whisk it too.
- Let It Rest – Allow the dressing to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Thin It Out If Needed – If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of buttermilk or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Ways to Use Chipotle Ranch Dressing
- Salad Dressing – Drizzle it over fresh greens, taco salads, or grain bowls for a smoky, creamy boost.
- Dip – Serve with fresh vegetables, crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or chicken tenders.
- Taco or Burrito Sauce – A spoonful of this dressing takes tacos, burritos, and nachos to the next level.
- Burger or Sandwich Spread – Use it in place of mayo to add a spicy, smoky flavor to burgers, wraps, or sandwiches.
- Grilled Meats & Seafood – Serve as a dipping sauce or drizzle over grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for an extra punch of flavor.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Properly – Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Shake or Stir Before Using – The ingredients may separate slightly over time, so give it a good stir or shake before using.
- Do Not Freeze – Due to the dairy content, this dressing doesn’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.
Chipotle Ranch Dressing is an easy, flavor-packed condiment that brings smoky heat and creamy richness to all your favorite dishes. Whether you’re dunking veggies, dressing a salad, or adding a little spice to your tacos, this homemade dressing is a game-changer.
Other Great Dressings and Sauces
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce blended up so it is smooth.
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon vinegar
Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and whisk or blend until smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Taste, and adjust to your preference (see notes)
Notes
- Adjust the Heat Level – If you prefer a milder dressing, start with half a chipotle pepper and add more as needed. For extra spice, add an additional pepper or a dash of cayenne.
- Blend for Smoothness – Using a blender or food processor ensures a smooth and creamy dressing that’s evenly mixed. But you can just whisk it too.
- Let It Rest – Allow the dressing to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Thin It Out If Needed – If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of buttermilk or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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